71b Jeep Gladiator Pick-Up

[Idris]

The NAMC’s “Catalog of all Series Matchbox Models” (assumed 1971 edition) appears to contain typos in the first two entries, which are listed with metal rather than plastic hinges. Continuing the comparison on the basis that 71-2-a/b actually have plastic hinges the only unlisted variation (71-2-f) is Nick's variation code 9 without trim. If confirmed (and it does seem plausible since it would be right at the end of this model's production life), it would be new variation code 10.
The AIM “1-75 Series Regular Wheels” catalogue (second printing, 1983) has variation 71-2-g which is white plastic interior, metal hinges, 10 x 36 BPW, no bonnet posts, but with baseplate patent no. This would presumably slot on between Nick's existing codes 8 and 9.
Stannard and Houghton do not list any variations not covered by Nick's cataloguing, whilst U.K. Matchbox did not examine the model.

[Diecast]

Nice summary Hugh, I can confirm the Jason´s variation with plastic door springs, recessed door opening and with pat. number on the base plate
Antonin

[Diecast]

There are three types of the window rivets:
a) riveted

[Diecast]

b) chisel cut riveted

[Diecast]

c) unriveted

[kwakers]

Could you make a listing of the window riveting types that you have on each of Nick's Codes for us Antonin. As usual, this is ALL new information for us to think about now. Mike Stannard missed these, but the clever Antonin has not! Maybe rather than add new Codes for each type roof rivet used, we could add a column to Nick's listings to show what window riveting is known, A, B, and/or C on each of his existing codes?? Not many collectors will collect in such detail as Antonin and I, but we can document them for detailists that wish to know which are known to exist and maybe even then know in what order the factory used them on this Jeep. (as we have on the 25 Ford Cortina's roof rivets, but in a bit less detail.)
I am now afraid to sell any spares at all Antonin, you have made me want to buy all big lots of Matchbox Toys so I can examine each in great detail. I am afraid this is a sickness with no cure my friends.
I can also confirm that Jeep Nick's code 8 of Jason's, I bought one just a year ago........kwakers

[Diecast]

I will make a proposal for the new list of 71b. It is a good idea with A, B,C..I make it by e.g. small differences in colour, or black base plates.
Antonin

[kwakers]

Thank You Antonin. I still add small notes to my Stannards about gloss black baseplates and flat black baseplates, and also color shades just as you do. If we gave each of these roof rivet variations and color shades their own code, I think it just makes newer collectors unhappy, so they may not continue collecting. Even Stannard could have made some minor variations as notes rather than so many Codes, but maybe that is why he chose to ignore the major color differences we saw from the factory when these toys were new? kwakers

[nearlymint]

Also I have this unlisted variation.Same as code 8 but with posts, also has unrivetted windows. Model is poor but complete and untampered with.

71b

71b.jpg (55.63 KiB) Viewed 1299 times

71b

71c.jpg (84.65 KiB) Viewed 1299 times

J

[nickjones]

Waiting for Antonin's roof rivet variations before I can update this page.