EARLY MATCHBOX (Moko/Lesney/Matchbox)

Posted by: @david-green

25-C  BP Petrol Tanker, 1/85 scale. Introduced 1965, discontinued 1967.

 

 

 

 

 

Although the Matchbox Bedford TK has a titling cab the real version was never fitted with one. Not sure why Matchbox did a titling cab as the TK came out in 1960 five years before Matchbox issued this model. Guess it was a neat play feature.

On the real TK engine access was by opening side flaps or if a major job by removing the cab!

25-D  Ford Cortina Mark II, 1/62 scale. Introduced 1968, discontinued 1971.

This one came in two versions, the second one having a yellow plastic luggage rack. Note the opening doors.

@david-green The Cortina also featured 'Autosteer' and suspension.

The roof rack version was only available in Gift Set 4 Race 'N Rally issued in 1968.

26-A  ERF Cement Mixer, 1/123 scale. Introduced 1956, discontinued 1960.

Great little examples.  I have both as well.

27-A  Bedford Low Loader, 1/166 scale. Introduced 1956, discontinued 1957.

27-B was a slightly larger version not displayed here.

The lo-loaders are very nice.  Another one I lost.  

27-C  Cadillac Sixty Special, 1/80 scale. Introduced 1960, discontinued 1965.

This came in three version, first green with cream roof, then silver with cream roof and finally lilac with cream roof.

Another one of my childhood favorites.  I have a couple of these but in order to have a green one I had to get one restored.....a compromise I suppose.

@david-green David, great to see all your Cadillacs still have their tow hooks.

These are usually broken off by some over enthusiastic lad trying to fit a caravan or a speed boat.

I know 'cos I did this way back in the day! 

When Matchbox started to use plastic interiors the tow hook was part of this moulding and perhaps being more flexible these have fared rather better than their cast metal counterparts. 

27-D  Mercedes-Benz 230SL, 1/60 scale. Introduced 1966, discontinued 1962.

Colours varied from cream to white with red interior. The wheels were changed to plastic speedwells in 1970. Note the opening doors.

28-A, Bedford Compressor Truck,  1/75 scale. Introduced 1956, discontinued 1958.

This came out initially in orange and then in yellow.

 Yellow!

28-B, Thames Compressor Truck,  1/75 scale. Introduced 1959, discontinued 1963.

28-C, Jaguar Mark 10,  1/72 scale. Introduced 1964, discontinued 1968.

This light brown with white interior Jaguar initially came with grey plastic wheels changing during the first year to black. The bonnet opens to display the XK engine.

29-A, Bedford Milk Delivery Van,  1/75 scale. Introduced 1956, discontinued 1960.

This one started out with grey metal wheels which shortly changed to grey plastic.

29-B, Austin A55 Cambridge Mark 2,  1/70 scale. Introduced 1961, discontinued 1965.

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.