36c Opel Diplomat

[Idris]

Neither the NAMC’s “Catalog of all Series Matchbox Models” (second edition) nor the AIM's “1-75 Series Regular Wheels” catalogue (second printing, 1983) contain any variations not already listed by Nick. The same is true of Stannard.
Houghton lists two plausible variations: 36c-3 has 1 mm blocks, a gloss black baseplate, no tow guides, and the bumper extension, whilst 36c-4 has 1 mm blocks, a gloss black baseplate, tow guides, and no bumper extension. If confirmed, these models would slip into Nick's table between the 1 mm and 2 mm block variations (i.e. between variation codes 4 and 5). Houghton also lists the sea green variation as having 1 mm blocks, no tow guides and no bumper extension, whereas Nick lists it (as variation code 12) with 2 mm blocks and merely notes the baseplate as being plastic. Is any Member lucky enough to own one of these rarities (I don't think I've ever even seen one!) and, if so, can they please provide details of the bonnet hinge blocks and of the presence/absence of a bumper extension?
U.K. Matchbox did not examine the model.

[johnboy]

Apart from the gold shade that we usually see, there is also a deeper more yellowy gold (models 2 & 4 in the photo). I'm not sure if this could be classed as a variation but maybe worth mentioning. I don't know the timeline off-hand, I would have to dig these models out.

[Diecast]

Just to remember, there are two types of the base plate:
a) without a dot
b) with the dot
Antonin

[Diecast]

three types of the engine:
a) gold
b) silver
c) grey

[johnboy]

Very nice photos Antonin, these are my engine variants:

[Diecast]

Thanks John for the confirmation of the engine variations.
Antonin

[nearlymint]

Picture showing the early baseplate, this would go before code 1. I feel the Turquoise model would go before this one in the coding table not at the end.

Early baseplate

36opel.jpg (46.69 KiB) Viewed 3337 times

J

[Diecast]

Very nice spotted Jason, I have checked my models and I have no variation with the early base plate. My dwarfs must go to dig out again.
Antonin

[nearlymint]

Very nice spotted Jason, I have checked my models and I have no variation with the early base plate. My dwarfs must go to dig out again.
Antonin

Hi Antonin, I was hoping you had the turquoise version to compare.
This is another model that has to be turned over again to check for this variation.
J

[Brad Pittiful]

i dont know whether to be happy or mad at new discoveries...time to add another to the growing list to find!