What do you make of this??? Mystery 57b Impala

[Brad Pittiful]

hi Greg...congrats on getting a unique rare model that is your favorite...nothing beats a favorite that is a rarity...good to see you posting too!

[nickjones]

I can't see anything wrong with it Greg. Nice find indeed !.

[Tinman]

Hi Greg, Very nice model.
is the a code 3 ???

What I'm hoping Mike, is that in spite of this odd mix of features, this is a code 1 model straight from the Lesney factory.

I think Mike was asking if it's a Nick Jones Catalog variation code #3 as opposed to the code 1,2,3 descriptions of later models (originally intended to classify promotional models).

I always dislike the use the latter 1,2,3 "code" description in conjunction with Regular Wheel models as it's way to confusing with the widely accepted Stannard and Jones variation code number assignments. Some have even started calling anything modified, after it left the factory, a code 3 (IMHO, that's really incorrect usage and adds even more confusion into the mix).

[matchbox_n_molars]

Hi Greg, Very nice model.
is the a code 3 ???

What I'm hoping Mike, is that in spite of this odd mix of features, this is a code 1 model straight from the Lesney factory.

I think Mike was asking if it's a Nick Jones Catalog variation code #3 as opposed to the code 1,2,3 descriptions of later models (originally intended to classify promotional models).

I always dislike the use the latter 1,2,3 "code" description in conjunction with Regular Wheel models as it's way to confusing with the widely accepted Stannard and Jones variation code number assignments. Some have even started calling anything modified, after it left the factory, a code 3 (IMHO, that's really incorrect usage and adds even more confusion into the mix).

Thank you JP! I can see now that you are absolutely correct. Yes, within Stannard the blue base, gray wheeled model is 'code #3'. I guess I'm a little rusty!

[Tinman]

Below is the full listing of the Ray Bush type of "codes" (which can often cause confusion in regular wheel discussions, as happened in this thread). The Ray bush codes primarily deal with the subject of promotional models. There is a need for such a coding system for models after the regular wheel years and even more need in the Universal and Tyco years when they provided blanks specifically for this purpose. Between ASAP and Color Comp, the waters get quite muddy. Mattel finally put an end to much of this with their decision to no longer authorize code two models.

Code one: Any model wholly produced by Matchbox Toys. The model can be partially manufactured in one factory and altered later in a Matchbox owned or leased facility.

Code two: Any model altered in part or in whole by re-labeling and/or repainting by a second party not associated with Matchbox but with Matchbox's full approval. This includes models manufactured as blanks in a Matchbox owned or leased facility with tampos or repainted by a second party with either specific or blanket approval.

Code three: Any model repainted, re-labeled or altered in any manner without Matchbox's consent.

Code four: Any model that has labels, tied to an event, applied by a company and the models are then given to their employees and customers for promotional purposes.

Code five: Any model that has Matchbox supplied labels applied to a model. There are few examples of this.

Code six: Any model with home made labels applied to a model.

Code seven: These are models with promotional/personal labels but no one knows by whom or how they were done. These are called "Private Issues."

IMHO, These codes (I call them the Ray Bush codes) should not be applied to pre-production and/or prototypes, lunch box specials, color trials, etc. By the same token, applying the term "code three" to one of my restored models is also confusing (since my creations are not for promotional purposes). Same goes for calling some fraudster's wheel swap or decal swap (to create a fraudulent rare model) a code three. I hope this explanation meets with Christian's approval as he generally has more accurate info regarding these particular "code" descriptions. I'll defer to Christian or others if I have errors in my "codes" or my assessment of their purpose.

[Idris]

Below is the full listing of the Ray Bush type of "codes" (which can often cause confusion in regular wheel discussions, as happened in this thread).

I'm at work right now and so am unable to check, but I seem to recall that there was an initial set of codes in Volume 1 (which is what I believe are given here) which was followed by a rationalisation to just three codes in Volume 3.

[Tinman]

Below is the full listing of the Ray Bush type of "codes" (which can often cause confusion in regular wheel discussions, as happened in this thread).

I'm at work right now and so am unable to check, but I seem to recall that there was an initial set of codes in Volume 1 (which is what I believe are given here) which was followed by a rationalisation to just three codes in Volume 3.

That makes sense as many seem redundant.