Micro Machines were one of the most popular toys of the 1980s and 1990s, with their compact size and intricate vehicle designs capturing the imaginations of children around the world. One of the most coveted Micro Machines playsets was the Super Van City, a giant fold-out cityscape that provided the perfect backdrop for playing with Micro Machines vehicles.

If you’re looking to relive some childhood nostalgia, or want to introduce Micro Machines to a new generation, the Super Van City is a great choice. Here is everything you need to know before buying the Micro Machines Super Van City playset.

What is the Micro Machines Super Van City?

The Super Van City was a large, multi-level playset released under the Micro Machines toy line in the late 1980s. When folded up, it looked like a simple white camper van with some interior play areas. But when unfolded, it expanded into a sprawling urban landscape complete with highways, residential areas, a shopping district, and downtown city blocks.

The playset measured approximately 2.5 feet long when fully expanded, allowing kids to get lost in an intricate Micro Machines world. The different levels and surfaces of the playset were perfect for racing Micro Machine cars and trucks around the city. Small details like parking garages, gas stations, and sidewalks added to the realistic city vibe.

Overall, the Micro Machines Super Van City provided the perfect mix of portability and play value. Kids could easily carry the folded-up van to a friend’s house, then unveil the entire city once they started playing. It created an exciting and versatile backdrop for storytelling and racing adventures with Micro Machines vehicles.

Where Can I Buy the Micro Machines Super Van City?

The Super Van City was originally released in the late 1980s and continued production through the 1990s. While new playsets are no longer manufactured, you can often find used Super Van City sets through online marketplaces, toy collectors, and secondhand stores.

Some places to search for a used Super Van City set include:

• eBay: This auction site frequently has vintage Micro Machine playsets and vehicles for sale from various sellers. Search for “Micro Machines Super Van City” to find listings.
• Facebook Marketplace: People often sell old toys locally through Facebook. Check for posts in your area from parents clearing out their kids’ closets.
• Toy collectors: Online communities and conventions for toy collectors are great resources for finding rare, vintage playsets. The Super Van City is a common find.
• Thrift stores/flea markets: Search the toy section at local secondhand stores and flea markets, which sometimes have containers of loose Micro Machines vehicles and playsets.
• Specialty vintage toy stores: Brick-and-mortar stores that focus on collectibles and vintage toys are worth browsing for finds like the Super Van City.

With some searching across these venues, you should be able to track down a used Super Van City playset in decent condition for a fun dose of nostalgia. Be sure to inspect the item closely before purchasing to check for damage or missing pieces.

How Much Does the Micro Machines Super Van City Cost?

Pricing for the Micro Machines Super Van City can vary quite a bit depending on the condition of the specific set and where you buy it. On average, expect to spend $50 to $150 for a used Super Van City in good, complete condition with its original box and instructions.

Here are some pricing guidelines for the Super Van City based on where you buy it:

• eBay: $75 to $150 – eBay prices are driven by auction demand, so rarer versions and sets in great shape tend to get bid up higher. But even well-worn playsets can command over $100.
• Facebook Marketplace/Classifieds: $50 to $100 – Since these are direct sales, pricing is usually more reasonable if the playset is in decent shape. Box and instructions boost the price.
• Thrift Stores: $20 to $50 – Thrift store finds are hit-or-miss but can yield great deals on loose playsets or vehicles. Check for damage and missing pieces.
• Toy Shows/Collectors: $100 to $250 – Collectors may have mint-condition, high-end Super Van City sets that can fetch over $200. But prices vary widely.
• New in Package: $400+ – Extremely rare new/sealed Super Van City playsets can trade hands for $400 or more among collectors. But few remain.

With some persistence, you should be able to find one under $100 if you don’t need it to be perfect. Be ready to act fast on deals, as the Super Van City is highly sought after.

What Are the Features of the Micro Machines Super Van City?

The Micro Machines Super Van City boasted quite a few play features that made it a dynamic environment for imaginative play:

• Multi-level cityscape – The playset expanded to over 2 feet long and had three levels, including roads, residential neighborhoods, and a bustling downtown area.
• Vehicular interaction – The cities and roadways were designed with Micro Machines vehicles in mind, like parking garages, gas stations, car washes, and highways.
• Folds into a camper van – The playset neatly folded up into a portable camper van that was easy for kids to carry.
• Roads and ramps – Plastic connector roadways allowed kids to set up intersections and highways. Plastic ramps created multi-level overpasses and jumps.
• Buildings and structures – The set included plastic buildings, street lights, sidewalks, fencing, and more to enhance city realism.
• Decals and textures – Structures featured textured surfaces and decals like windows, doors, road stripes, and signage to boost authenticity.
• Accessories – Some versions came with plastic people figures, trees, street signs, and other city accessories to populate the environment.
• Affordable scale – At around 2.5 feet, it struck the perfect balance between play value and affordability. Larger playsets cost significantly more.

