Matchbox Monday is upon us again…
As it is July, the month of the Matchbox Gathering, we continue our look at some of the Mattel-made exclusives made for the event. And I know I have said it before, but this is an event to put on your calendars. It is always in July, always in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and always a great deal of fun. We will keep you updated on all the happenings here on the blog, so make sure you visit always.
Today’s Gathering exclusive happens to be my favorite. Maybe because it was handed out at my first Gathering, or maybe because it is one of my favorite Matchbox classic car castings. Actually, just look at the pics. It is my favorite Gathering exclusive, because it is just so darn good looking.
The Sedan Deville exclusive represents the first time Jim Gallegos asked for a specific variation from Mattel. He wanted to do something special for those who registered early, so he asked Mattel to do a special variation on the Dinner Model to give out to the first 75 registrants. Mattel did the 1-of-75 variation, but on the wrong model. The Dinner model was the VW T2 Bus, and they did the variation on the Dealer model, the 69 Sedan Deville. Although the wrong model was done, this was good news for me as I much prefer the Cadillac.
So the normal Dealer model came in a dark rose, while the 75-count early registrant model came in dark purple. Both have the white roof, appropriate disk wheels, and both are gorgeous.
Besides doing the wrong model, Mattel made one more mistake. Notice the rear license is an Arizona plate. It was supposed to be New Mexico. How that happened I don’t know, but having lived in Arizona a good deal of my life, I kind of like it.
Honestly, just look at these two. They are drop-dead beauties. These two are up there as all-time faves.
Matchbox ’69 Cadillac Sedan Deville (2008 Gathering Dealer and Early Registrant exclusives):
Dealer:
Early Registrant:
This model was made by Mattel? Or is customized by someone?
Yes it was. A true Code 1 made by Mattel for the event.
Traditionally I collect one of each casting that any toy company does. But there's something about this Cadillac casting that speaks to me. I dig it, and I have all except one of the MCCH ones (and don't ask which one, the color looks damned similar to me.) They reside in two Tomica car dealerships I've strung together–a copy of an idea i saw on MCCH somewhere. Eventually I'll make up Cadillac decals or labels for the signage, and get a car carrier to display along with it.