Lesney Matchbox 67b Volkswagen 1600 TL

Moko Lesney Matchbox 67b Volkswagen 1600 TL

The Lesney model of the 67b Volkswagen 1600 TL was introduced into the Matchbox 1-75 series in 1967 replacing the Saladin armoured car. The Volswagen was originaly painted gloss red, It had a cream plastic interior and clear plastic windows.
To enhance the models play value it was fitted with opening front doors which were sprung by a metal leaf spring that was mounted under the bonnet which was there to hold the doors in the closed position. The baseplate was silver plated and it included the castings for the bumpers and the front lights so silver trim was not needed for this model.
The wheels were 10.5 x 45 black plastic which were fitted with a chrome plated hubcap, These were mounted on dome head axles with rounded ends.
The first issue did not have a patent number or a tow guide on the baseplate but very soon a tow guide was cast in and soon after a patent number was added.
The wheels were later changed to 10.5 x 45 black plastic tyres on 6mm chromed hubs, I have one example fitted with a slightly larger tyre size but can't confirm that the larger tyres were the ones that were originaly fitted by Lesney.
On the inside of the bonnet there were four prongs or studs that held the door spring in place, Later two of the door studs were removed becase the ends of the spring were held in place by the doors and I guess the extra studs just made it even more difficult for the worker to assemble the tiny components.
Shortly before the model was converted to superfast wheels small braces were added to the inside of the front wings, Similar braces were also cast into the Lambourghini miuras rear wings and I think these were added to stop the soon to be introduced flexible superfast axles getting bent beyond use by limiting the amount of wheel travel.
The final issue was released with purple painted superfast bodies fitted, This is a very rare and undervalued variation and rarity wise it is at least on par with the 26b grey barreled cement mixer yet the 26b sells for three times what the VW does.
VWs fitted with the first type baseplate without a pat number or tow guide are also quite rare but have not been added to the pricegude simply because I can't find a valuation for them.
The VW was released as part of the G4 Race n Rally set in 1968 and came with a removable brown plastic roof rack & luggage, I have seen the roof rack included with models in regular 1-75 boxes but can't confirm that they came this way originally.
The Volkswagen was packed in 'E' and 'F' type boxes, It was converted to superfast wheels in 1969.

above: the rare purple transitional issue.

above: some later superfast issues

above: with & without door spring stud

above: with & without wing brace

above: The first baseplate without towguide and no pat no cast.
This appears to be a pre production because it is unplated so it is
very unlikely that any more will be found
photograph courtesy Christian Fakensteiner

above: early issue baseplate with tow guide but without patent number.
photograph courtesy George T Marshall.

above: late issue baseplate with tow guide & patent number

code number general wheels & tyres bonnet interior baseplate type

code 1 red body, clear windows
cream interior, plated baseplate 10.5 x 45 black plastic & chromed hub caps with door studs
no wing braces no patent number
no tow guide

code 2 red body, clear windows
cream interior, plated baseplate 10.5 x 45 black plastic & chromed hub caps with door studs
no wing braces no patent number
with tow guide

code 3 red body, clear windows
cream interior, plated baseplate 10.5 x 45 black plastic & chromed hub caps with door studs
no wing braces with patent number
and tow guide

code 4 red body, clear windows
cream interior, plated baseplate 10.5 x 45 black plastic, 6mm chromed hubs with door studs
no wing braces no patent number
with tow guide

code 5 red body, clear windows
cream interior, plated baseplate 10.5 x 45 black plastic, 6mm chromed hubs with door studs
no wing braces with patent number
and tow guide

code 6 red body, clear windows
cream interior, plated baseplate 10.5 x 45 black plastic, 6mm chromed hubs no door studs
no wing braces with patent number
and tow guide

code 7 red body, clear windows
cream interior, plated baseplate 10.5 x 45 black plastic, 6mm chromed hubs no door studs
with wing braces with patent number
and tow guide

code 8 metallic purple body
clear windows, cream interior, plated baseplate 10.5 x 45 black plastic, 6mm chromed hubs no door studs
with wing braces with patent number
and tow guide

E4	light blue sides,"new model"
E4R	light blue sides,
F2	none

values

with a red body £30

with a metallic purple body £350

values are for mint models in mint boxes

price guide gallery

box gallery

picture gallery

code number	general	wheels & tyres	bonnet interior	baseplate type
code 1	red body, clear windows cream interior, plated baseplate	10.5 x 45 black plastic & chromed hub caps	with door studs no wing braces	no patent number no tow guide
code 2	red body, clear windows cream interior, plated baseplate	10.5 x 45 black plastic & chromed hub caps	with door studs no wing braces	no patent number with tow guide
code 3	red body, clear windows cream interior, plated baseplate	10.5 x 45 black plastic & chromed hub caps	with door studs no wing braces	with patent number and tow guide
code 4	red body, clear windows cream interior, plated baseplate	10.5 x 45 black plastic, 6mm chromed hubs	with door studs no wing braces	no patent number with tow guide
code 5	red body, clear windows cream interior, plated baseplate	10.5 x 45 black plastic, 6mm chromed hubs	with door studs no wing braces	with patent number and tow guide
code 6	red body, clear windows cream interior, plated baseplate	10.5 x 45 black plastic, 6mm chromed hubs	no door studs no wing braces	with patent number and tow guide
code 7	red body, clear windows cream interior, plated baseplate	10.5 x 45 black plastic, 6mm chromed hubs	no door studs with wing braces	with patent number and tow guide
code 8	metallic purple body clear windows, cream interior, plated baseplate	10.5 x 45 black plastic, 6mm chromed hubs	no door studs with wing braces	with patent number and tow guide