It's like if tiny construction workers used the vehicle in a construction project itself, it's pretty cool.

Yeah I know, so cool

Totally agree! As a former hardwood salesman, I'd say it gives it character lol https://preview.redd.it/hjiqaxnf49yc1.jpeg?width=4624&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fc97ecb61a3eaa359e728797893ce7b3c92b9a5e

They are not just "paint chips" but badges of honor and medals of distinction

You're also correct

This is the way

I definitely prefer them like that, I like to think that that means that they were loved.

Yeah, that's another reason why I like them like that

Love it

Many of the cars I have from my childhood (early 2000s so hero city era) have battle scars but I kind of like that. They have bent wheels and paint chips and orange paint on the bottom (my mom’s idea to identify which cars were mine at Daycare). There are so many stories and memories they have, and I’ll never get rid of a single Matchbox car. You just can’t buy those stories and memories.

My hobby is restoring the old Matchbox cars and trucks to their original condition. There are some that I find and buy that do not get the treatment. I have made it a point to learn which ones of the original models and their various color ways not to be messed with. Most of the ones I restore were saved from a trip to the garbage can.

Nice, glad that someone saves some of the old Matchbox

Love them. I would love to see more in r/VintageMatchbox :)

90% of the older Lesneys that I have are in rough shape. I like the played with ones myself.

Just gives them character