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22b Vauxhall Cresta

Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2016 10:16 am
by Idris
The NAMC’s “Catalog of all Series Matchbox Models” (second edition) lists a number of variations which I am unable to reconcile with Nick's variation table:
22-2E: Bright pink, grey top, clear windows, KGPW
22-2F: Bright pink, grey top, clear windows, KSPW
22-2G: Lilac, metallic brownish top, clear windows, SPW
22-2R: Bright pink, grey top, tinted widows, SPW.
Any suggestions regarding possible matches between the above and Nick's colour descriptions would be gratefully received. (The first, second, and fourth in the list could well be Nick's grey and lilac colour combination but, if they are, the clear windows of the first two make them new variations).
In addition, variation 22-2H (turquoise, metallic brownish top, clear windows, SPW) appears to be a new variation on Nick's "met bronze brown body, sea green sides" group (variation codes 17 to 19)
The AIM's “1-75 Series Regular Wheels” catalogue (second printing, 1983) lists variation 22-2m, which appears to be Nick's variation code 36 (met copper body, 9 x 36 BPW) but without windows. In my opinion, this is probably an error piece, but could it be that the final models were sent out without windows because stocks had run out?
Neither Stannard nor Houghton list any new variations.
U.K. Matchbox examined the model in Vol. 1 no. 12 (Feb. '78) p194 , with a follow-up in Vol. 2 no. 3 (May '78) p47, and lists:
- an all-pink variation with green windows and SPW,
- a cream and turquoise variant (with windows and GPW) in addition to the accepted pale pink and turquoise colour combination
- a metallic brown and turquoise model with windows and SPW
- a metallic brown and lilac model with windows and GPW,
A note explains that the windows are either very pale green (almost clear) or distinct green.
The model was revisited in Vol 7 no. 6 (Feb. '84) p210:
- the all-pink variation with green windows and SPW is no longer listed.
- the two distinct cream'pink turquoise variations have been amalgamated into a single creamy pink listing,
- the metallic brown and turquoise model with windows and SPW is no longer listed,
- the metallic brown and lilac model with windows and GPW is no longer listed.
As a result of the 1984 revisions, it can be concluded that U.K. Matchbox dis not identify and new variations.

Re: 22b Vauxhall Cresta

Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2016 1:51 pm
by GHOSTHUNTER
This is a model that was always going to be difficult to record accurately. The colours available are so widespread and the way those colours are seen and described by different reviewers varies.

If and when the coding of this model is complete and set in stone, there will have to be side notes referencing the guides mentioned in Hugh's introduction to point out the very fact the body colours will always be seen to be different by so many sources.

We have members with many example of this model in their collections and because of this, we can really only use them as a guide to what was made and we need to agree amongst ourselves how we describe the colours, because one Man's Pink is likely to be another Man's Lilac and until we do that this model is going to cause no end of arguments and problems for us.

Ghosthunter.