MT. LAUREL, N.J. -- Aug. 15, 2002 -- The first Matchbox (R) cars sold for less than 20 cents.

Now, 50 years later, although most Matchbox (R) cars can still be purchased for under a buck, a miniature Seagrave "Meanstick" fire engine, crafted in gold and precious gems, is on the auction block -- with an appraised value of more than $50,000.

This one-of-a-kind model, a piece commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Matchbox (R) brand, has been crafted in 18-carat white and yellow gold and accented with 34 gemstones, including 24 rubies, four golden sapphires, and six brilliant-cut diamonds. This Matchbox (R) "Ultimate Collectible" will be auctioned off starting today at Sothebys.com and eBay.com to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).

"Matchbox (R) is one of the foremost brands of diecast," says Everett Marshall III, owner of one of the largest collections of Matchbox (R) cars in the world. "Matchbox cars have always been excellent representations of real vehicles. The Ultimate Collectible in particular is an absolutely gorgeous model, fantastically built." Mr. Marshall has more than 27,000 vehicles in his collection, many of which are on display at his Matchbox Road Museum in Newfield, New Jersey, where he is also mayor.

The auction will conclude at 5:00 PM during the 2002 Matchbox International Toy Show, Saturday, August 24th at Chelsea Piers in New York City. Sixteen-year-old Justin Berfield, who plays 'Reese' on the Emmy-award winning Fox Television series "Malcolm in the Middle," will be at the Toy Show to officially unveil the Ultimate Collectible vehicle to the public for the first time. In addition to playing 'Reese,' Berfield donates his time to charity organizations such as Ronald McDonald House Charities, where he has been named a national youth ambassador for the year 2002.

"We're delighted to be chosen as the beneficiary for the 'Ultimate Collectible' auction," says Ken Barun, President and CEO of RMHC. "The donation will assist RMHC in our efforts to directly improve the health and well being of children everywhere."

Matchbox (R) vehicle collectors without the winning bid can still purchase a replica of this unique vehicle, as Mattel will be offering two limited-edition replicas: a burgundy version with 50th Anniversary decoration and a special golden-color version. Just like their gold counterpart, these vehicles will feature fine details and a moving ladder, and each will bear the 50th anniversary commemorative logo. The suggested retail price is $8 each.

Facts about the Matchbox (R) "Ultimate Collectible":

• This one-of-a-kind gold model is a miniature-scale reproduction of a Seagrave Meanstick fire engine.
• The Matchbox (R) fire engine is 3 1/4 inches long, 7/8 inches wide, and 1 1/8 inches tall.
• The body of the miniature truck is made of 18-carat yellow gold. The chassis, axles, screws, and working extension ladder are fashioned of 18-carat white gold.
• Approximately 135.2 grams (4.34 troy ounces) of gold were used to create the truck and ladder.
• The truck's lights are represented by 34 gemstones, including 24 rubies, 4 golden sapphires, and 6 brilliant-cut diamonds. Total weight of the stones is approximately 1.68 carats.
• The truck was created using the lost-wax casting method. This process requires the destruction of each mold as the gold casting is removed from within. Hence, the "Ultimate Collectible" is a one-of-a-kind work of art.
• The custom-made display case is made of solid cherry wood. The upper case folds back in two sections to reveal a flared pedestal covered in white satin. The truck attaches to the pedestal, but may be removed for close examination. The case features 3 etched brass medallions plated in 24-carat yellow gold. The medallions read, "Matchbox (R) / 50 Years / 1952-2002." In its closed position, the case measures 7 inches tall and 2 3/4 inches wide.

The Ultimate Collectible was appraised for $50,800 by Susan M. Kelly, Appraiser, Graduate Gemologist, West Chester, PA.

For more information, consumers can log onto the Matchbox website at www.matchbox.com. To place a bid or view the Matchbox "Ultimate Collectible auction, log onto

http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/mattel-boys/.

Ronald McDonald House Charities, a non-profit 501 (c) (3), creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children through its network of 171 local Chapters in 44 countries. In addition to its cornerstone Ronald McDonald House (R) program and its Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles (R), Ronald McDonald House Charities makes grants to not-for-profit organizations to help children everywhere. To date, Ronald McDonald House Charities and its global network of local Chapters have granted $340 million to children's programs worldwide.

In June of 2002, Sothebys.com and eBay joined forces creating an online destination for guaranteed and authenticated fine art and antiques. The web-site, located at www.sothebys.com and on the eBay home page, offers the same breadth and depth of quality property sold on Sothebys.com in the past. Online auctions on Sothebys.com draw from private estates and collections as well as from the inventories of some of the finest art and antiques dealers from around the world.

Collecting categories offered on Sothebys.com include paintings, drawings and sculpture; collectibles and memorabilia; books and manuscripts; Asian art; photographs; prints; furniture and decorative arts; watches and clocks; and jewelry among others.

Mattel Inc. is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of family products. With headquarters in El Segundo, California, Mattel has offices and facilities in 36 countries and sells its products in more than 150 nations around the world. For more information on Mattel products, please log-on to our website at www.mattel.com.

MATCHBOX, Matchbox logo, the color "Matchbox orange", and associated trademarks designated by (R) and (TM) are U.S. trademarks of Mattel, Inc., except as noted.(c)2002 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved.