Sizzlerking's
Sizzlers Grading Guide:
Before we get things started. Let me say one thing: QUITE FRANKLY, THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A MINT SIZZLERS CAR. This has to do mainly with how Sizzlers were constructed and the way they were played with. Even NOS cars will exhibit many of the same anomalies as a well-used example, due to battery corrosion.
WHY USE THIS GRADING GUIDE?
Sizzlers HAVE to be graded different than Hot Wheels Redlines. WHY you might ask?
1: Redlines cannot be easily disassembled. Most Sizzlers have been disassembled, cleaned, looked at, rebuilt or repaired. Many factors here that would reduce a Redline to a piece of junk are considered normal when grading a Sizzlers car.
2: Many Redlines have survived in remarkable shape. Many times due to the lack of use and storage for 30 years. Sizzlers paint, chrome, and internal parts continued deteriorating because of battery fume discharge. The result is an above average Sizzlers car would be considered poor using commonly accepted Hot Wheels grading scales. One could say it is like comparing apples and oranges.
3: Many collectors mistakenly try and use commonly available Hot Wheels grading guides to assess a Sizzlers car. This leaves much room for speculation and error.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE BEHIND THE GUIDE?
So far, there has been not been much of an industry standard on grading Sizzlers, as there is with other die-cast and slot cars. The goal of this guide is to:
1: Help the buyer, seller and collector to evaluate their cars' conditions.
AND
2: To provide a basis for further improvement of the grading of Sizzlers cars by using input from other car collectors.
HOW TO USE THIS GRADING GUIDE
See details and instructions below on how to accurately grade a Sizzlers car. The information will be broken down into part categories, then combined to give a condition and grading scale.
CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO ASSESS THE CONDITION OF YOUR CARS:
Car Cubes and the Great Showpak Debate
PUT ALL OF YOUR INFORMATION TOGETHER BELOW!
Final Grading Techniques
I have seen thousands of Sizzlers over the years, and have tried to make this grading scale as informative and accurate as possible. As subject matter experts, Sizzlers collectors need to be realistic in the grading and selling of Sizzlers by providing accurate information to the general public.
I will accept any suggestions or corrections to this scale. I want it to be the most accurate Sizzlers grading scale out there.
Please e-mail me at:
Thanks for your input!
Sizzlerking