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The NAMC’s “Catalog of all Series Matchbox Models” (second edition) has an interesting model listed as variation 16-2F: orange body, 7.5 x 18 BPW, bronze tow bar. Although this strangely-coloured tow bar could be a home-made replacement, it is also possible that it represents use of the same copper(-coated) wire that we sometimes see used for captive axles (such as on the rear of the 75a Ford Thuderbird). If confirmed, this could be added to the end of Nick's table as variation code 8.
None of the AIM's “1-75 Series Regular Wheels” catalogue (second printing, 1983), Stannard, or Houghton lists any variations not already catalogued by Nick.
U.K. Matchbox did not examine the model.

I went to a Train Show two years ago and only bought a mint boxed 57C Land Rover Fire Truck and a used 16B Atlantic Trailer out of a beater box of static raiload display items. I was very excited by the 16B because its factory installed Black Plastic wheels are the tiniest I have ever seen on any Lesney model. Always having my calipers at hand, I measured all 8 of them to be only 7.1X 18 to my amazement, and after asking had to pay the train vendor a hefty one dollar for it. The Tow Bar is orange as is the Trailer, so any thoughts of a pre-production release are not possible. The 16A Trailer had 7X18 metal wheels on a much smaller model, so this one was an easy (and exciting) model to have found even at first glance. Are there any more hidden in other members collections?? kwakers

Idris wrote:The NAMC’s “Catalog of all Series Matchbox Models” (second edition) has an interesting model listed as variation 16-2F: orange body, 7.5 x 18 BPW, bronze tow bar. Although this strangely-coloured tow bar could be a home-made replacement, it is also possible that it represents use of the same copper(-coated) wire that we sometimes see used for captive axles (such as on the rear of the 75a Ford Thuderbird). If confirmed, this could be added to the end of Nick's table as variation code 8.

I have received the photos below from my collector friend who is very familiar with variations and provided narrative and photos for the 17c, 17d, and 17e models in this forum. As you can see, the 16b that is second from the right has the copper (coated) wire (bronze/brown color) that is mentioned above.
I hope that this will serve as additional confirmation that this variation exists so it can be added to Nick's table.
Bill

durangokid wrote:I hope that this will serve as additional confirmation that this variation exists so it can be added to Nick's table.

Unfortunately, since this isn't a casting variation, Martin's Maxim requires confirmation of the existence of a second example before it can be accepted as an addition to Nick's listing.

I have checked my models and I have not unfortunately found the variation with a copper wire.(perhaps I will find something in my spare models)
I would like to mention one unlisted variation:
a) dull orange painting
b) orange painting
Antonin

I thought the bronze/brown tow bar was just an unpainted tow bar, I will have to check my ones as I am sure I have one.
J

nearlymint wrote:I thought the bronze/brown tow bar was just an unpainted tow bar,

No. Unpainted is catalogued separately.

Perhaps Bill can get a picture of the unpainted tow bar with his bronze/brown tow bar. I will need to dig my one out and check.