Matchbox Monday taucht zurück in die Vergangenheit III (2024)

For those who don't speak German, this means you need to practice it. Why?

Because this has started. As of midnight on June 10th, Dirk Schleuer has opened the books on registration for the next convention in Leipzig. As it always does (barring pandemics), late September/early October plays host to the annual Modell-Hobby-Spiel in Leipzig, in Germany. And for many years now, Dirk has run a Matchbox convention alongside it. This year is no exception, and for those who have not already caught the details over on the Lamley blog (they were posted Sunday in readiness for opening the books Monday), I will repeat them here.

So, there you go. Registration has begun for this year's European Convention. All details are above (in German and English). As a surprise for this year, Dirk has put up 10 models up for auction, and yes, you don't have to register for the convention to bid. Just make sure to send all bids to Dirk, and not leave them here (or on Lamley). And don't forget to make sure you know the time difference between where you live and Berlin time (GMT +2). The finish time for the auction is Berlin time. He will not make alterations for people in other time zones. But, I am not just posting about the convention and auction. Oh, no. It is time for another dive back into the past. Or, as they say in German, tauchen Sie ein in die Vergangenheit. Hey, I have to keep things topical.

So, I took 4 older castings from my collection out for a little photoshoot. Logically, all of these are from German manufacturers. I may have posted some of these before, I may not. I cannot remember. But, it is always fun to dig them out now and then and scroll through.

Lesney created their first casting of a Mercedes-Benz car back in 1963. This was joined by another in 1966, along with a coach. 1967 saw a Unimog added, and in 1968, we had a truck and trailer pairing in 2 slots (because they did not have twin packs at the time), along with another car and an ambulance. This was that car. The MB46 Mercedes-Benz 300SE. As is often the case, this model appeared as a Matchbox car, just as the real one was finished in production. The Mercedes-Benz W112-series launched in 1961 as a saloon (sedan), with a coupe and convertible following in 1962. The saloon wasn't a big seller, as it looked dated quite quickly. It was dropped after 1965. But the coupe and convertible had a slightly altered side design, with no upwardly raked fins at the back. So they continued on until the end of 1967, and this model of the coupe arrived in early 1968. Typical. When it arrived, it was painted a solid green, which was changed to metallic blue in 1969. As the model was already sporting a suspension anyway, it was quite a quick change to turn it into a Superfast model, with it making the switch in early 1970. However, they still had some blue bodies painted up and so the very first run used up those bodies. Apart from now sporting Superfast wheels, the tristar on the front of the model was deleted off. There is no crossover there, as the tristar was on top of the grille, and the grille was a part of the base section. For some reason, when they made a new Superfast base section, they didn't bother with the tristar any longer.

One of the best things about this model was all the opening parts. The doors and the rear opened. That was definitely unique. We rarely see a model appear with both opening features.

However, the blue was simply the last of those particular bodies not being wasted. It was swiftly turned into a gold look, which was how the model ran for the rest of the time in the basic range. Which was not that long, as it was replaced by a Stretcha Fetcha in 1972. What was even shorter lived was that uniqueness.

They decided that, as a Superfast model, it really should only have the 1 opening part. The doors were quickly sealed up, and those early golds with opening doors are pretty much as hard to find as a blue Superfast. Sealed doors were produced for the majority of 1970 issues, all 1971s and early 1972 before the Stretcha Fetcha arrived.

As was the norm during the Lesney era, models were painted up using whatever paint happened to be there that day. It's gold. Close enough. So you can find many shades of gold throughout production.

I mean, you take out the more gold-looking shades, and you find some that are almost orange, and others that are pretty much brown. They are completely different colours. It is stuff like this that got me into hunting shades.

After the model was dropped from the basic range, it lay dormant for a few years, until they started digging out some older stuff for their new twin pack range. In 1978, as part of their push for more military sets, it was added to a TP-14 pack, alongside the Mercedes-Benz Binz Ambulance, and was now in olive green. 2 things to note. This was not one of the early twin pack sets, so there is no olive drab variant. The olive drabs were on the original TP-14, when a Freeway Gas Tanker and Badger were paired up. Also, Lesney were quite big on castings being altered for twin packs, with many seeing previously open parts now sealed shut. So, after debuting with opening doors and rear, this was now completely sealed.

