Matchbox

Matchbox

Matchbox has been producing a range of die-cast toy cars since the 1950s. Since then, the brand has released countless car and vehicle models including some scale models. Some Matchbox cars have been listed as collector’s items, especially car toys that have been manufactured during the midcentury.

For more than five decades, Matchbox has produced toys that eventually transcended into the collectible market. The first generation of these collector’s items were produced through the diecast method. The diecast process involves pouring a type of metal into a mold to create the ideal vehicle shape. Additional details are integrated into the shell later on, with specific parts made from rubber, plastic and glazed material. These car toys are small enough to be placed inside a matchbox, hence the brand name for these toys.

Later generations of Matchbox cars and trucks were made from durable plastic. During the 1980s, product packaging methods for these car toys also changed from the traditional boxes into the blister packs with clear cover. However, the matchbox style of box packaging has been reintroduced in later years to commemorate anniversary collections. This happened in the 2000s when the company recognized the Superfast Series. The car toys were first issued in the 1960s.

Matchbox collectible items can be categorized according to generation. There are some groups of car and truck collectibles that were released throughout the years. The 1953 generation of the vehicle started it all. The first miniature vehicle issued from the brand included the 1-75 series that has a small-scale version of an Aveling-Barford diesel roller and Muir-Hill dump truck. Another popular collectible is the Superfast Series, which marked the brand’s transition in the '60s.

Whether you are a first time or seasoned Matchbox car collector, there are several things to consider when choosing a collectible.

• Age/Generation: Matchbox car collectibles of different age and generation are available.
• Scale: Many of the matchbox models fall under the 1:64 scale. So a typical miniature that they sell in the market have a maximum approximate size of 3 inches lengthwise.
• Design: You can look for variations in the detailing in Matchbox cars and trucks.
• Packaging: The diecast toys in the 1950s feature a box that can fit the vehicle snugly inside. While they look like containers for matches, a colorful graphic of the car model can be found on the outside of the box.