Matchbox Superfast MB74-b Daimler Fleetline Bus

The #74 Daimler Fleetline double decker was converted to SuperFast wheels in 1970 using the same cut channels in the baseplate with short plastic axle clips as the 1-75 series transitional trucks.
Thin solid or hollow 9.5x2mm 5 slot SuperFast wheels were fitted and commonly secured by black axle clips although dark red clips can be found on a tiny minority.
White seats were fitted, and as with any white plastic, they are prone to discolour with exposure to heat, light or chemicals as they age.
The bus was initially painted in the darker shade of red normally used for the #57c Land Rover Fire truck but most are found in the medium red shade used on the #59c Fire Chief. A significant quantity were also painted deep pink.
The baseplate which included the rear engine cover was painted separately from the body shells so it is possible to find any pink baseplate or bodyshell matched up to a Fire chief red bodyshell or baseplate and it has been widely accepted by collectors since 1970 that these are genuine factory mix-ups, although the swap is a simple matter for collectors today.

Standard advertising for the bus was the same ´Esso´ stickers used on the last regular wheels issues. However, Lesney also made some well known short runs for other sponsers including ´Baron of Beef´ and ´Inn on the Park´. Other fairly well known advertisers also feature although whether these were done in the Lesney factory or by outside agents isnt always documented.
The ´Esso´ stickers ran out before production ended so the Swinging London stickers for the replacement #17 Daimler Fleetline can also be found on a small quantity of the #74.
Many of these buses were bought by companies or hobbyists and fitted with advertising that was not made by Lesney and often on top of the original ´Esso´ posters and as such their values and collectability are very limited compared to issues documented made by or with Lesney permission.
These buses were packed in F or G type boxes or USA or Canada blisterpacks with copyright dates between 1969 and 1971.
No further use was ever made of this tooling once the new #17 Daimler Fleetline was released in 1972.