It may not have had an olive drab variant, but there are still shades to be found. Because, you know, Lesney.

Of course, there are other variations as well. Some models sported dot-dash wheels, while others had 5-arch. You might find models missing labels, although one thing I have not heard of is anybody finding one with chromed wheels.

At the end of 1979, beginning of 1980, 2 major things happened inside the Lesney offices. Due to certain military conflicts, they made a decision to immediately drop all military vehicles in their ranges. Any twin pack issues just ceased production, and basic range models were switched out for new casting, giving some planned retirement castings an extension, and new castings being found with wrong numbers on bases. So, TP-14 was dropped from production, although as twin packs in general were a slower seller, it was longer before they were rotated through stores than single issues. Another major issue was their deal in Japan. They had launched an alternate range in Japan in 1978, and had set up a sub-contractor company to create 4 new castings using the Matchbox name. At first, many models being sold in Japan were actually older castings being brought back in classic looks. But, they set about creating some new looks for those model to debut in Japan in 1980. However, after they received samples of the 4 castings that the sub-contracted company had made, they were not happy. There was some back and forth, a few arguments, and a falling out. The deal for these exclusive Japanese models was terminated, but these new looks for old castings had actually started production. So what to do with them? Well, the easiest thing, they created a 5-pack called MP-1. They just threw 5 random models in these packs and sold them in various stores. There was no rhyme or reason to the assortments, and these packs contained a variety of vehicles. You could find models that were simply those in the factory being made for the basic range. You could find some older castings that were just re-produced in their original looks. Some of those were noted for possibly having odd wheel variations, or other minor differences. But, then there was also the fact that some were those new looks for classic models that were going to debut in Japan in 1980. One was the Mercedes-Benz 300SE, which was going to see a new silver look. It never made it to Japan, and was consigned to these 5-packs. This one right here. My aunt and uncle bought me a 5-pack for my 8th birthday in 1980. It was one of the 5 models in the pack. I still remember getting the pack, as included were 3 models I knew nothing about. I had the 1980 catalogue. It did not mention them. Alongside this was a gold Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and a black JPS Lotus Europa. The Europa was so worn that I ended up replacing it as an adult. But this one, and the Rolls, they are still the ones I had on my 8th birthday, and this model has been with me for just about 44 years now. It is a little playworn. I have never upgraded it. Or even got the variation. It can be found with no chrome on the wheels as well. One day, maybe. The wheel variation will likely come first. This model still brings me much happiness as is. After this, the factory no longer made the model, and it was, sort of, retired.

However, there is an addendum. There is often an addendum. As part of a deal with a Bulgarian company, Universal pulled out some older castings when they took over the brand, and sent them over for production. The inintial contract stipulated that castings had to be back with them within a year, so the Bulgarian factory just went nuts making as much as they could in 1983. In 1984, castings were back with Universal, and the excess stock was sold through. As it was dwindling down to nothing, they requested another consignment. Universal agreed, and a second group of castings were shipped over in 1985. This model was included in that second consignment, and during 1985, into early 1986, the factory were at full speed making as many as they could. It is known to appear in a number of different blues, different reds, different greens and even a gold and silver. Some things were continual. Bases were always silver, wheels were always dot-dash, and it never had any tampo. But, other things changes. Windows were usually clear, but they did make some with a light blue tint or amber. Interiors were either red, black or white. Many combinations exist of these, making numerous different variations to be found.

After these Bulgarian models ceased production, and the tooling returned to Universal, it was mothballed, and never seen again.

I am sticking with Lesney, as I move to the end of the 1970s. This is for the MB059 Porsche 928. It's hard to imagine, but in the 1970s Porsche legitimately set about replacing the 911. They felt that in order to succeed, they needed to move away from pure sports car, and create a sporty grand tourer. Designed by Wolfgang Möbius
and Tony Lapine, it launched in 1977, and Matchbox came about making a model for 1980. Not too far after. The real vehicle actually sold until 1995. Outlasting the model as a basic range issue, but not quite overall. So, let's run through the Matchbox one. You may be wondering about the red. It is a pre-production sample from before it officially started.

It was dated as 1979, but it did not make its debut until early 1980 as MB59-D.

When it did, they decided it should be a metallic tan. Being Lesney, and being a type of brown, just like the Merc I showcased above, this went absolutely nuts. Tan was a 1-year look for the model.