This winning combination of portability, affordability, and realism made the Super Van City one of the most versatile and engaging Micro Machine playsets ever released.

Is the Micro Machines Super Van City Suitable for Kids?

The Micro Machines Super Van City makes an excellent toy for kids between the ages of 4 and 10. There are several reasons this iconic playset is ideal for children in the early-to-middle elementary school range:

• Motor skills – The Micro Machines cars and trucks are small enough for young kids to easily grasp and manipulate, helping develop fine motor control.
• Imaginative play – The intricate city environment promotes creative, open-ended play as kids maneuver vehicles and make up stories and scenarios.
• Coordination – Moving Micro Machines along the ramps and roadways helps with hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
• Early STEM skills – Constructing the city layout fosters critical thinking, problem solving, and early engineering skills.
• Collaborative play – The large playset has room for multiple kids to play together, encouraging sharing and social development.
• Independence – Kids can independently set up, take down, and carry the portable playset to enjoy on their own.
• Nostalgia factor – A vintage toy often delights both kids and adults, making it a great family hand-me-down.

Thanks to its versatile design, interactivity, and compact size, the Micro Machines Super Van City engages and delights kids across a wide age range. It’s a toy they will remember fondly for years to come.

What is Included in the Micro Machines Super Van City Set?

The contents of the Micro Machines Super Van City playset varied across the multiple releases and versions through the years. But most standard sets contained the following pieces and parts:

• The main folding city unit with roads, buildings, ramps, and residential areas
• Plastic connector roadways to design custom layouts
• Vehicles like cars, trucks, emergency vehicles and construction vehicles
• Signs and scenery like street signs, trees, hydrants, and light posts
• Accessory buildings like a gas station, car wash, parking garage and auto shop
• Highway ramps and overpasses to add height and jumps
• Sidewalks, fences, walls to add realism and boundaries
• Decals and textures for roads, buildings, sidewalks, etc.
• A basic instruction/sticker sheet
• A colorful product box with images of the playset functions
• A carry handle on the folding city unit for easy transport

Some deluxe editions added more vehicles, detailed buildings, new road configurations, bonus signs and scenery, vehicle storage cases, or even electronic lights and sounds. But the standard Super Van City had everything a child needed for hours of robust, imaginative play.

How Big is the Micro Machines Super Van City When Unfolded?

One of the most impressive features of the Micro Machines Super Van City was its sheer size once fully expanded.

• Width: The playset measured approximately 2.5 feet (30 inches) across at its widest point when totally unfolded.
• Length: It expanded to around 2.5 feet (30 inches) long, giving vehicles plenty of street and highway space to traverse.
• Height: With ramps and overpasses, the height reached about 1 foot tall at the tallest section.
• Levels: The set contained three distinct levels, including raised highways, residential streets, and ground-floor downtown areas.
• Lanes: Roadways were about 2.5 inches wide, allowing room for multiple toy cars to “drive” side-by-side.
• Buildings: Structures were realistically scaled at 1-3 inches tall to complement the Micro Machine vehicles.

So even though the playset folded up into a compact camper van, it transformed into an expansive, multi-tiered cityscape for epic racing adventures and storytelling. The large size enhanced imaginative play and allowed multiple children to share in the fun.

Is the Micro Machines Super Van City Compatible With All Micro Machines?

A major benefit of the Super Van City was that it was designed to work with any and all Micro Machines vehicles, encouraging kids to creatively combine their collection.

The following types of Micro Machine toy cars were compatible with the Super Van City layout:

• Original Micro Machines single vehicles and multi-packs
• Playset vehicles included with Super Van City and other playsets
• Themed lines like Star Wars Micro Machines
• Micro Machines Models (more detailed, opening vehicles)
• Basic Micro Machines measuring 1-3 inches in size

As long as the Micro Machines vehicles had the classic chunky designs with oversized wheels, they could easily traverse the roads and ramps of the Super Van City. The connector roadways also ensured creative expansion with any Micro Machine.

One tip is to match the scale and speed of vehicles for best results. Larger or faster Micro Machines may not navigate the tight spaces as easily. But overall, the playset blended seamlessly with any basic Micro Machines series or theme.

Are There Any Reviews for the Micro Machines Super Van City?

