75b Ferrari Berlinetta

[Idris]

The NAMC’s “Catalog of all Series Matchbox Models” (first edition) distinguishes three distinct shades of green for this model: light green, green and dark green. It is known that the shades used on this model vary, and Nick has chosen to only consider green and dark green. I therefore do not propose to address this matter further.
NAMC variation 75-2-f is listed as “dark green, yellow/cream interior, silver wire wheels, BPT” (= black plastic tyres). This is therefore as Nick’s code 3 with the exception of the interior.
The AIM “1-75 Series Regular Wheels” catalogue (second printing, 1983) does not contain any unlisted variations, and neither does either Houghton’s “Definitive Guide to Matchbox Toys” (2007) or Stannard.
U.K. Matchbox examined the model in Volume 1 (with a follow-up in Volume 2), but no variations not listed by Nick were identified.

[kwakers]

I believe if a master color collector like George or Antonin were to picture the very well known light green, the more commonly produced mid green, and the last very distinct dark green, we may just have to tweak Nick's definitions of dark green a bit. I do have the variations as NAMC's Bob Brennen listed them without the blue one, just like him. To continue believing and following a color blind Stannard type attitude is just not what Nick's concise Guide should reflect. The last very Dark green at the top right of Nick's picture of the 4 colors should be one with cowls over the headlights. That late production dark green was just so different than the other 2 greens used commonly on the Ferarri through it's life, it is quite unmistakable. Not a shade, not a tint, but a totally darker green that is just about the #50 Kennel Truck green. If that one is noted, it still leaves all the other earlier Ferarris with 2 distinct colors of green. Whether they are called light or medium (standard issue) doesn't matter as long as we treat them properly with their respective codes. The early painted base models are what I call medium (Standard production) green in color. The light ones came mid-production a bit later on, then the Ferrari colors went back into the normal (standard) green and that color carried into the solid chrome wheel production. I personally feel to list some earlier production variations as dark green when they are no where near that last run's much darker color is not at all accurate. There is little sense arguing as we have in the past over "SHADES" of greens, collectors like Antonin, Tinman, George and I have lived through the introduction and the paint changes of these Ferrarris during their production.
I totally agree Idris that we should not set out to change Nick's color definitions, but if we elderly, decrepid (Referring to just myself of course!!LOL) collectors can improve the accuracy of his guide by showing you our store bought models, all of us in the future will benefit from our experience before we are gone and unable to share it. I have learned so much from you youngsters on the Forum, I feel I should step in to teach a bit now and then.
I am sending a couple of models to Joe already to photograph and discuss, 3 or 4 more Ferarris will not interfere with that package I guess. kwakers

[Idris]

Could someone please post a side-by-side-by-side photograph of the three greens so that we can discuss them in an informed manner?

[johnboy]

This is an old photo that I took a few years back, not overly helpful but top left is dark green, bottom left is a mid green and lighter greens are next to that one. Of course there are shades of blue/green and the one bottom right is at the far end of the green spectrum.

[Idris]

This is an old photo that I took a few years back, not overly helpful but top left is dark green, bottom left is a mid green and lighter greens are next to that one. Of course there are shades of blue/green and the one bottom right is at the far end of the green spectrum.

That all looks quite clear-cut and convincing. I suppose the big question is how consistent are these shades? (Judging by Kwakers' post above, my guess would be extremely consistent.)
What do others think? Should we go with the three different greens, or do we stick with Nick's two?

[kwakers]

Johnboy has submitted a photo that shows what a nightmare of paint differences can be found on these Ferarris. I must point out that he doesn't seem to have one pictured with the last casting with the headlight eyebrows. That being said, even without my darkest eyebrow casting model pictured here, taking his top left and first two of the second row gives 3 distinct greens that we noted when they were brand new in their boxes at the stores. The used beater with it's blue-green color paint is of course the one I like best of all. Thanks for Posting this old photo Johnboy, I remember it and my favorite model in it very well. kwakers

[Lummox]

If I may, I think this topic deserves much over-due consideration.
There are of course many shades, but there seems to me to be three very distinct greens in addition to the greenish-blue color.
Forgive me if I am being bold (or mistaken), but perhaps The Guide should reflect these findings.

Dave Id

[nickjones]

Hi David.
I think you could be correct but after 40 odd years of varying amounts of exposure to UV light it is very hard to say.

[nickjones]

I did attempt to update this page as it is clear there is three shades of green plus the bluish green, I was unable to update as I don't know what is missing. ie hub types etc