Small Model Cars circa 1979

I was in an antique/junk store on Saturday and there was a box of small model cars, about 40 of them. They were metal and many were made in England and some in Macaoa, circa 1979. They were very well made and had obviously been played with a lot, but were intact. Some of the paint had been chipped off. The price was $65. Another person in the store said that they were collector's items but didn't buy. They looked like a mixed bag to me.

Well, anyway, I made an offer of $40 simply because I thought there might be something there. Anyway the owner is going to get back to me.

Can anybody give me any guidance on this kind of buy?

Sandra D. Helbig