Matchbox (brand) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Matchbox

Speciality store for Matchbox collectibles in Berlin, Germany, 2015
Type	Toys, scale model vehicles
Owner	Mattel (since 1997)
Country	United Kingdom
Introduced	9 July 1953; 71 years ago (1953-07-09)
Related brands	Powertrack
Markets	Worldwide
Previous owners	Lesney (1953–82) Universal Toys (1982–92) Tyco (1992–97)
Registered as a trademark in	United States

Matchbox is a famous toy brand that started in 1953. It was created by a company called Lesney Products in the United Kingdom. Today, Mattel owns the brand, having bought it in 1997.

The name "Matchbox" comes from how the first toys were sold. They were small die-cast vehicles packaged in boxes that looked just like matchboxes! Over time, Matchbox grew to make many different kinds of toys. These included larger metal models, plastic model kits, slot car racing sets, and even action figures.

In the 1980s, Matchbox started using plastic and cardboard "blister packs" for their toys. This was similar to how other toy car brands, like Hot Wheels, sold their products. However, in the 2000s, the classic matchbox-style packaging came back for collectors.

Today, Matchbox still sells detailed plastic and die-cast vehicles. They also make toy garages for their cars.

History of Matchbox Toys

How Matchbox Started: The Lesney Years

The Matchbox brand began in 1953 with a British company called Lesney Products. The company was founded by John W. "Jack" Odell, Leslie Charles Smith, and Rodney Smith. The name "Lesney" was a mix of Leslie and Rodney's first names.

Their first big success was a model of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation coach. They sold over a million of these! Jack Odell then had an idea for a new toy. His daughter's school only allowed toys that could fit inside a matchbox. So, Odell made a tiny version of a road roller. This small toy became the very first in the famous 1-75 miniature series. A dump truck and a cement mixer soon joined it. These three toys started the huge success of the Matchbox series. The company decided to sell these tiny models in replica matchboxes, which gave the brand its name.

More models were added throughout the 1950s. These included cars like the MG Midget and the Ford Zodiac. The collection also became more international, with models from Volkswagen and Citroën. Designers took detailed photos and even used original blueprints of real vehicles. This helped them create very detailed models, even at a small size. Because they were so small, Matchbox toys fit into a unique market. They were also very affordable. This made "Matchbox" a common word for small toy cars, no matter the brand.

Growing Bigger: The 1-75 Series and More

In the early days, a company called Moko helped sell Matchbox toys. You could even see "A Moko Lesney" on the boxes. Lesney became fully independent from Moko in 1959. This led to a period of great growth for the company.

Early Matchbox models were made entirely of metal. They didn't have windows or interiors. By 1968, Matchbox was the best-selling small die-cast car brand in the world. By then, most models had plastic windows, interiors, and rubber tires. They also had working parts and were about 3 inches (7 cm) long. Some even had steering! The range included many different vehicles. There were lorries, buses, tractors, motorcycles, and trailers, as well as regular cars.

At this time, three British toy brands were very successful: Dinky, Matchbox, and Corgi. Each had its own special place in the market. They also learned from each other's new ideas.

As Matchbox grew, they added four more die-cast toy lines in the 1950s and 60s:

• Models of Yesteryear: Started in 1956, these were models of old-fashioned cars from the steam and early car eras.
• Accessories Packs: Also from 1956, these included things like petrol pumps and garages.
• Major Packs: Added in 1957, these were larger models, often of construction vehicles.
• King Size: Introduced in 1960, these were bigger trucks and tractors. Later, they included cars similar in size to Corgi and Dinky toys.

Facing Challenges: Competition and Superfast Cars

Matchbox mainly focused on its smaller cars. Other brands tried to compete, but none were very successful until Mattel introduced Hot Wheels. Hot Wheels cars had special "racing" wheels that made them super fast. These models were bright, metallic, and had cool "mag" wheels. They were also heavily advertised with race tracks and other accessories. Hot Wheels often featured American-style cars. In 1969, another US competitor, Johnny Lightning, entered the market. This caused Matchbox's sales in the US to drop.

Lesney quickly responded by creating the Superfast line. They changed their 1969 cars to have low-friction wheels. At first, the wheels were narrow, but soon new models with wider tires appeared. They also released racing track sets. The King Size range was also updated with Super Kings (trucks) and Speed Kings (cars).

By the mid-1970s, Matchbox was strong again in the world market. They even added some fantasy vehicles to their line. The 1-75 series also included Rola-Matics (cars with moving parts) and Streakers (cars with cool designs printed directly on them).