And yet, shades were all over the place. I mean, some came out almost gold in colour.

How should the windows look? Clear? Amber? Dark amber? They really did not care, and just pumped out whatever they were feeling at the time.

At least the interior was easy enough. No, wait. Officially, it has been noted that the interior can be ivory, cream, tan or brown.

Bases? No, gloss black, matte black, charcoal, brown.... Yes, this was all over the place. And with so many crossovers, you could collect dozens of different ones. Wait! The wheels! Always 5-arch. Yes, something that was consistent. Plus, it never had any tampo (although some were found in France in 1982 with Climat labels on the roof).

After exhausting ever tin of tan paint in 1980, they decided to change it in 1981. They turned it blue. Blue was a lot less manic for the variation hunter. Yet, it still was not a simple one.

Again, shades of blue do exist. It tends to be a more simple case of darker or lighter shade.

Again, you might find one with an amber window, although clear is a lot more common. Amber windows are quite a small run here. Most interiors tend to be brown, although some were found to be tan.

They also decided that, part of the way through the year, to change from the earlier black (or charcoal) base into a silver one. There have been reports of unpainted ones being found. I have never seen one. Again, some blues were found in France in early 1982 with Climat labels on the roof.

Talking of 1982, year 3 gave us colour number 3. They really liked switching this one up. Many models would run for years (technically) in their one colour. Yet, Lesney were going nuts changing this one every year. It turned black for 1982, kept the same silver base, but was due to switch the interior. However, they hadn't finished up their stock of brown interiors, so the first ones saw leftover browns thrown inside.

Before it was switched to a red interior for the rest of the year. You might find a shade to the red interior. I have not as yet.

But what I did find was one with no side stripe. Yes, this was Lesney, so anything is possible. I am sure I will one day stumble on one with no tampo at all.

As we know, Lesney went bust at the end of 1982, and the company was picked up by Universal. One of their first acts was to move production of worldwide issues in the basic range over to Macau. ROW exclusives, Convoy and twin packs were left in England for now, and when they discovered US exclusives were being made in Hong Kong at a sub-contracted factory, they stopped that and moved those over to Macau as well. That was the general guide to what happened in 1983. Not a hard and fast 100%, but close enough. This Porsche was worldwide, so was shipped over very quickly.

But, for the first time, it was not given a new look for the new year. It continued in the same black with tampo design it had been during 1982. However, there is one noticeable difference. England - clear windows. Macau - amber windows. Although, there is supposed to be a clear window Macau model. I have yet to see one. Apparently they exist.

I do have another prepro to show off. This was mocked up in 1983, and packaged along with an exclusive look on a Porsche Turbo as a proposed Matchmates set, and was even packaged in a mock-up Matchmates blister with a mock-up Porsche logo badge in the middle. I picked up the whole blister. I now just have 2 Porsches!

So, 1984 came around. Let's go with the easy part. Japan was given an extended range by Universal (as this was completely different to when Lesney were in charge). They took the ROW range, added in many US exclusives, and even rolled over a couple of 1983 models for an additional year. But, they did give them some exclusives. One was a Porsche 928 in silver with a Martini livery. It was sold as MB64 there, and ran from 1984 through 1987 unchanged.

We also saw another silver model for the rest of the world. MB59 continued until 1987 in this look. Silver, with a Porsche 928 and dual blue colour tampo.

Of course, a 4-year run? Yes, this was sure to throw up some variations. The obvious ones are windows. What started off as amber turned clear later on. We also saw some models coming with gold wheels circa 1986. You could flip bases and find extensions to the base around the wheel arches, as they were strengthened when Superfast was launched in 1986.

1986 also saw a G-10 multipack arrive for Lufthansa. The Porsche was included in that pack, and early runs were before the extension being added to the base. I have not bothered with that, although there is said to be an amber window variant. I have never seen one.

As I mentioned, 1986 was the beginning of Superfast. SF-3 was the Porsche, and it came in white and metallic blue. It ran until 1990 when the series was finished up.

Although later on, they decided to knock off Gale Jenkins from the roof.

In 1987, Laser Wheels were added as a different range, although in this case, the model was identical to the Superfast one, except for the different wheels.

This also saw the removal of Gale Jenkins later on. I don't know what he did to upset Universal.

