Help identifing lotus

[rikinada]

Hi there, I don't know much about Matchbox other than I loved them as a kid. I have this Lotus with "TEAM LOTUS" decals. I can't find any other cars with these decals but they fit perfectly. Also I don't know if my box is original or re pop. This is my first post but I have been reading the forums and enjoying all the info

[Idris]

First of all, welcome to the Forum and thank you for the kind words.

The 19d Lotus is an interesting one, and I’ve not seen one like it before. Having said that, I am worried that the “Team Lotus” decal is actually fractionally too long for the model, suggesting that it has come from elsewhere. However, a quick Internet search has failed to throw up any plausible donors.

[rikinada]

Thanks for the info. I noticed the length as well. what are your thoughts on the box? Also what is the best way to re-size photos when uploading.

[yellowfoden]

........ what are your thoughts on the box? ........

Hello and welcome to the forum rikinada

19d Lotus

To help you identify if your 19d Lotus box is genuine or aftermarket here are some tips

Firstly your box is what is termed an E box of which there are 6 known variations and you can see these on Pat's site.
Inside the card stock should be a light cream/tan colour.
The next thing and the hardest to fake or replicate is that there are 12 machine folds to this box and each fold has a half tube shape or profile. Second image shows this.
Having the box in your hand is much better than trying to decide on line where some repro box makers have some product which very good at confusing some collectors.
Old matchbox boxes also have this odour which new card stock does not have.
There are a couple more finer points that experienced collectors will be aware of but see how you go with checking the folds.

Here are a couple of images to help you out and you can see that even though the photos were only taken a few seconds apart one is lighter in colour than the other. The darker colour (image 1) is closer to correct.

And welcome to the forum.

Bert

[GHOSTHUNTER]

Sniffing boxs is the most useful scientific experiment to carry out on model car boxes and one of the easiest things to do at toy collectors fairs because you always have the equipment with you...your nose

Ghosty.

[rikinada]

Thank you with the box info. I now believe my box is original. And now, what is your best guess on the decals? Thanks again