It is with the eyes and knowledge of a rank amateur that I launch into my posts concerning the YY models I am adding to my collection. With all the above noted, I begin with my observations of the Y5. I don't have an example of the Y5a as of yet. So, far it's been out of my price range for a reasonably decent example. However I have been studying the photos and auctions for the model.
The Y5a seems to be typical old school Lesney with all metal construction (sans tires). The scale of the model is the smallest of this Bentley and I love the fact that it's pure diecast with no plastic. There also seems to be some valuable variations for this model that have captivated collectors. I will continue my quest to obtain a decent example.The Y5b Bentley is also a very nice casting and the one of which I have the most examples. In typical Lesney fashion, it has grown slightly in size and now has a plastic interior. It's a very attractive model with much charm and several variations. It also comes with some improvements such as realistic wire wheels and headlights. The addition of the Union Jack decal is a nice touch. One curious detail is why the base (which includes the wheel fenders) was never done in black.
From what little I know, the last Matchbox incarnation of the Bentley is the Matchbox International example (Y2 it says on the base). It is a sad disappointment for me. The grille, headlights and blower are all chrome plastic. The windscreen, steering wheel, dash, brake lever and interior are plastic. The leather straps that hold down the hood are plastic. The wire wheels are green plastic and worst of all the four fenders and their support are a soft plastic.
I was gifted an example by a seller on eBay (thank you) and it is missing all five tires. I suspect it became a tire donor for one of his other models. The dash and steering wheel are slightly warped and that gives the steering wheel a downward tilt that is most unrealistic.The right front fender has also warped over time and makes the model look as if it's been in a minor collision. The plastic rendition of the leather hood straps have also warped and that causes them to lean forward in an unrealistic manner. The model has nearly doubled in scale size. Yet, unlike most larger scale models, it is lacking on the higher level of detail one associates with larger scale models.
This has brought me to consider only collecting Lesney Models of Yesteryear and not to venture past the change in ownership of the name. That said, there are models beyond Lesney's time that I have collected in the past and some are worthy of being repurchased and added back into my growing collection.
It is my hope that my amateur "review" of the Bentley will prompt some conversation about the mentioned models, their variations and possibly allow other beginner collectors (as well as myself) to see some photos of all variations (including the rare as well as photos of collections) and learn more about this series of Bentley models.
My (sad) Matchbox Intl. Bentley:
