Clive lives in West Yorkshire, England and has amassed one of the top vintage toy collections you will ever see. Blue Snaggletooth? Check. Rocket-firing Boba Fett? Check. Corgi Batmobile? Please—he has two! Clive is 39 years old and has four lovely children who share his love for toys (but they can’t touch his!). He runs a website called Retro Toy Revivals where he sells vintage toys along with reproduction parts and packaging. So, if you’re missing a box for your vintage Corgi James Bond Aston Martin, head over to Retro Toy Revivals, and Clive will take good care of you.
How did your collection start? What was the first item in your collection?
I started collecting autographs and then the toys, my first piece was a Corgi 261 Db5 boxed.
Approximately how many items are in your collection?
Well, that’s a tricky one as I have never really counted, but I guess over 600 pieces including autographes and film props.
Do you have a favorite item in your collection?
I have to say it would be between my 1966 matte black Batmobile and my original Wonka bar from 1971.
How do you store/display your collection?
Mainly in cabinets but most of it is on the walls and on various shelves.
Is there a “holy grail” item that you would love to add to your collection?
Mmmmm ….Well I would love to own an original superman costume from 1979 as worn by Christopher Reeve, or an outfit from the Wizard of Oz.
Do you collect other things?
I collect toys but I like to collect props from films and also autographs. I also find sweets and foods from the 70’s nice to collect as well.
Do you have any advice for new collectors who are just starting a collection?
Yes .. Buy what you like and what your attracted to. Don’t always buy for investment as you won’t get the full collecting experience from buying that stuff. Buy pieces that put a smile on your face and keeps you interested in collecting.
Do you have any interesting stories or memories about collecting?
I visited a toy fair where there was a full box of James Bond Moonraker sticker cards in the wrappers — the full set ! The chap was packing up and had not sold them so I asked, “how much” and he said, “make me an offer.” I offered £10 and he accepted! I thought he was joking, but it turns out he had to go back home with no stock as his wife told him that if he came back with any items left then divorce was on the cards. I think it was a joke but getting what I got for £10 was a complete bargain as I have seen full box sets go for over £200. The fact he sold me them for £10 makes me think his wife was serious! LOL
—
Clive will soon be launching Willy Wonka Willy Wonka everlasting gobstopper endorsed by two of the movie’s stars, a golden ticket that looks exactly like the original, and a Scrumdidilyumptious bar correct in size and detail to the original—all framed and with certificates on his website, Retro Toy Revivals. A huge thanks to Clive for sharing his amazing collection with us.
If you are a collector and would like to share your passion with other like-minded collectors, just fill out our collector profile form.
(All photos are the property of the photographer.)
So awesome! That Rocket Fett is amazing…and he’s got the rocket! Wow!
I love watching the video for this collection. It’s great to see these pics too. Loving those Corgi Batmobiles.
I’ve seen Clive’s video on youtube. He has an amazing collection.
Woah! I am super jealous of your pink lollipop from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! Was it actually held by Julia Winter who portrayed Veruca?
Hi … Yes this is one of 3 made for the production and yes Julie did use this in the film .
There were others made but only 3 had chunks taken out of the side of the lolly to appear being eaten by Julie. This is the second one if you look top right of the lolly it has a small dip in it this is were she took a small bite while on camera.
Thanks Clive