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 Aero Junior (MB428) - from the 2000 Regular series

Here's another unusual casting from Matchbox - the aero junior ultra light (MB428) from the 2000 Regular series. Flea market find for $0.50, and a welcome addition to my die-cast aviation collection.

Matchbox Golf Cart (MB449) - #75 from the 2000 Regular series

I really appreciate that Matchbox will do the occasional off-beat vehicle - not everything has to be a muscle car. Here is a 1:56th scale golf cart from the 2000 Regular series. It is a perfect representation of its real-life counterpart. Not sure where it fits in my collection, but as I got it for 50¢, buying it was a no-brainer.

Matchbox Jeep Willys 4x4 (MB955)

Another recent Matchbox offering - here is the Jeep Willys 4x4. I love the slab-slided look of it, and it really shows its roots from the humble WW II jeep. Matchbox is really adding some nice castings to its line, and I'm looking forward to their 2016 offerings. Can't tell with just a cursory search what year this model represents.

Matchbox 2015 Ford F-150 Contractor Truck (MB970)

I've  only found one of these on the pegs, so they are either rare, popular, or both. Here is one of Matchbox's recent offerings, the '15 Ford F-150 Contractor Truck, MB970. The decals are well done, and it is a good representation of its subject. Will look good on any construction site.

Matchbox Peterbuilt Cement Truck

From the 1998 Regular Series, here is an older casting from Matchbox. It is the Peterbuilt Cement Truck (MB019). I appreciate the fact that Matchbox included a driver figure, but he looks pretty cadaverous in chrome. The plastic on the card has become brittle and split, so I was able to get this for only $0.50.

Matchbox Formula Racer (MB246) - 1997 Regular Series

A flashback to an older Matchbox - the Formula Racer (MB246) from the 1997 series (74 of 75). Also sold as "Williams-Renault FW 14 B".

Matchbox AEC Routemaster Bus (MB694) from the 2008 Regular Series

Matchbox makes a number of bus, including a variety of the iconic double-decker buses that drive throughout London. From Wikipedia: "The AEC Routemaster is a double-decker bus designed by London Transport and built by the Associated Equipment Company (AEC) and Park Royal Vehicles." Here is one of the more recent offerings from Matchbox, the Routemaster bus from 2008.

Matchbox Volkswagen Concept 1 from 1997 Regular Series (49 of 75)

Hard to belief that this is 18 years old. Here is Matchbox's VW Concept 1 (MB267), reported at 1:61 scale. Looks good for its age. I have 3 variants of these in my collection.

Matchbox International Workstar Brush Fire Truck (MB939)

One of many Matchbox firetrucks in my collection. Here is a 2007 International Workstar Brush Fire Truck from Matchbox's 2015 Regular Series.

Also, still offering free die-cast from Matchbox and Hot Wheels - details here.

Matchbox Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG from the 2005 Regular Series (MB673)

Here is another Matchbox model that looks great. It's MB673 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG from 2005. It has a nice paint job, nice lines, and nice tampos, including a EU license plate. Matchbox says it 1:61 scale, and I have no reason to disbelieve that. Even the interior has a fair amount of detail. As Matchbox is not as popular here with collectors, got it for $0.50 on the card - cheaper than when it was in the stores.

Matchbox GHE-O Rescue (MB976) from 2015 Regular Series

Here is MB976 from the 2015 Matchbox regular line. It is the GHE-O Rescue, based on a real vehicle. Looks a lot like a HMMV. I've picked up some duplicates and may try to repaint them for a futuristic army.

Matchbox 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit

Here is Matchbox 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit in St. Ursula County livery. This is MB933, which is a re-worked version of MB846. The flat black paint is particularly effective in my opinion.

Matchbox 1966 Dodge A100 pickup (MB862) from 2015 Regular Series

Here is my final example of Matchbox's Dodge A100 pickup. This is from the 2015 Regular Series. Hopefully Matchbox will release some additional variations of this lovely casting.

Matchbox 1966 Dodge A100 (MB862) - MBX Auto Parts livery

Here is the 2014 Regular Series version of the 1966 Dodge A100 pickup sporting "MBX Auto Parts" livery. I've only seen this one on the pegs, so I feel lucky to have found it. The purple really works on this casting.

Matchbox 1966 Dodge A100 (MB862)

Here is the Matchbox 1966 Dodge A100 from the 2013 Regular Series (MB862). It is a great model from Matchbox, and shows what type of realism Matchbox can put into a 1/64 model and still sell it for under a buck.

Matchbox 1969 Cadillac Sedan Deville (MB739)

Here is the latest version of Matchbox MB739, the 1969 Cadillac Sedan Deville. Grabbed the only I found on the peg, and wished that there were more. Per the Lamley Group, availability of the Matchbox line should be improving. I hope so, because when Matchbox has a hit with one of its models, its a real knock-out.

Matchbox Hummer H2 SUV Concept (MB526) from 2006 Regular Series

I got this piece, 2 for $1.00, from a dealer in Indianapolis. It's a 1/72 scale Hummer H2 SUV Concept (MB526) from the Matchbox 2006 line.

Matchbox Jeep Hurricane Concept

From the 2006 Matchbox lineup, here is the Jeep Hurricane Concept in military markings. As it never left the prototype stage, and the mechanics of this are presumably fairly complex, probably too delicate for military service. But a good looking model nonetheless.