Matchbox Mania

Everett Marshall, mayor of Newfield, N.J., has a lot of cars in his small town - but no traffic problems.

That's because the cars are miniatures and most of them are parked in what used to be his grandfather's three-car garage.

"My family's been in the trucking business for years, and wheeled vehicles, that's the thing I liked most," says Marshall.

He's got over 27,000 of them, he says.

Marshall bought his first car soon after they came out in 1952. But in 1980, his real "Matchbox mania" began.

"I wouldn't collect mugs. I don't like mugs," he says.

Since then, his entire family has had to endure his passion for cars.

"I see him playing with the cars every once in a while, just rolling the toys, and we joke and laugh. He's having a good time," says his wife.

He also spends money. He once paid $40,000 for 7,000 cars. Typically, he keeps only the cars he needs and sells the rest. So the collection pays for itself.

"I think that when you're a collector, you really can't collect it 'cause you think it's going to be worth something someday," he says.

Everett buys each of the 75 models Matchbox releases a year. They still cost less than a dollar. But add it up and his collection is worth more than $1 million.

Wheels, color and availability are among the factors that set the value on a model.

If 27,000-plus cars isn't enough, Marshall, like any great museum director, keeps thousands of more Matchbox masterpieces in storage. When he hits the road for a show, he travels by convoy with his cars in tow.

This year is the 50th birthday of the Matchbox brand and the celebration will culminate Aug. 24 at the International Toy Show In New York City.

Yes. Marshall will be there with thousands of cars for sale.