Matchbox Model cars - Collection in Stock

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Illustration Voitures Rétros Vintage France
The ladder war that nearly destroyed Matchbox

A captivating story awaits you in your inbox to delve behind the scenes of this iconic model car brand.

Did You Know? Anecdotes and Curiosities about our Miniatures

What is the origin of the name 'Matchbox' for these famous model cars?

The name 'Matchbox' comes from the fact that the first cars were sold in small boxes the size of a matchbox. This brilliant idea by Jack Odell in 1953 made it easy for children to carry their cars in their pockets.

What is the most sought-after Matchbox model among collectors?

The pink 1969 Volkswagen Beach Bomb is considered the Holy Grail for Matchbox collectors. Only two examples are known to exist, and one of them sold for over $72,000 at auction, making it the most expensive model car ever sold.

Why do some Matchbox cars have 'Superfast' wheels?

The 'Superfast' wheels were introduced in 1969 to compete with Mattel's Hot Wheels. These smoother-rolling wheels allowed the cars to travel much faster on the track, transforming Matchbox from a brand focused on realism to a more performance- and play-oriented approach.

How to identify a real vintage Matchbox from a reproduction?

Genuine vintage Matchboxes have several distinguishing features: the 'Lesney' marking under the base (until 1982), a distinctive matte paint finish, fine molded details, and most importantly, a heavier weight due to the metal used. Modern reproductions are often lighter and have a shinier finish.

What technical innovation did Matchbox bring to the world of model cars?

Matchbox revolutionized the industry in 1966 with the introduction of 'opening parts'—hoods, doors, and trunks that actually opened. This innovation added a new dimension of play and realism, inspiring the entire model car toy industry to follow suit.