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Matchbox Models of Yesteryear Y-65 1928 Austin 7,
BWM Dixie & Rosengart LR 2

In 1992 the Y65-1 1928 Austin 7, BWM and Rosengart Special Edition set was introduced which contained three models of the Austin 7, One was of a van made by Austin of England in the red? livery of Castrol Oils and a second version which was made under licence by BMW of Germany which was a white open tourer known as a 'Dixie'. The third was a French made Saloon which was painted dark blue which was made under licence by Lucien Rosengart of Paris which was known as the LR 2.
This was the first time that multiple models had been released as a single Y- number (not including the various fathers day sets or giftsets). The models themselves were very small but they were of 1/43rd scale so could be displayed along with the other car models in the range without looking out of scale. Although there are no variations in the Y65-1 set the Austin 7 van has been released as a Y65-2 but as far as I am aware these have all been code 2 models. The Y65-1 was not deleted or replaced but there have been no further models issued.


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Above: Taking the Austin of England Van first, It had a mid red body and roof with a black baseplate. The seats were brown and the grille, headlights, windscreen frame and the 18 spoke wheels were chrome plated, It had black plastic tyres and the "Castrol" logo and signwriting was tampo printed in black, white and orange.
The BMW Dixie open tourer had a white body and a black baseplate. The seats were brown plastic and the folded hood black, The grille, headlights, windscreen frame and the 18 spoke wheels were chrome plated.
The Rosengart LR 2 was a saloon which was painted blue with a black baseplate. It had a textured black plastic roof and a full set of windows, The seats were brown plastic and it had the usual chrome plated grille, headlights and wheels but the wheels now had a smooth center rather than the 18 spoke that had been used previously.
All 3 models are inscribed "Matchbox © 1992 China".

Above: The Y65-1 Ausins were small but very attractive models, Having windows helped but I'm not so sure about the amber windscreen on the Castrol van though.


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Above: A few of the many code 2 Y65-2 Austin vans.

Above: A few more code 2 Austin Y65-2.