The 1989 Collection
Micro Machines became wildly popular in 1989 with kids everywhere grabbing them off the shelves. The original plan was to replace #1 1988 Hot Rods with a Tank Collection (#1) and expand to 35 total different collections (all with new paint schemes) compared to just 24 collections in 1988. However, it became apparent there was even more demand than this requiring a further expansion to 56 collections by the end of the year. As a result, sets 36 through 56 are a little harder to find by comparison. 1989 collections are easily detectable by the colored ribbon added behind each number, and Ultra FAST logo/red Mustang added in most instances. (Note: Antiques Collection #28 vehicle variation is included in this section.)
Micro Machines became wildly popular in 1989 with kids everywhere grabbing them off the shelves. The original plan was to replace #1 1988 Hot Rods with a Tank Collection (#1) and expand to 35 total different collections (all with new paint schemes) compared to just 24 collections in 1988. However, it became apparent there was even more demand than this requiring a further expansion to 56 collections by the end of the year. As a result, sets 36 through 56 are a little harder to find by comparison. 1989 collections are easily detectable by the colored ribbon added behind each number, and Ultra FAST logo/red Mustang added in most instances. (Note: Antiques Collection #28 vehicle variation is included in this section.)
1989 Vehicles in 1988 Packaging Style
These appear to be transitional using leftover 1988 packaging materials with the new 1989 vehicles. (The #22 Collection below with 1989 card front details below has a 1988 card back which is termed a mule. Essentially, the new '89 style was printed on 1988 card backs which is highly unusual.)
These appear to be transitional using leftover 1988 packaging materials with the new 1989 vehicles. (The #22 Collection below with 1989 card front details below has a 1988 card back which is termed a mule. Essentially, the new '89 style was printed on 1988 card backs which is highly unusual.)
1989 Vehicles in 1990 Packaging Style
1990 vehicles were not released on 1990 cards for collections 42 through 56. A few are known as pre-production samples, but in general, 1989 vehicles are found in these transitional sets. While USA collections are known, they appear to be less prevalent than foreign sets including the UK, Belgium, Germany, Australia, and France.
1990 vehicles were not released on 1990 cards for collections 42 through 56. A few are known as pre-production samples, but in general, 1989 vehicles are found in these transitional sets. While USA collections are known, they appear to be less prevalent than foreign sets including the UK, Belgium, Germany, Australia, and France.
1989 Packaging Variations and Errors
#1 Tank Collection vehicle position error, #56 Autosport Collection "PRE-PRODUCTION SAMPLE" label, 5th Anniversary (1994) Sticker on Argentina collection, Argentina card-back with duplicated images, and Argentina collection on Highway Warriors card.
#1 Tank Collection vehicle position error, #56 Autosport Collection "PRE-PRODUCTION SAMPLE" label, 5th Anniversary (1994) Sticker on Argentina collection, Argentina card-back with duplicated images, and Argentina collection on Highway Warriors card.
1989 Foreign Collections
The international market for Micro Machines expanded extensively in 1989 with many different foreign releases. Countries with unique packaging variations include the UK, Germany, Australia, Spain ('88 white text on insert), France, Canada, Italy, Argentina, Japan, and Benelux.
The international market for Micro Machines expanded extensively in 1989 with many different foreign releases. Countries with unique packaging variations include the UK, Germany, Australia, Spain ('88 white text on insert), France, Canada, Italy, Argentina, Japan, and Benelux.