The basic range model finished in 1987. Superfast and Laser Wheels finished in 1990. But, this was not the end of the model. In 1989, Matchbox launched their first premium series. World Class. The Porsche was the first model in the first set, WC-1. For those who like a variation, the last run, which was only found in the USA, moved production from Macau to Thailand. I have yet to find a Thai made issue. Macau ones were found worldwide. Daft fact, with the windows being a mirrored style, they decided to seal the doors on this particular release. It was only on this release, though. After that, they re-opened those doors again.

We then jump forward to 1993. Tyco had just taken over the company, and launched the Smash N Crash playset. Included in the set were 2 unique Porsche 928s. One was in yellow, the other in white. Both featured the Starburst wheels that had been used on Superfast, but these were made in China. In fact, they were the only Porsche 928s that were.

After that, we had just one more outing. Another premium. It was 1997, and JC Penney had a special series of 8 models, along with a display stand, in their Christmas catalogue. Each model was exclusive, and the Porsche was included. This silver was fairly similar to the World Class look from 1989. Except now, the windows were clear, interior detailed, and those doors were easy to open. After this, the model was retired for good.

I jump forward a little for my next model. The MB287 VW Concept 1. When VW unveiled the Concept 1 at the 1994 Detroit Motorshow, the response was overwhelming. This was supposed to be just a simple concept vehicle, but they went back and said we need to build one. Of course, that took 4 years, as although this does look a lot like a modern "new" Beetle, that launched in 1998, the concept was much smaller. The New Beetle was based on the VW Golf platform, but this concept car was actually based on the smaller VW Polo platform. So, when VW went to look at putting it in production, that is why they took 4 years, as they actually had to rebuild the whole thing from scratch at a slightly larger scale. However, in miniature, you wouldn't actually notice the difference. The Matchbox version debuted in the 1996 basic range in red. It was sold as MB49 in the US range, or as MB58 in the ROW range.

Seeing as this was still the Tyco era, Matchbox models were sold continually. This means that production of the entire 75-model set could go on at the same time. As 1997 rolled around, new wheels were being launched, and the last of the 1996 models, which were still in production for a while in 1997, saw the new concave 5-spoke replace the spirals. At the start of 1997, we also saw the first promotional model. This was also red, but now sported real riders, had a grey interior and Mark I VWS logos added, along with detailed tampo. I have not picked one of those up yet.

However, I do have the more regular 1997 stuff. The basic range model was changed from red to green around the middle of the year. We also saw a purple one added to the Cars of the Future 5-pack. Daft fact, both of these models have been reported with an error. The VW logos on them were accidentally printed upside down. Mine are both the correct way up.

If you lived in the USA, you would also have the Gold Challenge. All 75 models from the range were to be issued in a plain metallic gold. This was actually one of the first of the 75 Challenge models released, and they started appearing in January that year. This means that it was produced with the spiral wheels, as it was just before the launched the new wheels style. This is why the 1996 basic saw a change in wheel, as it actually was still being produced after this release. New models and colours were never immediate. It wasn't a case of January, new stuff. They would dribble in through the year. The green change to the basic popped up in the summer. But, for ease of listing things, we say red is 1996, green is 1997. I also obtained a pre-production samples of this in a darker, more solid gold.

1998 saw the first of Mattel's changes. Instead of a model staying in its slot in the series during its time in the basic range, it would now see a new number if it was in the following year. The VW moved to the MB17 slot worldwide, and the orange appeared in February. The first runs saw the error that had been seen on green and purple, and I did find one of these. Do you see the VW is upside down on the left? It was the last time we would see that error, which oddly enough coincided with a move.

As, when Mattel took over Tyco in 1996, they looked at a whole range of changes. Stop the standard 1-75 and release a new set each year. Check. Change 2, move production out of the Thailand factory into 1 (or 2) in China. During 1998, the basic range models tooling was shipped over to China. Later 1998 runs were made there. Now, for those who may not know, Mattel set up a deal with ASAP to supply various blanks. But, they sent over this orange model, along with the tampo printing. However, they sent over a bunch just like this in 1999. When ASAP (and Color Comp) asked for more, they sent over more oranges, but with a black base. Those were made in 2000, but still just like this. I haven't bothered getting one, as it is purely a base variation.

