Matchbox Mercedes-Benz CLS 500 (MB683) from Best of Matchbox Series 2

Here is the Mercedes-Benz CLS 500 (MB683) from the Matchbox premium line Best of Matchbox, Series 2.

Matchbox Range Rover Sport (MB691) from Best of Matchbox Series 2

Matchbox released the Range Rover Sport (MB691) as part of the Best of Matchbox, Series 2. With premium tires and realistic tampos, the captured the look of the original. What's nice about these models is that they are half the cost of some of the other premium offerings.

Matchbox BMW M5 Police (MB966) from 2017 Best of Matchbox, Series 2

Earlier this year Matchbox released Best of the World - a six-car set of premium models, featuring rubber tires and nicer tampos than what is seen in the regular series. Here is the BMW M5 Police. As it is a premium set, it sports the Best of the World tampos. However, I would have preferred to see it in authentic livery of a German locale.

Matchbox 1971 Nissan Skyline 2000 GTX (MB1022)

Matchbox has recently released its second version of the '71 Skyline as part of the 2017 Regular Series. I'm not up on JDM, but this is a nice looking model. I did a quick search, and have no idea if the color is accurate, but the color and tampos look good.

Matchbox Tuk-Tuk (MB1054) from 2017 Regular Series

Matchbox, new for 2017, released a scale version of a Tuk Tuk, a 3-wheeled auto rickshaw used in Thailand (it is known by different names in different countries). It seems to be a fairly popular casting, as it doesn't seem to linger on the shelves. But, to be honest, given how intermittently the local stores are stocking Matchbox, its hard to tell if its selling or just hasn't hit the pegs. Matchbox, for me at least, is something you have to grab at the time if you want it as you may never see it on the shelves again.

This casting is well done - the tampos are appropriate, being colorful but not garish, and model seems to capture the original.

Matchbox Custom '95 Chevy Van (MB1052) - from the 2017 Regular Series

Matchbox has released a 1/64th scale version of one of its employee's real vehicles - Gerry Codyman's 1995 Custom Chevy Van (see further explanation, here). Matchbox has 2 versions of this model - one with a bike, and the one shown here with jerry cans on the back.

Matchbox 5-pack Hazard Squad -1939 Chevy Delivery Van (MB746)

Matchbox recently released a new 5-pack featuring hazmat vehicles. I like Matchbox emergency vehicles generally, so this set was going into my collection. But the decider for me was the 1939 Chevy Delivery. I wish the tampos were more realistic - I don't fancy the paranormal research decals, and would have preferred not to have the '39 Chevy sporting hazmat markings. But still happy overall with the vehicles, warts and all. Here is the '39 Chevy Delivery.

Matchbox Fire Station - an attempt at a rehab

I picked up a Matchbox Fire Station some time back off of eBay. Wasn't complete, which I knew, but it had been "repaired" and then painted, which was not evident from the pictures. It was sold "as is" and the price wasn't too bad, even for the condition, so I kept it without complaint. The paint was rubbing off, revealing stains from the glue, so I decided to repaint it myself. Couldn't figure a good way to get the stickers off without damaging them, so just painted around them. Here are the before pictures:

2017 Best of Matchbox Series 2 - Volkswagen T2 Bus (MB734)

Here is another example from Matchbox's Best of the World Series 2 - the Volkswagen T2 Bus in Volkswagen Service livery. The tampos on these models is great - well done and realistic. As a premium model, this has tampos on 3 sides. Hopefully this will be a success for Mattel, as I really look forward to a 2018 series.

Matchbox 2017 Best of Matchbox Series 2 - 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400 S

Matchbox just recently released a 6 car series for 2017 - Best of Matchbox Series 2. This is the Lamborghini 1968 Miura P400 S.

Matchbox Jeep Willys Concept (MB575) from Walmart 2016 Jeep series

To commemorate Jeep's 75th anniversary, Matchbox released an 8-car set through Walmart of various Jeep models. Here is the Jeep Willys (as referred to as Jeep Willys Concept), Matchbox number MB575. This was a concept car first presented back in 2001 at the Japan Auto Show.

Matchbox Jeep Wrangler Superlift (MB832) from 2016 Walmart Jeep series

Here is another offering from Matchbox's 2016 Jeep series offered through Walmart. It is the Jeep Wrangler Superlift (MB832), and is based on a real vehicle. Not a personal favorite of mine, to be honest. The card art on this series is well done.

Matchbox 1943 Jeep Willys (MB784) from Walmart Jeep series

Earlier this year Matchbox released an 8 car series of jeeps through the years that was a Walmart exclusive. Here is the 1943 Willys MB, commonly referred to as a jeep. Willys, through mergers, became part of AMC, which was acquired by Chrysler in 1987. Jeep became its own badge, and that is why this is called by Mattel as a Jeep Willys. I like the casting and like this version. For a buck it does a great job of representing the original.

Matchbox Superfast Clipper - Roll-a-matic (SF39A)

Getting caught up and thought I would post this recent acquisition - a Matchbox Clipper that is a Roll-a-matic. A post on the rear wheel causes a feature to move as the toy is rolled along, in this case the rear exhausts. Not my favorite feature, but I can see why it adds play value. I do appreciate the opening cock-pit that reveals a decent interior.

Matchbox 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk - Walmart Jeep Series

Another offering from the 2016 Walmart Jeep Series - the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. This casting is well rendered and looks good in white. 

1998 Jeep Wrangler - 2016 Walmart Jeep Series

Walmart recently had a 8-car series from Matchbox for sale showcasing Jeeps through the years. While none of the casting are new for this series, the tampos and the card art is. Here is MB369, the 1998 Jeep Wrangler. I like the camping gear on the roof. Given that it retailed for around a buck, there is no premium wheels and the tampos are limited, but "Jeep" across the spare tire would have been cool.The card art is nicely done, too. I'm looking forward to getting the Landrover series due out soon.

Dragon Wheels - Volkswagen dragster by Matchbox

Slowly building up my collection of Matchbox Superfast models. Here is #43, the Dragon Wheels. Pretty good shape for its age.

Matchbox Superfast - Maserati Bora (No. 32)

Matchbox released a version of the Maserati Bora (No. 32). I found this one in pretty good shape at a recent show. I like the Matchbox models that have working parts like the doors on this example.

Attack Track (MB965) - Matchbox missile launcher

I've added a number of Matchbox's "Attack Track" (MB965) to my collection with the intent to repaint them. I want them for war gaming, and at $1 a pop, the price is right. Not perfect for what I want, and a little small for 1/72, I'm still glad that I got them. Detailing is good overall, and I'm hopeful that a repaint will bring it out more. The missile bay has no detailing, which is to be expected, but I like that the missile is meant to be detached.

Matchbox AEC Routemaster Bus (MB694) - from the 60th Anniversary series

Here is Matchbox's AEC Routemaster bus from the 60th Anniversary series. The casting looks great with the Union Jack proudly on its side. This is where having a tolerant wife pays off - this was one of my Valentine gifts, and was a mini grail for me. Had to get it from eBay, as I was never able to find it on the pegs.