MT. LAUREL, N.J. - August 26, 2002 - Commemorating the Matchbox® 50th Anniversary, a miniature Seagrave "Meanstick" fire engine, crafted in gold and precious gems was sold jointly on eBay and Sothebys.com, a partnered website, during the Matchbox's 50th Birthday Celebration at Chelsea Piers in New York City. The winning bid by a California Matchbox collector for the one-of-a-kind miniature fire engine was $27,450.00. And according to Jill Finlayson, Senior Category Manager of Hobbies at eBay, the winning bid marks the highest price ever paid for a single toy item sold on their site. The first Matchbox® cars sold for less than 20 cents and today children of all ages can still pick up the latest Matchbox models for around a dollar.

This one-of-a-kind commemorative model is crafted in 18-carat white and yellow gold and accented with 34 gemstones, including 24 rubies, four golden sapphires, and six brilliant-cut diamonds. The proceeds raised by the Matchbox® "Ultimate Collectible" during the auction were donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), one of the nation's leading non-profit organizations dedicated to directly improving the health and well being of children.

"I have been an avid collector of Matchbox cars for the past six years," said Arthur Thomas, who placed the winning bid for the Matchbox "Ultimate Collectible." "The Matchbox 'Ultimate Collectible' truly peaked my collecting interest. I really got wrapped up in the nostalgia of the item and its connection to the 50th anniversary of Matchbox. By purchasing this item, I feel that I have grounded myself as part of a special group of collectors. Knowing that the money was going to an excellent cause like the Ronald McDonald House Charities made the purchase even more satisfying." The Matchbox® "Ultimate Collectible" will become the star attraction of Mr. Thomas' collection and will be displayed at his home in California.

The sale concluded at 5 p.m. 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," was on hand at the Toy Show to show his support for the sale. In addition to playing 'Reese,' Berfield donates his time as a national youth ambassador for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).

"We're delighted to be the beneficiary for the 'Ultimate Collectible' auction and are overwhelmed by the amount of money it raised," says Ken Barun, President and Chief Executive Officer of RMHC. "The money will be able to assist RMHC in our efforts to directly improve the health and well being of children everywhere."

Matchbox® vehicle collectors, without the winning bid, can still purchase a replica of this unique vehicle as Mattel, maker of Matchbox cars, is 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 feature fine details and a moving ladder, and each bears the 50th Anniversary commemorative logo. The approximate retail price is $8 each.

Facts about the Matchbox® "Ultimate Collectible":

• The Matchbox® 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® / 50 Years / 1952-2002." In its closed position, the case measures 7 inches tall and 2-3/4 inches wide.

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® program and its Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles®, 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 ® and ™ are U.S. trademarks of Mattel, Inc., except as noted. ©2002 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved.