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Forum 43
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Topic starter
29/10/2023 12:28 pm
I have been scanning in some 1990s 1/43 Matchbox advertisements and came across this American newspaper insert. Is this just marketing hyperbole, or does anyone agree? Does anyone here have any of these? They seemed to be nice models back then but the prices seem a bit high now that I look at it...
So that was 65 years go? OMG.
29/10/2023 12:42 pm
That is a great find, Karl ! Those look like exceptionally cool 1957 Chevrolet models. Usually, I guess, 1955 was considered the "Big Year" for American automobiles, especially sales-wise, but 1957 was certainly an all-time years for cars, too.
29/10/2023 1:49 pm
They seemed to be nice models back then but the prices seem bit high
Remember, there wasn't much competition back then...therefore, $25 each was "expected/accpeted" considering you were receiving such a "high quality, hand crafted, precision-engineered-from-factory-blueprints, diecast authentic replica in accurate 1/43 scale."
We know now, of course, that these are so-so at best and worth about $5
All the old-timer, hard-core 1:1 car collectors I've ever spoken to unanimously agree that 1955 was a watershed moment in American automobile production. Wrap-around windshields, V-8s, all new designs, bright colors, tu-tones, automatic "everything," power this-power that, a robust economy, etc., etc.... all combined to make 1954 look like ancient history.
29/10/2023 4:32 pm
With the exception of the pick-up they were all Vitesse models repackaged for Matchbox!
BTW for the greatest year in automotive history I put forward 1939 but don't take my word for this:
https://www.conceptcarz.com/super-car/1939/supercars.aspx
No Chevy's on this list, all are European, and Karl - there are five Alfa Romeo's!
Autominologist residing in the Robin Hood County
Nottinghamshire England UK
29/10/2023 8:01 pm
I have the black and white Matchbox Nomad, was $27.00 in 1999. Also a Road Legends one in single tone dark turquoise, was only $7.00 from St Martin's Accessories in 1997!
John F. Quilter
Eugene, Oregon USA
Karl Schnelle and Christopher Moroni reacted
Topic starter
29/10/2023 10:24 pm
@chris - You are right - back then $25 for a nice model car was probably not too much, plus not too much competition out there.
@chris-sweetman - Hard to argue with your 1939 date, esp. considering the Bugatti and the Delage and the Delahaye and the Talbot-Lago... Pretty spectaculaire!
But I could be persuaded for 1948 with those post-war 6C 2500 Alfas still being handmade. Only a short while later before the production line 1900 came out.
And I knew that Matchbox used some Vitesses but had no idea how many!
30/10/2023 8:32 pm
Yes, I was a Matchbox Yesteryears completist back then, although these were rebranded Matchbox Collectibles. They switched to mail order and completely diluted and destroyed the brand.
31/10/2023 3:35 pm
Another white metal Goldvarg, the 1951 Chrysler Imperial limo by Derham. I keep hoping Sergio will get a license from Stellantis and be able to do some Mopars such as early 50s Plymouths and Dodges.
John F. Quilter
Eugene, Oregon USA
Topic starter
31/10/2023 8:29 pm
Yes, I was a Matchbox Yesteryears completist back then, although these were rebranded Matchbox Collectibles. They switched to mail order and completely diluted and destroyed the brand.
I was a completist as well - at least for every major casting, until they went to China and starting making 5000 versions of their vans! 😒