1998 also saw the first premium outing for the model. It was in the first Coca Cola Collection Premiere set in late 1998.

For 1999, the model was moved to the MB18 slot worldwide. However, Mattel decided that Germany should get some exclusive models. So, while everybody else got a white model with side stripes, if you were in Germany, it came in yellow.

We also saw 2 more premium outings for the model. Another yellow release a a part of the Premiere Contemporary Collection. The co*ke liveried model was a Target exclusive, and part of the VW themed twin pack there.

It also saw another promotion in 1999. This was for White's Guide, and came in lime with real riders and detailed tampo. However, I also have a pre-production sample of something they were looking at for White's Guide, as they made a number of those at the time. This was a white one, and had a frog on the side. Obviously....

In 2000, we saw 2 different basic range looks again. By now, Mattel had implemented their "wave" system, with models only being made for so long, and the range being dropped over the year, as they still do now. However, at this time, they basically ran in number order, starting at MB1, and finishing with the last model, depending on the market. MB42 in the US 1-100 series arrived in black with a yellow stripe going over it. And if you lived in the USA itself, the first 10,000 would sport a Matchbox 2000 logo at the top of the window. Then, a month later, the MB34 ROW from their 1-75 series arrived in green.

Late in the year, we saw 2 different red issues. A plain red was a part of the More Cars, Cars, Cars final 5-pack of the year. And this coincided with the launch of new flower wheels, which adorned all of them. We also saw a promotional issue that was given out at Target stores in the USA on November 25.

There were 2 other releases in 2000. I realised too late that I forgot to photograph one of them. A silver FAO Schwartz VW 4-pack premium outing. Oops! But, what I do have, is the model that was included with a Pleasant Book series card book. These were found in bookstores, and each picture book had a story about a vehicle, and that vehicle would be attached to the side of the book. Wash Me included a green VW, and so the green model was attached to the side. It was a different green to the ROW basic range, as shown here. Plus, you can see that it had different tampos, as well as the Matchbox logo on the top of the rear window. It ran for a few years, so we did see a few variations.

As I said, the model ran for a few years, so we saw the wheels change for 2001.

And later in 2001, Mattel altered the base from plastic to metal, which gave us variation number 3.

Talking of 2001, this was the model's final year in the basic range, and for the first time in 3 years, it as a worldwide release. MB60 was black, with a large VW logo on the side. I do have an oddity. I picked it up at my local Toys R Us at the time. Somehow they forgot to tampo the VW logo on the side, but still included a small Matchbox logo. This release does have variations. The first run had a plastic base, before it was altered to metal. The last run saw lace wheels in place of the flower wheel shown here. I have yet to find a lace wheel variant. I am not fussy about a plastic base, as both these are metal.

For 2002, the model was now consigned to other ranges, and we had 3 that year. The USA had a special 50th Anniversary series called Across America. It was logical. 50 years, 50 states. However, it was not technically the 50th year, and they added various other items into the series. So, you know, it worked to a degree. Being the Concept 1, it was for state number 1. Delaware. It was also a part of a two-pack, exclusive to Avon. This was a Kellogg's themed set, and this was white with a Froot Loops design. We also saw the Team Players 5-pack release in silver, featuring an ice hockey theme.

For 2003, it went a little nuts. These 3 are a part of what appeared. At the front, in blue, with a SpongeBob SquarePants theme was a special release in the Convoy series, with a truck in a CY-39A set. At the back, in blue was a licensed 5-pack release for Looney Tunes: Back in Action. It had Pepe Le-Pew and a Paris themed design. The other back model was also a licensed 5-pack. This red one was a standard Looney Tunes release with Bugs Bunny surfing on the side.

The first 3, although not technically exclusive, were mainly found in the USA. However, the other 2 were German exclusives. Red was a Stars of Germany release and we also saw a set of 4 football club themed models released as well. The VW was blue with an FC Shalke 04 design.

And if you thought 2003 was busy, 2004 was even more crowded. There are 8 different Concept 1s from that year. 8! Although, the first 2 are pretty easy. It was a part of a special Easter themed 3-pack, complete with a large rabbit on the top of the tube. However, for fun, they decided to give the model a variation. Half were green, the other half were orange. The other 2 models in the set were the same across both halves.

