65b Jaguar 3.8 litre Saloon

[Idris]

The NAMC’s “Catalog of all Series Matchbox Models” (first edition) states that the non-metallic version comes in both "light red and red" whilst the AIM “1-75 Series Regular Wheels” catalogue (second printing, 1983) comments only that the body colour is subject to several shades.
Neither Stannard nor Houghton has any variations not already listed by Nick.
U.K. Matchbox covered the model twice, both in vol. 1, no. 11 (Jan. '78), p174 and in vol 7, no. 2 (Jun '83), p43 with follow-ups in vol. 7, no. 3 (Aug '83), p94 and vol. 7, no. 4 (Oct '83), p125. The non-metallic shades were described as "dark red to dusky dark pink" in 1978, but by 1983 this had become "non-metallic red of various and considerable shades". Both articles commented on a casting variation to the underside of the bonnet which had a recess on earlier castings, but a central raised boss on later ones. The June 1983 article contains a list of variations where the wheel sizes are consistently 0.5 mm below those reported by Nick. However, since Nick's table agrees with other sources, I would suggest that this is a merely the result of a zeroing error and so do not propose to detail the alleged variations here.
The final UK Matchbox update in August 1983 provides details of a blue 65b which, at that time, was owned by John Marshall of California.The colour is the same as that of the non-metallic 65a. The baseplate is the usual silver-grey on both sides and it is fitted with SPW. There is no glazing unit, but there is a windows rivet present and it was concluded that this represented a pre-production model. (Obviously it would be more reasonable for this model to be metallic blue - c.f. the metallic green 23b. I would suggest that the fact that it is painted non-metallic blue and has no windows points to it being a very early pre-production, pre-dating the switch of the 65a to metallic paint. This could be an indication that either the launch of the 65b was delayed, or the period during which the 65a was painted metallic blue was considerably shorter than the number of survivors would suggest.)

[Diecast]

The listed variations, for better understanding, especially for beginners (I don´t show the chronically known variation of the grill with/without the badge at the top)
Antonin

[Diecast]

unlisted variation, just to remember

[kwakers]

For some unknown reason Idris, it would seem that the 65A Jaguar was painted in both the dark metallic blue, and also the non-metallic dark blue colors all through the life of this earlier Jaguar model. Both 'stock' colors are commonly found with both the early crimped axles, and also with the later riveted axles, indicating this mixed use. This is in fact a Lesney anomaly I cannot explain, but the models seem to have survived in both colors equally here in the U.S. Maybe not in the U.K.? I do not own a non-metallic blue with riveted axles myself, but because they are documented in the AIM, NAMC, and Stannard Guides, they must be available. Because of this later variation, I believe the 65B you mention in this same color is just a color trial that could have well used either type blue paint to try out the 'new' 65B castings before their release in February of 1962. Why a trial non metallic in blue, and then a release in a metallic red? We may never know why, but a nice now well-known color trial anyway without windows........
I also have just a single medium blue non-metallic example I found years ago with crimped axles and no silver rear license plate that has been noted in the NAMC Guide as 'Royal Blue'. It is like a medium blue compared to the stock dark blue models we see every day. kwakers

[Idris]

For some unknown reason Idris, it would seem that the 65A Jaguar was painted in both the dark metallic blue, and also the non-metallic dark blue colors all through the life of this earlier Jaguar model. Both 'stock' colors are commonly found with both the early crimped axles, and also with the later riveted axles, indicating this mixed use.

That makes an awful lot of sense, Dick (and is blindingly obvious now that you've pointed it out!).

[Diecast]

As Hugh and Dick have mentioned here, there should be a blue 65b Jag. Yes, there is:

[Diecast]

The blue Jag has almous clear windows (with very small undertone of green).

[Diecast]

Typically 65b have the green tinded windows, only the very first one have clear windows.
Antonin

[Idris]

Good to see you posting again, Antonin.
Any significant casting differences between the blue Jag and the production issue?

[Diecast]

Hi Hugh,
I am glad to be back. The blue Jag has no visible casting differences. It has no silver trim, GPW ø9,5x20, clear windows, silver grey painted base plate.
Antonin