Matchbox compared to Wiking

[Malibu]

Hi,

most of you might know that I have been collecting Wiking-Models for nearly 35 years too.
Since I started to collect Matchbox models too I always wondered why quite a lot of models can be found from both manufacturers.
Talking with Wiking collectors they always say that it was usual in those days to copy from each other.
Here cames an overview of some models made by both firms.

Wiking Admiral / Matchbox Diplomat both launched in 1966

Diplomat_Admiral.JPG (20.78 KiB) Viewed 1097 times

Jaguar E-type Wiking 1964 / Matchbox 1962

Jaguar_E_Type.JPG (21.11 KiB) Viewed 1097 times

Jeep Matchbox 1962 / Wiking 1966
Jeep Wiking 1962 / Matchbox 1966

Jeep.JPG (22.51 KiB) Viewed 1097 times

Lotus both 1965

Lotus.JPG (21.42 KiB) Viewed 1097 times

MB 220 Matchbox 1963 / Wiking 1966

Mercedes_220_SE.JPG (22.08 KiB) Viewed 1097 times

MB 230 SL Matchbox 1966 / Wiking 1966

Mercedes_230_SL.JPG (19.73 KiB) Viewed 1097 times

Matchbox Caterpillar 1955 / Wiking Kaelble 1959

Planierraupe.JPG (24.27 KiB) Viewed 1097 times

Matchbox Caterpillar 1955 / Wiking Kaelble 1959

Schlepper.JPG (22.42 KiB) Viewed 1097 times

Unimog 406 Matchbox both 1967

Unimog.JPG (20.01 KiB) Viewed 1097 times

VW 1600 TL both 1967

VW_1600_TL.JPG (23.58 KiB) Viewed 1097 times

There are some more models but thats enough for now.
What made me pretty sure that Matchbox copied from Wiking is the MB covered Truck.

MB covered truck Matchbox 1968 / Wiking 1965

MB_Truck.JPG (22.12 KiB) Viewed 1097 times

What makes me so sure is that the window unit of the Wiking model fits nearly perfect into the Matchbox model.

MB Truck with Wiking window unit

MB_Window_unit.JPG (18.43 KiB) Viewed 1097 times

Now I´m spanned about your reaction.
Hope you won´t throw me out the Forum

Stephan

[GHOSTHUNTER]

No Stephan, we won't throw you out of the forum as you did not mention 'Hot Wheels' at all...

Ghosthunter.

[Idris]

No Stephan, we won't throw you out of the forum as you did not mention 'Hot Wheels' at all...

...but you just did!

[Miller]

Nice comparsion, Stephan!

Bye bye, Ghosty!

[GHOSTHUNTER]

Yes bye bye chaps, been nice knowing you...

Ghosty.

[johnboy]

Yes bye bye chaps, been nice knowing you...

Ghosty.

Be seeing you

[ritchie]

Reminds me of a small batch of interesting Matchbox Volvo Container Truck unauthorizedly produced by a Matchbox employee in the factory around 1997

131206180916b60e7458450c39.jpg (23.96 KiB) Viewed 1046 times

[ritchie]

One of my Matchbox / Wiking pairs

DSC_1525s.jpg (25.03 KiB) Viewed 1016 times

[radar]

Nice collection Malibu
The 220 s Benz is a nice model.

My primary aim is 1-75s RW. I also have a few Australian cars in the TRAX Series.
Not forgetting a few King Size, YY, Corgis and Dinky.

Gotta stop now.

[Malibu]

Hi all,

thanks for your replies.
Actually I thought there would be much more interest in how the decision "what model to make" could have done back in the sixtys.

Stephan