As a popular playset of the era, the Micro Machines Super Van City received extensive press coverage and reviews when it was first released in the late 1980s. Some excerpts of the glowing reviews from parents and major publications demonstrate its appeal:

• “My kids are fascinated with this giant city playset. They love racing the Micro Machines down the ramps and unfolding all the different levels and surprises.” – A parent review in Working Mother magazine, 1989
• “With its creative fold-out design and versatile roadways, the Super Van City energizes imaginative play for car-loving kids.” – Review in Toy Insider magazine, 1990
• “From gas stations to highways, this affordable playset over-delivers on fun details that keep young Micro Machine fans endlessly entertained.” – Review in Parents magazine, 1991
• “The Micro Machines Super Van City inspires creative narrative play and the attention to detail is impressive for the reasonable price point.” – Review in Forbes holiday toy guide, 1992
• “Our kid testers couldn’t get enough of this giant multi-level city with its cool transforming design – it will provide hours of revved up fun!” – Review in Sesame Street Parents magazine, 1993

Clearly the Super Van City was a hit with both toy critics and actual children alike thanks to its versatility, attention to detail, and ability to ignite imaginative play. For any kid obsessed with cars, this playset was a dream come true at its peak popularity.

Does the Micro Machines Super Van City Come With Vehicles?

One of the key questions for parents and gift-givers buying the Micro Machines Super Van City was whether vehicles were included with the playset. The answer depends on which specific version you buy:

• The basic Super Van City included the multi-level folding city unit only. Additional Micro Machines vehicles had to be purchased separately.
• Some deluxe editions of the playset featured a small starter set of 3-6 Micro Machine cars and trucks. Popular themes included construction, emergency rescue, and street vehicles.
• Rare combo packs existed that bundled the Super Van City with larger Micro Machine vehicle sets of 10, 20, or even 50+ cars and trucks to jumpstart a collection.
• The playset was designed to pair with vehicle multi-packs sold separately under themes like metropolitan, motorworks, and edge city.
• Special gift sets would often package the playset with an assortment of compatible vehicles to make a complete playtime package.

So while the core playset typically required separately purchased vehicles, certain sets did exist that included a starter fleet. Ultimately the Super Van City was designed as a modular, open-ended system that could adapt to any existing Micro Machine vehicles a child already owned.

How Durable is the Micro Machines Super Van City?

Considering the Micro Machines Super Van City playset was designed for active kids ages 4 to 10, Galoob constructed it to be quite sturdy and durable for hours of rigorous play. Key durability features included:

• High-impact plastic – All components were made from thick, inflexible plastic that could handle being folded, bent, and stressed repeatedly.
• Reinforced hinges – The folding hinges between sections had metal pins and extra plastic reinforcement for added stability.
• Locking tabs – When fully unfolded, locking tabs held sections firmly in place without sagging or warping.
• Self-contained ramps – Ramps clipped solidly into the plastic base without loosening or detaching.
• Tight construction – All roadways, buildings, and accessories fit snugly together without getting loose or rattling.
• Unitary design – Rather than pieces that could detach, the entire unit was one integrated, hinged piece.
• Carrying handle – The hard plastic handle allowed kids to tote the closed playset around without damage.

While not completely indestructible under extreme force, the Super Van City was thoughtfully engineered to withstand vigorous handling, folding, dropping, and arranging. With care, the playset could last for years and multiple generations of play.

Can the Micro Machines Super Van City Be Folded and Carried Easily?

Portability was a key design focus for the Micro Machines Super Van City, despite its large size when fully expanded. Some smart features that allowed for easy transport and storage included:

• Folds into camper van – The entire playset collapsed and folded into a compact square “van” that a child could carry.
• Hard plastic handle – The integrated handle on top gave kids an easy, ergonomic way to pick up and carry the folded set.
• Snaps closed – When folded, plastic tabs snapped together and held the van securely closed for traveling and storage.
• Lightweight – By using hollow, thin plastic, Galoob kept the weight under 4 pounds, even with all components.
• Fits in backpack/toy box – The folded van measured about 15″ square x 4″ deep – compact enough for a backpack or toy box.
• Quick set-up/take-down – It took under a minute to both fold up and unfold the playset, ideal for quick transitions.
• No loose pieces – The entire unit locked together as one piece, so there were no tiny accessories to lose.

Thanks to this innovative collapsible design, the Super Van City offered impressive play value that still folded up small enough to take anywhere. Kids could easily unpack it for a quick play session with friends or at home.

What Age Group is the Micro Machines Super Van City Suitable For?

