Deluxe Dragster Grading: Authenticity, Slabs, and PSA Tips

Deluxe Dragster MTG card art: a blue artifact Vehicle illustrated by Gabor Szikszai

Image courtesy of Scryfall.com

Deluxe Dragster Grading: Authenticity, Slabs, and PSA Tips

Whether you’re a veteran grader or a curious newcomer to the world of MTG collecting, the art of authenticating and assessing condition is a ritual as beloved as a well-timed counterspell. Deluxe Dragster, a rare blue Artifact — Vehicle from March of the Machine Commander, gives us a perfect case study. Not only is this card a stylish splash of cybernetic whimsy on the battlefield, its print run and presentation invite a thoughtful approach to grading, pricing, and preserving its value for years to come 🧙‍♂️🔥. Let’s dive into what makes this card tick, and how you can navigate the world of slabs, authenticity, and PSA tips without getting tripped up by look-alikes or subtle foibles ⚔️🎨.

Deluxe Dragster at a glance

Deluxe Dragster is a blue color identity Artifact — Vehicle with a mana cost of {4}{U} and a respectable baseline of power/toughness 4/3. It bears the “Crew 2” ability, turning it from a shiny artifact into a mobile threat that can punch through defenses. Its standout line, “This Vehicle can't be blocked except by Vehicles,” creates a distinct combat dynamic that rewards clever planning and deck-building. And when this vehicle connects for combat damage, a powerful loop opens: you may cast a target instant or sorcery card from your opponent’s graveyard without paying its mana cost. If that spell would be put into a graveyard, it’s exiled instead. It’s a tempo-oriented engine that rewards smart play and careful timing 💎⚙️. The card’s rarity is rare, its frame is the classic 2015 style with a black border, and it appears in the March of the Machine Commander set as collector number 21. This is a nonfoil print, which is common for many Commander-era cards, and its illustrated art by Gabor Szikszai carries a crisp, kinetic vibe perfect for a blue, control-forward meta 🧙‍♂️🎲.

Authenticity and grading considerations

Set and print evidence: Deluxe Dragster hails from the March of the Machine Commander (MOC) set. Confirm the set symbol on the card, and verify the collector number 21 aligns with the official print. Authentic versions will show the oval security stamp and the 2015-era frame, with the “normal” layout that card lovers associate with this Commander release.
Rarity and foil status: It’s listed as rare and non-foil in the provided data. While foil versions aren’t present in this print, many graders still assess centering, edge wear, and surface fidelity with the same rigor as any other rarity. In PSA terms, this typically means a strong emphasis on pristine corners and smooth surfaces to push toward a 9 or 10—though 10s for non-foil Commander rares are politely scarce 🧭.
Condition cues to inspect: Look for even centering (both horizontal and vertical), minimal printer blemishes, and pristine borders. Karat-level whiteness around the mana cost and bluntness on the vehicle’s silhouette can sway edge and surface grades. The “Crew 2” text should be crisp, and the ability text must be legible without any washout. Given its nonfoil production, scratches and scuffs on the surface can quietly undermine a near-perfect slab more than a glossier foil would.
Authenticity checklists: Cross-check oracle text with the official Gatherer/ Scryfall entry (including the exact phrasing about casting from the graveyard and exile) and ensure the card’s artwork credit (Gabor Szikszai) matches the print. Compare digital references with the card in hand—the difference between a genuine print and a counterfeit can often be subtle, involving font kerning or tiny ink anomalies that a trained eye catches 🧿.

PSA tips for Deluxe Dragster and similar Commander staples

PSA is the gatekeeper for many modern collectors, and for a card like Deluxe Dragster, a few practical tips can save you time, money, and heartbreak:

Choose the right category: When submitting, specify non-foil, rare, and the appropriate set (MOC). This helps ensure the grading path aligns with your card’s actual print and avoids mislabeling that could delay your return or affect value.
Handling and protection: Prioritize proper sleeves and a rigid top loader before sending to PSA. If you’re protecting a nonfoil card from the Commander era, a pristine sleeve with a soft inner layer can minimize surface scratches during transit. The slab will do most of the fighting once sealed, but preparation matters beforehand 🛡️.
Expect variability in grades: Deluxe Dragster has strong play appeal, but grading focuses on physical condition. A small scuff near the border or faint printer line can mean the difference between a solid mint and a near-mint grade. For most MOCs, a 9 is a frequent and respectable result; a perfect 10 is a unicorn, especially in nonfoil states.
Pricing awareness: PSA 9s and 10s for modern Commander rares can command solid premiums, but condition drives the swing. Use PSA’s population reports and price guides to anchor your expectations, then consider whether the card’s playability in casual or EDH contexts translates into additional collector appeal ✨.
Documentation and provenance: If your Deluxe Dragster has a known play history, or if you’ve acquired it from a notable collection, preserving provenance can add intangible value beyond the slab’s numeric grade. Some collectors appreciate a short note about the card’s journey during submission documentation.

Why a blue artifact in your collection matters

Blue artifacts fuse control, tempo, and utility in delightful ways. Deluxe Dragster’s unique ability creates a clean rhythm: you land it, crew it, swing, and trigger the graveyard spell recapture—changing the dynamic of how an opponent manages their hand. It’s a perfect example of how modern design blends card text with strategic depth; a moment of play can align with a moment of grading, where the card’s aesthetic and rare status meet the measured certainty of a PSA slab 🧙‍♂️🔷.

Art, aesthetics, and collector value

Gabor Szikszai’s work on this piece captures the gleam of chrome and the sheen of a high-tech vehicle ready to roll through a battlefield. Beyond raw numbers, Deluxe Dragster resonates with nostalgia for players who first learned to respect the synergy of artifacts and creature support in the ER (Early Rush) and late-game finishers. The art isn’t just decoration; it’s a storytelling device that makes a viewer pause, study the lines, and appreciate the craft that goes into a well-printed card 🧩🎨.

As you plan your next grading submission or simply curate a display shelf, think of Deluxe Dragster as a reminder that MTG collecting blends tactile polish with strategic memory. The card’s blue glow, clever text, and distinct vehicle identity are a small manifesto about why people collect: it’s a hobby that rewards patience, research, and a little bit of luck when a hand comes together in the right moment 🧙‍♂️💥.

For collectors who want to protect their latest finds in style while staying connected to MTG culture and practical accessories, consider this protective companion: the Blue Abstract Dot Pattern Tough Phone Case by Case-Mate. It’s a tasteful nod to your deck’s cool, calculated vibes and a sturdy home for your daily carry 🔵🎲.

Blue Abstract Dot Pattern Tough Phone Case – Case-Mate