New Lines and Collector Focus

Matchbox tried to expand its brand even more. They introduced several new lines:

• Sky Busters: A range of model aircraft, including planes from different eras.
• Battle Kings: Military models.
• Sea Kings: Naval models.
• Adventure 2000: Science fiction models.
• Two Packs: Models with an attached trailer.

Some of these new lines, like the early Battle Kings with metallic paint, didn't sell well at first. But later versions with more realistic colors were popular. Only Sky Busters and Two Packs continued for a long time. The Convoy series of big truck-trailers grew out of the Two Packs line and is still around today.

Matchbox also started to connect with collectors. They went to collector meetings and shared information. This led to creating special models just for collectors. They also made commercial vehicles with old advertisements for brands like Coca-Cola. These "promotional" models became very popular and profitable. This showed that there was a big market for special, limited-edition models.

Tough Times and New Owners

By the late 1970s, Matchbox faced financial problems. This was mostly due to the economy in the United Kingdom. In June 1982, Lesney went bankrupt. The "Matchbox" brand name, along with its tools and molds, was sold to Universal Toys and David Yeh. Jack Odell, one of the founders, started his own company called Lledo (Odell spelled backward). He made toys similar to the Yesteryear line.

Universal Toys renamed the company "Matchbox International Ltd." They moved most of the production to Macau. During this time, Matchbox also bought the rights to the famous Dinky brand. Dinky toys were another important name in die-cast collecting. New Dinky models were created, focusing on classic cars from the 1950s.

Because labor costs were high in Hong Kong and Macau, Universal moved production to mainland China in 1984. The first Matchbox toys with "China" on their base were made in 1985. Production later moved to the Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand.

Mattel Takes Over

In 1992, Universal Toys sold Matchbox to Tyco Toys. Then, in 1997, Mattel bought Tyco's toy division. This meant Matchbox and its old rival, Hot Wheels, were now owned by the same company.

Many Matchbox collectors were worried about this. Hot Wheels and Matchbox fans often felt strongly about their favorite brand. Matchbox collectors thought Hot Wheels cars were less realistic. They feared Mattel would change Matchbox to be more like Hot Wheels. However, Mattel promised that Matchbox would stay separate. They said Matchbox would focus on realistic vehicles, while Hot Wheels would make fantasy cars. To show this, some realistic Hot Wheels models were even rebranded as Matchbox.

In 2002, for its 50th anniversary, Sky Busters returned. In 2003, Mattel tried a new idea for Matchbox called Ultra Heroes, which were fantasy vehicles. Collectors didn't like them, and they didn't sell well. The next year, a new team at Matchbox decided to go back to making realistic, detailed models. Most of these were based on real cars, especially American ones. The old Matchbox logo also returned, showing a commitment to the original idea.

In 2004, Mattel launched a special "35th Anniversary of Superfast" series. These models came in classic "retro" boxes. They were limited edition and sold very well. More Superfast series followed in later years. In 2021, the Superfast series was replaced by the Matchbox Collector line. These collector-focused vehicles have more details, like opening parts and rubber tires.

In 2019, Matchbox launched the Moving Parts line. These vehicles have opening features like hoods and doors. Some even look like older Lesney models. These cars usually cost more than regular Matchbox cars.

Matchbox Goes Green

On April 15, 2021, Matchbox announced a big change. They plan to make a 1:64 scale Tesla Roadster in 2022. This car will be made from 99% recycled materials and will be carbon neutral. This is part of Matchbox's plan to become more environmentally friendly. They aim to make all their cars and packaging from 100% recycled materials by 2030.

Matchbox also released an EV-themed car pack. It includes models like the Nissan Leaf and BMW i3. They also announced that EV charging stations will be in two playsets. This is to encourage kids to think about the environment.

Matchbox Product Lines

The "1-75" Series: A Classic Collection

Lesney slowly increased the number of models in its main Matchbox Series. It went from three in 1953 to 75 in 1960. The "1-75" range then stayed at 75 models for almost 40 years. When a new model was released, an old one was stopped, and its number was reused. This meant that display stands only needed space for 75 models.

Later, Mattel expanded the US Matchbox series to 100 models in 1999, but changed it back to 75 in 2001. The US range grew again to 100 models in 2008, then to 120 in 2012, and 125 in 2016. These changes didn't happen in all countries.

For many years, the "1-75" series number was molded onto the bottom of each car. But this stopped when Matchbox started making different lines for different countries. Now, a unique casting number (like MB687) is on the base. The "1-75" series number is printed on the packaging.

How Big Are Matchbox Models?

