Where Matchbox is going

[Sir_Matchbox_96]

Hi!
Thats just a small thread of where matchbox is going. (my personal view)
I know many of you don't like the new (newer) matchbox cars produced by MATTEL. Too much plastic on them, too many generics...I share this view and prefer the good old matchbox 1000 times. But between all those negative aspects you should also have a sight for the positive site.
Many companies moved their production in the asian room, as matchbox (Mattel) did, too. This is a simple cost reduction and gives us the possibility to buy matchbox cars at 1 Dollar. (Being located in Germany the price varies between 1€ - 1,99€).

Between all those horrible generics (matchbox self designed, non existing cars), every batch includes lincensed models, which of course are more popular. I will update this thread step by step, but please don't see this as a complete listing..it is not! Other members feel free to support the thread, I know of David tilley collecting the mattel made models, also.

Next to the basic range we had and still have some special lines. Some years ago we had the re issue of the Superfast range, we had 50 years matchbox and 60 years matchbox models (also 55 years? ). We also had several "BEST OF ....." series, Jurassic world specials etc. There are 3 Packs, 5 Packs, I think 9 AND 10 packs plus some bigger sets. A fine thing is that matchbox put a multipack only issue in some packs, similar to the old tesco packs.

For 2016 there is something I personal really like! Mattel released a "Land Rover" and "JEEP" series, including some "older" and updated castings in exclusive colours on exclusive longcards. I finally got both sets complete and I think these are a good thing. We have different cards of the Jeep series for Europe and America (I think), but they only differ in their lettering.
Germany is one of the biggest markets for matchbox but it was not that easy to find them here in the stores. If any German member is interested I would send a list with some stores.

Mattel showed many interesting models for 2017 and I'am looking forward seeing them here in the stores.

And again: you can't compare the new ones to the regular wheel or superfast line. I would rather buy one nice Superfast instead of 10 new matchbox, but it is fun just walking into a store and seeing the brand still existing and alive on the shelves!

Best Greetings,
Linus

[GHOSTHUNTER]

Despite what many collectors think of the past history of Mattel regards toy cars and the products now being produced, we must support them and thank them for keeping the Matchbox brand names alive.

There are worrying rumors about the brand being dropped, it certainly has been given less coverage in many stores in preference to 'Hot Wheels' in recent times, but it is like Dinky, a well respected brand and will live on a range of model cars for many Years to come whoever owns the name.

If and when Mattel sell the name, it would be nice for it to come back into UK ownership with UK specific models again (less of the generic models please!), so thanks go out to David Tilley and to Linus for the above, for keeping tabs on what is happening to Matchbox.

Ghosthunter.

[motorman]

If and when Mattel sell the name, it would be nice for it to come back into UK ownership with UK specific models again (less of the generic models please)

Ghosthunter.

Wouldn't that be just wonderful, a dream come true. Sadly it will never happen so while our friends at Mattel have the licence I hope they continue to try to live up to the name.

[leonty24]

I think that Mattel hoped that when they aquired the Matchbox name they hoped that by flooding the market with Hot Wheels and making the current Matchbox models more diffulcut to find collectors would loose interest in Matchbox models and they would have no competion thankfully they were wrong.

LONG LIVE MATCHBOX.

Mattel i hope have learnt a lesson.

[ClOwY]

As long as we have young blood coming in,which it looks like on this forum
MATCHBOX will live on.
Which ever route/topic they choose,its Matchbox.
Gary.

[jimgallegos]

I was at Mattel 2 weeks ago and had the opportunity to present to the Matchbox and Hot Wheels teams. It wqas fun and I reminded them that the 1st Hotwheels mock up was actually a Matchbox Mustang. In attendance in the audience were every level of knowledge including Larry Wood (retired designer).
Afterwards, I talked for hours with the design team and I can assure you that if what they are trying to accomplish is even partially realized, you will be very happy. These people take a deep sense of pride in their work and have great ideas. As we know, budget rules all. Anyway, there is no intent to kill the brand. They just finished a great promotion at the Japanese Vintage Car show giving away 200 specially packages and labeled Nissan Skyline models. I invited them to join myself and my son at Cars and Coffee the 1st Saturday I was there and they brought the Matchbox Superlift an hour drive on their day off (Saturday) and it was a huge hit. We gave out Chrysler 300 modesl to kids and all attending loved the presence.

I support them and know their love for the brand. They listen to both positive and negative comments and take them to heart. I hope others will look at their love for the brand and offer productive input. Remember, these are design people not distribution. For distribution, ask your local sellers, why don't you order Matchbox.

Enough for now. I saw the 2017 line and 2018 ideas. You are going to like them I think.

[Sir_Matchbox_96]

Many thanks Jim for sharing your insider knowledge. Some interesting points and of course a good direction of the brand!

Enough for now. I saw the 2017 line and 2018 ideas. You are going to like them I think.

You are absolutely right! I saw many previews on Instagram and there are many interesting models planned.

I'am sure not all of our (interested) members saw the 2017 line up, so I would post a picture: I did not took the picture. It was distributed and shared many times, so I'am using it, too. Thanks to whoever took this picture. This showcase was displayed at the matchbox gathering in albuquerque.



We have many interesting models:

Toyota Tacoma with removable tent
A station wagon with removeable canoe
Bmw I3
Mercedes G 6x6 (one with interior for a very special run + one without interior (I think) for the basic range...cost reduction)
Two old Datsun/Nissan models
a single trailer (long time ago we had something like that)
plus many more!

My favourite model is the Volkswagen Golf II Counry! This is an all-wheel-drive version of the Golf II with bull bars and the sparewheel fitted at the boot hatch..etc.
German, but a nice selection of pictures: http://www.autobild.de/klassik/artikel/ ... 00214.html
Whoever had this idea...thank you!

Greetings,
Linus