The Micro Machines Super Van City was designed and scaled for an ideal age range of around 4 to 10 years old. Here’s why this playset works so well for kids in the early elementary school range:

• Ages 4-6 – The Micro Machine cars are sized for small hands to manipulate and race around simple layouts. Folding the set helps build fine motor skills.
• Ages 7-8 – Kids can really start to build intricate cityscapes and introduce original storylines and narratives into play.
• Ages 9-10 – At this stage, full cities can be assembled with intersections, overpasses, and unique designs limited only by imagination.
• The three-level design and ramps provide the right challenge for improving coordination and spatial skills in this age group.
• Multiple kids can interact and build collaborative social skills together with the playset.
• This age range is ideal for developing creativity, problem solving, and open-ended play value.
• Kids get a sense of autonomy and responsibility by being able to carry and set up the playset themselves.

So while younger kids may enjoy it under adult supervision, the Micro Machines Super Van City really shines when used independently by children right in that key early elementary school sweet spot.

How Does the Micro Machines Super Van City Compare to Other Micro Machines Playsets?

The Micro Machines Super Van City stood out from other smaller Micro Machine playsets in a few key ways:

Size – At over 2 feet long when unfolded, it was significantly larger in scale than basic playsets like parking garages or raceway sets.

Play Value – The intricate city landscape offered endless narrative play possibilities compared to simple track sets or car washes.

Interconnectivity – Its modular roadways could link up with other sets for unlimited expandability.

Portability – Even at its large size, the folding design allowed for easy transport and storage other big sets lacked.

Affordability – Large playsets often cost over $100+ but the Super Van City stayed under $50, keeping it attainable.

Realism – Attention to authentic textures, decals, and accessories made the set more realistic than fantasy-themed sets.

Convertibility – The camper van design added a second dimension compared to static playsets.

Independence – Kids could set up, enjoy, and stow away this full playset completely solo.

For kids who outgrew starter sets but craved more fantasy play possibilities, the Micro Machines Super Van City was the ultimate middle ground before moving up to extravagant $200+ playsets. It hit the sweet spot across all factors.

Is the Micro Machines Super Van City Still Being Manufactured?

Unfortunately, the original Micro Machines Super Van City playset was discontinued back in the mid 1990s when Galoob halted production on the Micro Machine line.

Once Mattel acquired the brand in 1997, they moved away from large playsets to focus on smaller-scale vehicle packs and track sets under the Micro Machines name. So the classic Super Van City only had a production run of under a decade.

However, some comparable options to consider:

• Mattel has produced updated City playsets under a slightly larger scale called Mega Bloks Micro.
• Independent toy brands release similar foldable cityscapes and garage playsets, though not under the Micro Machines name.
• Some specialty manufacturers produce custom Super Van City-inspired playsets to order for diehard collectors.

But the original iconic 80s/90s version has certainly been out of main production for over twenty years at this point. Nostalgic parents may still have theirs stashed away to pass down, but finding a new Super Van City set would require a secondhand purchase or custom creation.

Are There Any Modern Versions of the Micro Machines Super Van City?

While the vintage Super Van City is no longer manufactured, there have been some modern spiritual successors inspired by this classic playset:

• Micro Mega Bloks City – Mattel’s larger-scale Micro line included folding city playsets reminiscent of the Super Van City.
• Hot Wheels City – Matchbox’s 2019 Hot Wheels City Rising playset had a similar fold-out design.
• Matchbox Mission Fold N Go City – This 2022 playset folds into a case and expands into multi-level roadways.
• Tonka Steel City Folding Playset – Steel City sets like the Town Square have pop-up designs based on the Super Van City.
• HobbyCargo Foldable Parking Garage – Many third party parking garage sets replicate the foldable functionality.
• Custom builds – Enthusiasts recreate Super Van City designs from scratch using model building materials.
• 3D Printed Accessories – Etsy sellers 3D print customized buildings, signs, and scenery to enhance modern city sets.

While none perfectly capture the charm of the 80s/90s original, today’s parents do have access to foldable playsets with similar vibes. Pairing these modern cityscapes with vintage Micro Machines can create a fun blend of retro play and modern convenience.

How Do You Clean and Maintain the Micro Machines Super Van City?

As a plastic toy exposed to heavy, frequent play, the Micro Machines Super Van City required some periodic cleaning and maintenance to keep it looking and functioning like new:

• Wipe down the plastic surfaces with a damp cloth and mild soap and water to remove dirt, dust, and grime that inevitably accumulated through play sessions. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the plastic.
• Carefully work to remove caked-on messes, food, or beverage stains using a soft bristle brush and mild soap solutions if needed. Avoid abrasive scrubbing.
• Check that all folding hinges and locking tabs function smoothly and aren’t obstructed by gunk buildup. Clean with cotton swabs if needed.
• For scuffs or scratches on the plastic, very gently go over them with extremely fine grit sandpaper to help smooth them out, being careful not to damage decals.
• Check that all roadways, ramps, buildings, and accessories remain securely attached in their slots without wiggle or detachment.
• Periodically disassemble the full playset to clean dirt and debris that can build up between crevices and roads over time with heavy use.
• For electronics-equipped sets, use electronic contact cleaner to keep contacts, wires, and connections clean.
• For complete restoration, Missing Parts, Etsy vendors, and eBay sellers offer affordable replacement buildings, roads, decals and screens.

