Catalog shows all Matchbox models that were manufactured by the Lesney factory in 1963.
The publication is very nicely prepared and contains new products that have not been seen up to that point. Announces a new era of Matchbox.
What a great trip down memory lane? The graphics, some familiar models (silver VW camper was one of my favourites) and even the music - Booker T. & the M.G.s, (would anyone know?)
Yes, I recall a red 64 Pontiac HT (22C) and a dark red Mercedes coupe (53C) in particular....released in the late 60s or so I presume. I think there was a red Jeep pickup with opening doors...not positive. The VW Beetle had an opening engine bonnet and some VW vans and Vauxhall wagon had opening doors, as you know. There may have been more that I can't recall.
I remember having a metalic copper/gold Mercedes 220 (?) and white sports convertible which I'm sure had opening doors and a metalic crimson Silver Shadow and 'quoise Corniche whoose boots (trunks) opened. Though these would have been later models.
This modern for the times squared off trailer design was the final caravan in the 23 series. Appearing initially in yellow, it was changed to pink half way through production.
The plastic roof could be removed revealing a light blue
interior. The trailer had black plastic wheels.
It is such a pleasure to see all these models from your vast collection. I had the pink version of this and remember lining it up with the silver VW camper and playing trailer park !
This one started out with grey plastic wheels changing to silver, then black during production. All green versions exist.
These images are from my files as my issue is slightly chipped. The real car was made from 1959 to 1961.
Taking note of the light grey wheels, you've mentioned several times, I wonder if they ever issued white wheels to emulate whitewalls? Maybe this would have worked well on the Cadillac Sixty Specials or '59 Impalas, for example? Do you know if they ever did - or perhaps it would have been considered too flashy for the Brit's?
These two were my #1 favorites as a child and I have a bunch of them today.
Your comment reminds me that a much later, metallic apple-green Mercury station wagon was my # 1 favourite, even amongst Eldorados, Mk10 Jag's, Silver Shadows and Mercedes 220 coupes.
This one is grey with amber windows, black plastic wheels and opening side doors. It wasn't in production long.
Another favourite of mine. I got rid of my entire collection - even as a boy - to concentrate on the Models Of Yesteryear series which I regret terribly now.
I see that you have invested a lot of time going through these early Matchbox posts. I’m almost at the end as they only go to number 75 but I think I missed a few that need filling in. I’m glad that you seem to be enjoying them. It has been a labour of love for me posting them here. Thank you for all the likes.
I too invested heavily in Models of Yesteryear having a complete set with most variations in about the year 2000. Like Corgi, Solido and Rio at the time, the value crashed. I still have a significant number but parted with most of this collection. I’m very glad that the early Matchbox 75 series, after a brief dip, did not go that way. If you go back to the beginning of this 1/64 Forum, you will find posts on the early Models of Yesteryear.
Toy collecting, like most collecting, had ups and downs and you can’t count on it as an investment. Older Brooklins are currently taking a beating. I continue to collect what I like and enjoy and will likely keep most of it and leave my kids eventually with the disposal problems.
I see that you have invested a lot of time going through these early Matchbox posts. I’m almost at the end as they only go to number 75 but I think I missed a few that need filling in. I’m glad that you seem to be enjoying them. It has been a labour of love for me posting them here. Thank you for all the likes.
I too invested heavily in Models of Yesteryear having a complete set with most variations in about the year 2000. Like Corgi, Solido and Rio at the time, the value crashed. I still have a significant number but parted with most of this collection. I’m very glad that the early Matchbox 75 series, after a brief dip, did not go that way. If you go back to the beginning of this 1/64 Forum, you will find posts on the early Models of Yesteryear.
Toy collecting, like most collecting, had ups and downs and you can’t count on it as an investment. Older Brooklins are currently taking a beating. I continue to collect what I like and enjoy and will likely keep most of it and leave my kids eventually with the disposal problems.
All the best and regards.
Thank-you David for your note. I shall certainly check-out your Models of Yesteryear post as doubtless, I'll find there, gems such as the lilac Mercer; the cream 1910 Benz; the Spyker and so forth. Plus, I'll get to learn dates and more details. These present Matchbox models are fascinating for me - and for sure, many of your other watchers, for personal reasons over and above their interest value. I believe cars were culturally more important in the '50s and '60s than today and toy cars for boys were the meaning of life, so these models hold so much importance for many of us.
Apropos prices nose-diving, something that has shocked me most recently is how MiniMarque and some Western Models can be bought so cheaply! These were the very best of white metal models - in my humble opinion - and I used to spend £250 on a MiniMarque model and think it worth the price. But some truly beautiful models can be picked-up for $50 these days ! I ask myself about the model's previous owner and assuage feelings of guilt by knowing they'll go do a good home.
Investment values are not so important if one is not a dealer, but prices do reflect these more esoteric values: the artistry of their creators, the keenness with which we go about collecting and hunting sometimes for years for certain models, in a particular colour. It is disappointing that such passion is not reflected in prices. Though, nice to find a bargain!
This is a surprise to me. I did not expect a Matchbox Ford GT. Looks nice.
The Ford GT was iconic in the U.K. at the time and one saw all sorts of model versions and imagery. Either I or my brother had an electric version that ran through a wire at the rear, to a hand-held control console - super technical! Perhaps this was reason enough for Matchbox to make a nice job of their version?
This is blue with an unpainted metal base. It has a sliding roof panel and the box originally contained a white plastic dog and hunter.
Mine is unboxed without the figures.
This is a particular favourite as in Zambia, family friends had a navy blue version with rear-facing third bench seat which of course we kids road in as it was not suitable for 'grown-ups' and it was a real treat to see the strip road disappearing behind us as we all trundled along! I have fond memories of the large, chrome circular nub on the rear door, with an oblong handle that pulled out into a winder which wound down the rear screen. The whole thing was so modern.
45-A, Vauxhall Victor saloon, 1/72 scale. Introduced 1958, discontinued 1964.
The Victor was released in yellow with a black metal base. There was no glassine the windows and wheels ranged from grey metal, then pale grey through silver to black, all plastic.
There are several red versions on eBay. These are likely repaints as it appears red was a pre-production trial on a slightly different casting and only 3 to 10 are known, depending on the reporting source. I have one but am positive that it is a very careful repaint.
So people are forging Matchbox cars? It used to be $100 bills ? ? ? ?
This one is a good example of the changes in the traditional Matchbox Toys that I loved so much as a kid. I much preferred the earlier ones without opening doors, hoods, trunks, etc. and the separately cast grills and bumpers. I guess I was resistant to change even as a youngster. Lol.
It's a curious thing, but perhaps the same works in reverse? I was introduced to these toys with plastic seats, glass etc. and found earlier examples from friends' collections, rather odd. Though opening parts were never a thrill; the gaps in bodyline used to irritate me - as they still do on 1/43!
