This Vintage Matchbox by Lesney No.36 Opel Diplomat in the Original Box is in ***MINT*** condition besides a factory paint run on the driver's side rear fender (please see photos). A paint run (also known as a sag or curtain) is a common finishing defect that occurs when an excess amount of paint is applied to a vertical or sloped surface, causing the liquid paint to flow downward before it can dry or cure. This error variation does increase the value of the car. The rest of the exterior metallic gold paint is gorgeous - smooth and vivid with no scratches, no chips, no dents. The cream color interior is clean and unblemished. The steering wheel is intact. The white tow hook is intact and straight. The hood opens and reveals a highly detailed, chrome engine compartment and motor. The glossy black plastic tires are excellent - no cracks. The tires are mounted on double-rivet end hubs. The box is in excellent condition.
Causes and Appearance
Excessive Application: The most frequent cause is applying too much paint in one coat or holding the spray gun too close to the surface and moving it too slowly.
Appearance: On a car or diecast model, it looks like a wavy line, a shallow ridge, or a drip where gravity has pulled the pooling paint down the side of the object.
Paint Consistency: Paint that is too thin (incorrect viscosity) is also more likely to run.
In Manufacturing
Even in factory settings, paint runs can occur as a quality control error. While good manufacturing processes aim to avoid them, minor imperfections were more common in vintage toys like your Matchbox Opel Diplomat.
The presence of a genuine factory paint run on a collectible item can be considered an error variation, which some specialized collectors find desirable and may even increase the item's value due to its rarity.