Matchbox cars mostly come in two sizes:

• Smaller models: The "regular size" (like the 1-75 series) are often called 1:64 scale. They are about 2.5-3 inches (6.5-7.5 cm) long. However, their actual scale can vary a lot.
• Larger models: Matchbox also made models around 1:43 scale. These were called "King Size," and later Speed Kings or Super Kings. They are about 3.5-4 inches (9-10 cm) long. This was similar to the size of Corgi or Dinky models. Designers liked this bigger size because it allowed for more detail. These 1:43 models are still made, but they are mostly sold to collectors, not as toys.

Plastic Model Kits

Matchbox started its own plastic model kit division in the UK around 1972. They focused on 1:72 scale military aircraft and 1:76 scale military vehicles. They competed with the popular Airfix company. Matchbox kits were unique because their parts came in two or three colors, unlike Airfix's single-color plastic. The boxes were also colorful and had clear windows. Matchbox military vehicle kits even came with a small display base.

Later, Matchbox bought an American kit maker called AMT Corporation. They continued AMT's line of 1:25 scale cars and trucks.

Matchbox kits were well-made, but some people felt they lacked fine detail compared to other brands. They were also as complex to build as other kits. The company eventually stopped making model kits. The hobby was declining, and Matchbox sold AMT to the Ertl Company.

Original Matchbox model kits are now highly collectible.

Types of Kits Matchbox Made

• 1:72, 1:48, 1:32 scale aircraft
• 1:32, 1:76 scale military vehicles
• 1:76 scale soldiers
• 1:700 scale ships
• 1:32 scale cars
• 1:12 scale motorcycles

Today, the Matchbox model kit molds are owned by Revell Germany. Revell sometimes re-releases the old Matchbox kits under their own label.

Other Cool Matchbox Products

Matchbox has made many other products over the years. They published collector catalogs every year. They also made cases for kids to carry their 1-75 cars. From 1957, they offered toy garages with Esso or BP logos.

They also made jigsaw puzzles, race track sets, and a plastic wall-display system. There were even slot-car systems called Matchbox Motorways.

Matchbox also tried making dolls, including pirate dolls and baby dolls. They marketed many other non-die-cast items too.

Matchbox Airplanes: Sky Busters

As mentioned, Matchbox also made die-cast airplanes called Sky Busters. These models were for kids, but also for airlines. Airlines like Aeroméxico, Air France, and British Airways sponsored these models. Some early Sky Busters included the Learjet and Boeing 747.

The Sky Busters line has come and gone over the years. Today, Mattel releases new models each year. While some real airlines like American Airlines and UPS have models, many jetliners are released under made-up airline names like Matchbox Airlines. The Sky Busters line is still being produced today.

Matchbox Motorways: A Unique Track System

In the late 1960s, Matchbox sold a track system called Matchbox Motorway. This system used hard plastic tracks that looked like concrete roads. Electric motors along the track drove continuous spring loops. Small pins on the bottom of Matchbox cars would connect to these springs, pulling the vehicles along the track.

There were three main sets: M1, M2, and M3. Set M1 was a simple oval track. Set M2 was a figure-of-eight track. Set M3, called 'Switch-A-Track', had a single motor in a central roundabout. It allowed cars to change lanes using rocker switches.

Slot Cars: Powertrack

In the late 1970s, Matchbox also made slot cars called "Powertrack" or Speedtrack. These cars even had working headlights! Some Powertrack models were also released as regular Matchbox 1-75 cars. Other Powertrack sets included a lane changer and a Race and Chase set with a police car that could jump.

Toy Soldiers

Also in the late 1970s, Matchbox made a small range of 1:32 and 1:76 Second World War toy soldiers. They competed directly with Airfix. Matchbox sets had fewer figures but included unique weapons like flame-throwers. They also had special figures like Montgomery and Rommel. The figures were popular because they were well-made and had different poses.

Action Figures

During the 1970s, Matchbox created its own action figure lines. These included Matchbox Fighting Furies (pirate and cowboy figures) in 1974. They also made Mobile Action Command, which were plastic figures with rescue vehicles. From the 1980s, their action figures tied into TV shows like Robotech and Voltron. Matchbox stopped making most of these lines when Tyco bought them.

Video Games

In the 1990s and early 2000s, Matchbox released several video games. These games were based on their model vehicles, especially construction and emergency vehicles. Gameplay involved action sequences like stopping a robbery with a police car in Motor City Patrol. These games were made for different platforms, including Game Boy and Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).

There were plans for more Matchbox games on the NES, but only Motor City Patrol was released in North America.

