56-B, Fiat 1500, 1/64 scale. Introduced 1965, discontinued 1968.
1965-1968 Turquoise with brown luggage on roof, black wheels, black base.
1968 Red with red luggage.
Another favourite. I had the 'quoise version that had particular significance as I'd ridden in a Taxi, the same colour in Venice, September '67. These models have the power to convey so much: both at the time, and with the passage of time, too.
60-B, Site Hut Truck, 1/92 scale. Introduced 1966, discontinued 1970.
Blue truck with blue tint windows Chrome plastic base plate. Yellow hut with green roof. Just sits on truck and easily removed, often missing.
Black plastic wheels changing to Speedwheels in 1970.
I seem to remember a version of this in white (possibly with green 'glass'), without the site hut - just the flatbed with uprights at the sides, to support pipes (cut-up drink straws), logs (garden twigs) or whatever else one might be transporting.
The 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Coupe was replaced in 1968 by the Ford Zodic and only came in the two colours mentioned with regular wheels. Superfasts were introduced in 1969 0n some Matchbox cars. If there was a later metallic copper/gold one, I'm not aware of it. I did not keep up with all the Superfast issues although I certainly have quite a few.
62-B, TV Service Van, 1/86 scale. Introduced 1963, discontinued 1968.
Two main versions.
1963-1967 Cream with Rentalaset TV Service Van decals. Red plastic ladder, antenna and 3 TVs usually lost. White plastic sliding rear door. Grey plastic wheels.
1968 only. Cream with Radio Rentals sticker and brown plastic ladder etc.
White plastic sliding rear door. Grey plastic wheels.
Amazing that you have two copies with injection moulding ladder/antenna pack complete!
I LOVE seeing all of these! I have a VERY SMALL vintage Matchbox collection (just a few childhood favorites ) but it's a REAL JOY to learn & see so much about these terrific little vehicles. Personally, it's especially nice to finally know the SCALE of each one.
The 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Coupe was replaced in 1968 by the Ford Zodic and only came in the two colours mentioned with regular wheels. Superfasts were introduced in 1969 0n some Matchbox cars. If there was a later metallic copper/gold one, I'm not aware of it. I did not keep up with all the Superfast issues although I certainly have quite a few.
A quick search shows I'm remembering a 300 SE - who's doors in fact do not open. The memory is a strange bed-fellow!
Amazing, I did not know you could buy replacement parts for these items, which are over 60 years old. I do not need any parts, but am curious where you could buy them?
Amazing, I did not know you could buy replacement parts for these items, which are over 60 years old. I do not need any parts, but am curious where you could buy them?
Steve is also an enthusiast and has done a number of restorations himself and is a well known Professional Autominologist.
Hi Chris, many thanks for giving me Steve Flowers' details. I have kept them and will study his site the moment I'm through with David's riveting thread. Thanks also for introducing me to a new word which I've been through a number of dictionaries to get a proper meaning for - though its gist is self evident.
The real French Ciroen DS19 was made from 1956 to 1974 with many unique features.
This Lesney/Matchbox was painted in light or darker yellow shades with a black painted metal base, with unglazed windows and grey plastic wheels. The final issue had silver wheels.
I had a later version of this with an ivory, plastic boat that clipped into place on a self-mould roof rack. Hopefully that will appear further along.
This is the Husky Citroen Safari Station Wagon from 1964-67. Same size and came in several colour variations.
I think you and I have been down this Husky road before: whereby you've set my memory right on the Matchbox /Husky dichotomy. It is strange but I do not recall Husky models - though clearly I had some, including the present Citroen.
I have never posted on the 1/64 scale Forum before, not sure why not. I have over 1300 1/64 cars all in cases on the wall. Have a complete set of 1970 Matchbox Superfast cars in a original Matchbox wooden store display case. Have variations as well. Lots of vintage redlines, race sets, accessories, and alot of other cars as well. Have to post some pictures someday. Love the little cars !
It would certainly prove a welcome second instalment to David's largely pre-'70 thread if you found time.
1968-69 Light green, unpainted base with numbers 55 and 73 on it, white interior, clear glass, dogs looking out the back, chrome hubs with black plastic tires.
The No. 73 Mercury Commuter is a model of a 1968 Mercury Commuter station wagon, commonly found in green with a pale interior. The model may be most notable for the two dogs in the back cargo area, peering out of the open rear window. Initially offered with autosteer, the model was later converted to Superfast wheels
This model was given a mild redesign to create the Mercury Police Car, and likely influenced the dogs and initial coloring of the Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (1971). Early editions of casting 55D, the Mercury Park Lane police Car, shared a base with the Commuter; the common base is labeled "No 55 or 73 / Mercury".
1970 - 1975 As above with Speedwheels, also, red version.
As mentioned in the police version post, this was my all time #1 and it's a real joy to see it here in pristine condition. Many thanks for sharing all these images, and taking the time to post, David. Someone wrote earlier, that you should write a book. It seems that's what you've done here!
