Bruette
Well-Known Member
The Holy Grail of Lionel Christmas Cars
The 1985 Lionel Employee Christmas Boxcar stands as one of the most elusive and coveted items in the realm of American model railroad collecting. Produced solely for Lionel employees and never offered for public sale or inclusion in official catalogs
Decades since its limited Christmas release, collectors, and historians alike debate both its original production figures and the even more shadowy number of units that still exist today. It is likely that fewer than 100 were ever made. The best-supported estimate derived from auction, collector, and other data, holds that perhaps 10 to 30 examples remain today. Complete being: Car, Box and accompanying letter signed by Dan Kailing, President of Lionel Trains, Inc. dated December 12, 1985.
Before I go any further, I should discuss why It was produced. In the early 1980s, (1982-1984) Lionel, then controlled by Fundimensions a division of General Mills attempted to relocate operations to Mexico, aiming to cut costs. Components and pre-painted parts were shipped from Michigan to Tijuana, assembled by local workers, and then returned to the U.S. for distribution. The move didn’t go well. Production quality suffered, customers vehemently complained, and the experiment was ultimately abandoned In 1985.
That year Lionel brought many employees back to their original jobs in Michigan, fully restoring domestic operations. In part to honor their loyalty and perseverance, Lionel issued the 6-9490 “Merry Christmas & Happy New Year” boxcar as a gift to employees. Most of all as another way to say thank you.
Now for the value of the 1985 Lionel Employee Christmas Boxcar. It is all but impossible to place a static “market value,” as too few transactions occur for meaningful averaging. With only 0-2 transactions verified each year, it is a seller’s market. With the price being whatever someone is willing to pay.
On 8/13/20, I paid $544.18 to Trainz for a car without a box or letter, in C-8 condition. No marks or blemishes, only minor marks on the wheels from use. Which was fine by me, I intended to run it! I have two children born in 1985. I needed/wanted the car for my family Christmas train. I have already been offered over $900 for it, but I’m not selling it. Does that give you an idea how much I love Lionel and Christmas?
The prices dipped in the late-90s and rebounded slowly until recently. A very limited number have surfaced for sale since the mid-2010s. The most recent transaction I could find was in 2022. A complete car with box and letter sold for $1200.
If I were to venture into an estimate, I would say a complete example would likely bring in $2000+ today. Even the car alone I would estimate between $900-$1250.
The most diligent collectors when discussing this car say things like, “the last time one was seen for sale”
The 6-9490, 1985 Lionel Employee Christmas Boxcar truly is the Holy Grail” of Christmas Boxcars.
The 1985 Lionel Employee Christmas Boxcar stands as one of the most elusive and coveted items in the realm of American model railroad collecting. Produced solely for Lionel employees and never offered for public sale or inclusion in official catalogs
Decades since its limited Christmas release, collectors, and historians alike debate both its original production figures and the even more shadowy number of units that still exist today. It is likely that fewer than 100 were ever made. The best-supported estimate derived from auction, collector, and other data, holds that perhaps 10 to 30 examples remain today. Complete being: Car, Box and accompanying letter signed by Dan Kailing, President of Lionel Trains, Inc. dated December 12, 1985.
Before I go any further, I should discuss why It was produced. In the early 1980s, (1982-1984) Lionel, then controlled by Fundimensions a division of General Mills attempted to relocate operations to Mexico, aiming to cut costs. Components and pre-painted parts were shipped from Michigan to Tijuana, assembled by local workers, and then returned to the U.S. for distribution. The move didn’t go well. Production quality suffered, customers vehemently complained, and the experiment was ultimately abandoned In 1985.
That year Lionel brought many employees back to their original jobs in Michigan, fully restoring domestic operations. In part to honor their loyalty and perseverance, Lionel issued the 6-9490 “Merry Christmas & Happy New Year” boxcar as a gift to employees. Most of all as another way to say thank you.
Now for the value of the 1985 Lionel Employee Christmas Boxcar. It is all but impossible to place a static “market value,” as too few transactions occur for meaningful averaging. With only 0-2 transactions verified each year, it is a seller’s market. With the price being whatever someone is willing to pay.
On 8/13/20, I paid $544.18 to Trainz for a car without a box or letter, in C-8 condition. No marks or blemishes, only minor marks on the wheels from use. Which was fine by me, I intended to run it! I have two children born in 1985. I needed/wanted the car for my family Christmas train. I have already been offered over $900 for it, but I’m not selling it. Does that give you an idea how much I love Lionel and Christmas?
The prices dipped in the late-90s and rebounded slowly until recently. A very limited number have surfaced for sale since the mid-2010s. The most recent transaction I could find was in 2022. A complete car with box and letter sold for $1200.
If I were to venture into an estimate, I would say a complete example would likely bring in $2000+ today. Even the car alone I would estimate between $900-$1250.
The most diligent collectors when discussing this car say things like, “the last time one was seen for sale”
The 6-9490, 1985 Lionel Employee Christmas Boxcar truly is the Holy Grail” of Christmas Boxcars.