It was also given 2 different licensed 5-pack releases, just like in 2003. This time, both were in yellow. The SpongeBob SquarePants model featured Pearl Crab on the side. The Blues Clues set featured Periwinkle on the side. At this time, licensed 5-packs were sold as a 5-pack, obviously, but 3 of the models in those packs were then offered as single in alternate colours. It wasn't chosen as one of the SpongeBob extras, but Periwinkle appeared on a Blues Clues licensed single blister in orange.

Phew! Last 3 from 2004. It was added to the Around the World series, exclusive to the USA. This blue model featured Stonehenge on the side. It was also a part of the first Superfast series, again in the USA, and SF48 was in charcoal. Finally, another German exclusive, as it was again in the "Stars of" series, which for 2004 changed from Stars of Germany to Stars of Cars (so they could throw in non-German models in the set). Although there were still German ones in the series. This was in black with a Uniroyal Fun Cup design. After all that, I think the model needed a rest.

Because that is what it got. It didn't reappear until 2008. Nothing between 2005 and 2007. It popped up in a SpongeBob SquarePants licensed 5-pack in orange.

And it returned the following year in another SpongeBob SquarePants licensed 5-pack. This time it was in purple. I count 4 different SpongeBob outings for this model. I guess there was something about it that felt it was suitable as a SpongeBob model. But, all good things come to an end, and for this model, this was it. It retired after that outing.

And this brings me to my final model. And another concept. Back in 2001, Opel showcased a snazzy little concept vehicle. The Frogster. It was a clever little vehicle that could be converted from a roadster, to a pickup to a convertible. A lot was derived from the funky roller section at the back. When the roller was up, it was a roadster. This would cover up the rear seats. If you rolled the roller down, there would be seats in the back to turn it into a 4-seat convertible. However, those seats could be folded flat, in turn turning it into a little pickup. Matchbox created a casting of the Frogster concept, and debuted the MB573 casting in the MB74 slot for 2003. They chose the roadster configuration for the model. Those rollers were covering up whatever is in the rear. And, as this was 2003, the last of the logo years, the first 10,000 saw a Hero City logo added to one side.

And this was straight into multipack use, as we also had a licensed 5-pack release for Looney Tunes. Yes, the same Looney Tunes that had Bugs Bunny surfing saw Wile E Coyote rollerblading.

The 2003 basic range debut in green was a replica of the actual show model, as this was also green. But, for 2004, they simply turned it blue. Same tampo, except no logo, and they deleted off the number (that was a 2003 thing). However, this was MB19 so having a 74 on the side might have been a bit weird. Plus, this was only available in ROW markets. There were only 15 models exclusive to the US or ROW markets that year. The US range saw 15 additional Ultra Heroes (yikes) with ROW markets getting more realistic models.

We also saw 2 5-pack issues for it. The Team Players 5-pack saw a yellow look with a baseball player. We also had a Jimmy Neutron licensed 5-pack in green with Carl Wheezer on the side.

2005 saw a final basic range outing. It returned to green, and this time had a black bonnet with the Frogster logo on it. It was sold as MB17 worldwide. We also had another yellow model, this time in a SpongeBob SquarePants themed 5-pack. This one had Patrick on it. After this, it seemed like the model was retired.

However, out of the blue (or should I say green), the model popped up as a 2014 10-pack exclusive. Again, it was in green, although this was a light matte green. And the Frogster logo was on the rear rollers. The model has not been seen since.

That is it for the dive back section. 4 classics from the Matchbox past, all from German car manufacturers. Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, VW and Opel. I hope you enjoyed the nostalgia. Next week will be back up to date again with more new stuff, that might also be quite topical here. However, until then, I hope everybody has a safe and happy week.

But wait! There is one more thing before I go....

To finish, I will run through the 10 auction lots for the registration auction that Dirk has this year. It is now live, and will finish on Wednesday 26th June at 2pm Berlin time (GMT +2). As I have stated, this auction is not limited to people who are registering. Anyone can submit a bid. Anybody can register and attend Leipzig in September, too. Just send everything to Dirk. He is waiting by his computer. Well, not literally. He has a life! Ha ha! These are also listed over on the Lamley blog as well. As I always say, just make sure not to leave bids anywhere but through Dirk's email address. That is the only way to either register or bid. Good luck and here are the 10 auctions.