From Michael Jordan rookie cards to first-run issues of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, we’ve all heard horror stories of parents tossing out valuable collectibles during impromptu attic cleanses.
For Bruce Pascal, a real-estate agent who started collecting Hot Wheels in 1968 when he was seven, that was never an issue. You see, his folks also collect car-related items — in fact, they’ve got about 10,000 of ‘em.
Their love of cars allowed Pascal’s own love of Mattel miniatures to flourish, and he now has a Hot Wheels collection that numbers more than 5,000 pieces and is valued at more than $1 million.
Within that collection — which includes posters, clothing and prototypes — is an ultra-rare pink “Rear Loading Beach Bomb” VW bus that Pascal purchased for an undisclosed amount.
Though he won’t say what he paid for the model (which is now worth $150k) when he bought it in 2000, Pascal did reveal the man who sold it to him paid cash for a Dodge Viper after the sale.
Better go check the attic posthaste.
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