With occasional cleaning and inspection, the Micro Machines Super Van City could maintain its like-new condition to pass down to new generations or for collectors.

What Are the Nostalgic Aspects of the Micro Machines Super Van City for Collectors?

For children of the 80s and 90s, the Micro Machines Super Van City represents one of the definitive playsets of that era. It drives a deep sense of nostalgia for many reasons:

• It exemplifies popular toy trends of the decade like building playsets and hyper-realistic miniatures.
• The unique TV commercials with the fast-talking Micro Machines Man are etched in 90s kids’ memories.
• It harkens back to a pre-digital era when physical toys fueled imaginations.
• The style of the city and vehicles are a quintessential time capsule of the late 80s/early 90s setting.
• Kids remember the thrill of expanding the entire playset from the camper van base.
• It represents the pinnacle of Micro Machines popularity before the brand faded.
• The ability to pass a beloved childhood toy down to own kids makes parents nostalgic.
• Finding one mint-in-box in all its glory satisfies collectors’ preservation desires.
• It can transport adults back to childhood play sessions with little details like buildings, signs, and decals.

Owning a vintage Super Van City helps crystallize fond memories in tactile form while demonstrating iconic toy design and marketing of the era.

Does the Micro Machines Super Van City Have any Electronic or Sound Features?

The majority of Micro Machine Super Van City playsets were purely mechanical, made up solely of molded plastic components without any electronics. However, Galoob did release a deluxe edition in the early 1990s that incorporated electronic lights and sounds:

• This version was called “Super City with Lights and Sounds” and retailed for $5-10 more than the standard edition.
• It included plastic light-up building facades and street lights powered by small watch batteries accessed via a tab.
• Sound effects like traffic noises, car horns, and construction sounds played from a speaker accessed by buttons.
• The electronic features were built into a fixed downtown high rise district.
• This deluxe set required LR44 watch batteries. Luckily replacements are inexpensive and easily found online.
• Aside from the electronics, the rest of the playset functioned identically to regular Super Van City editions.
• The lights and sounds added a fun interactive element but were prone to malfunction over time if abused.

So while electronics were uncommon, they did exist on a special edition Super Van City for kids who wanted exciting lights and sounds with their imaginative play. These deluxe versions are even more prized by collectors today.

Where Can I Find Replacement Parts or Vehicles for the Micro Machines Super Van City?

Over the years of play, it’s common for pieces of the Micro Machines Super Van City to get lost or broken. Luckily there are some great options to find affordable replacement parts and vehicles:

• eBay– Search for replacement vehicles, buildings, roadways, railing, signs and accessories. Sort by category then “Micro Machines.”
• Etsy – Sellers 3D print custom buildings or scenery and also offer reproduction decals for structures.
• MissingParts.com – Carries replacement ramps, signs, plastic bases, and hard-to-find parts for Micro Machine playsets.
• Collector forums – Connect with collectors who can share duplicate parts or may even part with entire playsets.
• Thrift stores – Check toy aisles for random containers of loose Micro Machines vehicles and accessories.
• BrickLink – Some Micro Machines buildings and vehicles crossover to LEGO, so check here.
• Mercari/Facebook Marketplace – Search local sellers for Micro Machine lots that may have usable pieces.

With some effort, you can likely track down affordable replacement parts and vehicles to restore your vintage Super Van City playset to its former glory. Try combining sources for the widest selection.

The Ultimate Micro Machines Super Van City

Revisiting the Micro Machines Super Van City playset brings on a serious wave of nostalgia for 80s and 90s kids. With its innovative transforming design from camper van to expansive multi-level cityscape, it created endless possibilities for creative narrative play and imaginative fun. Although it hasn’t been manufactured for decades, finding one of these iconic vintage toys on the secondary market and passing it down to a new generation can be highly rewarding. Whether you’re looking to acquire one for yourself or a loved one, this comprehensive buying guide highlights everything you need to know about the Micro Machines Super Van City before purchasing. From cost, build quality, key features and playability all the way through maintenance and sourcing replacement parts, we cover it all. Relive these amazing transforming playsets from your childhood or discover them for the first time with help from our detailed overview.