Deluxe
Shortly after Micro Machines were offered, this exciting line was available featuring opening parts and just as highly detailed as routine Micro Machines. They were a major hit especially in 1989, but as the first cyclical fad of Micro Machines ended, so did this line fairly quickly after 1990.
Shortly after Micro Machines were offered, this exciting line was available featuring opening parts and just as highly detailed as routine Micro Machines. They were a major hit especially in 1989, but as the first cyclical fad of Micro Machines ended, so did this line fairly quickly after 1990.
1988 Deluxe Collections
In 1988, the first 4 collections of Deluxe vehicles were offered. In the USA, they were identical to the 1989 release except for the card-back. The 1989 release depicted a Jeep promotion/sweepstakes and all 4 sets were offered as a multi-pack, but in 1988, the card-back only shows the 1988 sets with a poster offer. The collections were released in the UK and France as well with unique packaging. In Canada, French text was added.
In 1988, the first 4 collections of Deluxe vehicles were offered. In the USA, they were identical to the 1989 release except for the card-back. The 1989 release depicted a Jeep promotion/sweepstakes and all 4 sets were offered as a multi-pack, but in 1988, the card-back only shows the 1988 sets with a poster offer. The collections were released in the UK and France as well with unique packaging. In Canada, French text was added.
1989 Deluxe Collections
The same sets from 1988 were used for the 1989 collection as the initial 4, but an additional 9 were added for a total of 13 collections. The Deluxe series was extremely popular, and still is today for collectors. A Jeep promotion/sweepstakes was offered in early 1989 which is how to identify 1989 series sets, but the vehicles are identical. Additionally, a 4-pack multi-set was also released in 1989 of the first 4 sets as the Super Deluxe Collection. A Greek collection is shown below which is essentially a USA style packaging with an import sticker. UK collections are also shown as well as all 5 Japanese collections. Additionally, an error set with vehicles from collection #6 on #4 card is present. A few variations are shown with positional changes for the vehicles (collections #6, #7, and #8).
The same sets from 1988 were used for the 1989 collection as the initial 4, but an additional 9 were added for a total of 13 collections. The Deluxe series was extremely popular, and still is today for collectors. A Jeep promotion/sweepstakes was offered in early 1989 which is how to identify 1989 series sets, but the vehicles are identical. Additionally, a 4-pack multi-set was also released in 1989 of the first 4 sets as the Super Deluxe Collection. A Greek collection is shown below which is essentially a USA style packaging with an import sticker. UK collections are also shown as well as all 5 Japanese collections. Additionally, an error set with vehicles from collection #6 on #4 card is present. A few variations are shown with positional changes for the vehicles (collections #6, #7, and #8).
1990 Deluxe Collections
For many years, the 1990 Deluxe series was considered near impossible to complete, however, case finds in Paraguay allowed for full sealed runs to be built by collectors. Unfortunately, with the influx of cheap sets suddenly on the market, many were opened by loose collectors making them incredibly difficult to find once again sealed. Based on personal experience going through 3 different cases, collection #9 appears to be the most difficult to find of the series. These collections are also found with UK and Spain packaging. Collections are known on 1989 packaging as well (#1 is shown below), and errors occurred such as the #8 vehicles on a #7 card and #2 vehicles on a #4 card.
For many years, the 1990 Deluxe series was considered near impossible to complete, however, case finds in Paraguay allowed for full sealed runs to be built by collectors. Unfortunately, with the influx of cheap sets suddenly on the market, many were opened by loose collectors making them incredibly difficult to find once again sealed. Based on personal experience going through 3 different cases, collection #9 appears to be the most difficult to find of the series. These collections are also found with UK and Spain packaging. Collections are known on 1989 packaging as well (#1 is shown below), and errors occurred such as the #8 vehicles on a #7 card and #2 vehicles on a #4 card.
1991 Deluxe Collections
With decreasing sales and popularity for Micro Machines in 1991, only 2 collections were released in 1991, however, they were both repeats from earlier years. Collection #1 (European Exotics) was #1 (1990) previously. Collection #2 (Space Collection) was #13 previously.
With decreasing sales and popularity for Micro Machines in 1991, only 2 collections were released in 1991, however, they were both repeats from earlier years. Collection #1 (European Exotics) was #1 (1990) previously. Collection #2 (Space Collection) was #13 previously.
1992 Deluxe Collections
The Deluxe series actually continued in 1992, but in packaging name only. Each of these collections were actually part of other series, but they're broken out here as "Deluxe". The vehicles are repeats of Deluxe collection #13, but the bonus vehicles make for some interesting variations to the release. The spring release is on a 1991 card with the bonus vehicle separated on the card. The same bonus is released inside the blister insert for the fall and a second bonus vehicle was also available as was typical for many of the 1992 releases. A Canadian set is shown which includes French text.
The Deluxe series actually continued in 1992, but in packaging name only. Each of these collections were actually part of other series, but they're broken out here as "Deluxe". The vehicles are repeats of Deluxe collection #13, but the bonus vehicles make for some interesting variations to the release. The spring release is on a 1991 card with the bonus vehicle separated on the card. The same bonus is released inside the blister insert for the fall and a second bonus vehicle was also available as was typical for many of the 1992 releases. A Canadian set is shown which includes French text.
1993 Deluxe Collections
The final year for Deluxe specified collections was in 1993, but a few Deluxe vehicles were also added by Hasbro in later years in packs with non-Deluxe vehicles. In Italy, the '93 "SPACE" collection was released as "DELUXE" and with a positional change for the bonus vehicle compared to the USA release, but matching the '92 style. This is a highly technical addition, but considered the final collection in the Deluxe series to find.
The final year for Deluxe specified collections was in 1993, but a few Deluxe vehicles were also added by Hasbro in later years in packs with non-Deluxe vehicles. In Italy, the '93 "SPACE" collection was released as "DELUXE" and with a positional change for the bonus vehicle compared to the USA release, but matching the '92 style. This is a highly technical addition, but considered the final collection in the Deluxe series to find.