Main Die-Cast Series Overview

Here are some of the main die-cast toy series Matchbox has produced:

• 1-75: The main series, also called the regular or Superfast series.
• Accessories: Sets with garages and other items.
• Models of Yesteryear: Classic vehicles from the past.
• Major Packs: Larger models, often construction vehicles.
• King Size: Bigger trucks and tractors, later Super Kings and Speed Kings.
• Scorpions: Rechargeable battery-powered cars.
• Sky Busters: Model aircraft.
• Two Packs: Models with trailers, later called Hitch 'n Haul.
• Battle Kings: Military models.
• Matchbox Military: Military vehicle sets.
• Sea Kings: Naval models.
• Adventure 2000: Science fiction models.
• Convoy: Articulated truck-trailers.
• Dinky: Classic die-cast models (Matchbox bought the brand).
• Real Working Rigs: Detailed working trucks (started in 2009).

Matchbox also sold Gift Sets (numbered G-#). These sets included models from different ranges. They were updated regularly and sometimes had special color variations.

Collecting Matchbox Models

Just like stamps or coins, Matchbox models became popular items to collect. The value of a collectible Matchbox model depends on a few things:

• Rarity: How few of them were made.
• Condition: How good of shape the toy is in.
• Popularity: How much people want that specific model.
• Packaging: If it still has its original box or blister pack.

Rarity and Variations

Some models are very rare because only a few were made. This wasn't always planned. For example, a mold might have broken, or a model might have been unpopular and quickly replaced. This meant fewer of them reached the market.

Variations are small changes made during production. These can be changes in materials, the molds themselves, or the colors. For example, early Matchbox models were all metal, even the wheels. But later, they switched to plastic wheels, first silver, then grey, then black. So, a model from the 1950s might have been made with four different wheel types. Some wheel types might be much rarer than others.

Molds are sometimes changed due to problems with the toy or production. These changes can be tiny and hard to see. If a problem was found early, fewer of the first versions were made, making them rare.

Color changes were less common in the past. Most models were made in only one or two main colors. But you also have to consider the color of the baseplate, interior, and windows. Changes in different parts can create many variations.

Age also makes a model rare. A model made in the 1950s is likely much rarer today than one made in the 1980s, even if similar numbers were produced.

Condition Matters

The better the condition of a model, the more it's worth. Conditions are usually described as: mint, excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor. A "mint" model, meaning it looks brand new, is worth much more than a toy with chipped paint or broken parts. However, the condition must be original. Repainting or fixing a model greatly lowers its value.

Packaging Adds Value

Having the original packaging can significantly increase a model's value. A "mint boxed" model can be worth 50-100% more than the same model without its box. This depends on the model's age, the box's condition, and even variations in the box design.

Box designs changed often. Some boxes or model/box combinations were produced in smaller numbers, making them hard to find. For example, the first seven 1-75 models came in "A Moko Lesney" boxes with "Moko" written in a special script. These boxes are extremely valuable today.

Even with blister packs, packaging is still important. But because the "box" concept is so key to Matchbox, a box usually adds more value than a blister pack.

Popularity's Role

A model's popularity affects its value. For example, if a cool sports car and a less exciting military vehicle were made in the same numbers in the 1950s, the sports car likely sold out faster. Its value was higher then.

Even if many sports cars were made, they were often played with a lot, so finding one in good condition is hard. People also tend to keep popular models as "treasures." This makes them harder to find on the collector's market. Meanwhile, less popular models might still be found in mint condition with their boxes. Since the sports car's popularity often lasts, its value continues to go up.

Cataloging and Pricing

Matchbox models and their variations have been coded and cataloged by collector clubs. Values have been roughly set. Many books for collectors describe the different Matchbox ranges, models, and variations. These books are available in English and other languages.

While many books include price guides, there's no exact agreement on a model's monetary value. The prices in publications give general information, but they can change a lot in the collector's market.

Special Editions: Regional and Promotional Models

Regional Issues

By the 1960s, Matchbox realized they could sell more toys by making special models for certain countries. For example, Germany was a big market. So, Matchbox created a special version of the #25 Bedford Tanker for Germany. It was blue and white with Aral decals, instead of its usual yellow and white BP colors. This was the first "regional issue."

This idea worked well and expanded in the late 1970s and 1980s. More models were made for Germany, including police cars and trucks with German logos. The idea then spread to other countries like Australia and Denmark.

For a short time, Matchbox also licensed production in other countries. They made some models in Japan based on Japanese cars. They also licensed production to groups in Hungary and Bulgaria. These countries produced standard models, but with many unique color variations, some of which are very rare today.

Today, Matchbox still has some regional differences. Usually, there are ranges for the US and the rest of the world. Some countries also have "local" mini-series, like "Stars of Cars" in Germany or "Best of British" in the UK.

Promotional Models

Almost from the start, businesses saw that Matchbox models could be used for advertising. In the mid-1950s, dairy companies sometimes gave customers the Matchbox #7 Horse-Drawn Milk Float as a thank you.

The first model made specifically for a customer was the "Beales Bealesons" #46 Guy "Pickfords" Removal Van. This special version was made for a shop in southern England. It had different colors, decals, and packaging than the standard model. It became highly sought after by collectors.

More promotional models were made later, especially bus models. The Superfast #17 Londoner Bus was used by many companies for advertising. This idea was a huge success for Matchbox. It led to more models being used for promotions, including Yesteryears and Super Kings.

Today, almost any Matchbox model can be used for promotions. Some companies make very limited numbers, while others produce large quantities for special offers. Promotionals are still an important part of Matchbox's business.

The success of regional and promotional models showed Matchbox the potential of catering to collectors. This led to a big change in the toy car industry. Other brands followed, and Matchbox developed the idea into what became Matchbox Collectibles.

Matchbox Collectibles

Starting in the Universal Toys era and continuing after Mattel bought the brand, Matchbox began making special series just for adult collectors. This wasn't a completely new idea. In the 1960s, Lesney had made gold and silver-plated Yesteryear models mounted on pen stands.

Matchbox introduced the "Matchbox Collectibles" name for these special items. These models often had very detailed paintwork, rubber tires, and "chrome" wheels. They were made in limited numbers and sold at higher prices in stores. Other toy car brands, like Hot Wheels, soon copied this idea.

Later, Models of Yesteryear, Dinky, and Convoy series were used to create themed collectible "mini-series." Larger Super Kings trucks were also made as "specials." These were usually sold by mail order. Matchbox Collectibles Inc. became a separate part of Matchbox International Ltd. This idea was very successful and led to many new, high-quality models. Partnerships with big brands like Texaco and Coca-Cola made the range even more appealing. However, prices kept going up to pay for the new models.

Although most models were around 1:43 scale, there were even 1:24 scale cars. Airplanes and tanks also returned. However, Mattel stopped developing the Collectibles range about three years after buying Matchbox. Some models are still sold through major stores like Target.

Matchbox Movie News

In January 2022, Mattel Films announced that a live-action movie based on Matchbox toys is being made. Later that year, Skydance Media joined Mattel Films to help create the movie.

Matchbox Collectors

Matchbox models quickly became popular items to collect. People formed clubs, held meetings, and traded toys. In the late 1960s, the American importer of Lesney toys created the "Matchbox Collectors Club" for younger collectors.

In the 1970s, adult collectors started their own clubs. They discussed and cataloged variations, organized swap meets, and published journals. Prices for older and rarer models began to rise, a trend that continues today. Collectors don't just collect the models. They also collect anything related to Matchbox, like catalogs, display cases, and advertisements.

In the US, two main clubs were the National Association of Matchbox Collectors (NAMC) and the American-International Matchbox club (AIM). While these clubs no longer exist, others like MICA (Matchbox International Collectors Association) and Matchbox USA are still active. Authors like Charlie Mack have published books for collectors, showing models, variations, and price guides.

Matchbox collecting is popular in the UK, Commonwealth countries, and North America.

Unfortunately, because some Matchbox models are very valuable, fakes can appear. Rare variations can be made using real parts and then sold as rare items.

Sky Busters Series: A Closer Look

Matchbox Sky Busters is a line of die-cast model aircraft made under the Matchbox brand. It was first produced by Lesney Products and later by Mattel.

The first Sky Busters were made in 1973 in London, England. In the 1970s, Sky Busters competed with other toy airplane brands like Dyna-Flytes.

Sky Busters included both military and commercial aircraft models. Early brands that advertised with Sky Busters included the United States Air Force, Air France, and Lufthansa. Some of the first Sky Busters models were the Learjet, Airbus A300, and Boeing 747.

The Sky Busters line returned in 1976. The brand has appeared on and off the market until the 2000s, when Mattel decided to release new models every year. Currently, no airlines have contracts with Matchbox to produce Sky Busters models. The most recent ones have been for American Airlines, UPS, and British Airways. However, many jetliners are released under made-up airline names, like Matchbox Airlines.

As of 2023, the Matchbox Sky Busters line is still being produced.

See also

• Lesney Products (for the history of Matchbox's parent company)
• Powertrack (for extensive details of Matchbox slot car racing)
• Ring Raiders

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