Ambassador’s Report September 18th, 2014
By: Larry Scaduto
BREAKING NEWS! I have something new to announce:
The Matchbox website was updated yesterday with a new look:
It is with great pleasure that we announce that Matchbox has officially re-launched our website: MATCHBOX.COM
The new site, which has gone LIVE as of September 17th, 2014, will represent the first comprehensive refresh of our website in several years. Our website is now mobile and tablet enabled. While our new website will continue to evolve as we add additional features and content, the current version includes the following items:
- Featured home page carousel that showcases our key drivers for Fall 2014, Marine Rescue Shark Ship and Wrecky The Wrecking Buddy
- Videos section which invites visitors to review our latest TV Commercials, Designer Demos (i.e. Wrecky Demo featuring the very entertaining duo Matt Emert and Dave Sheltman), as well as additional branded content like our 60th Anniversary Heritage video
- Vehicles section which highlights our core die cast segments:
- MBX® Adventure City™
- MBX® Construction
- MBX® Explorers
- MBX® Heroic Rescue™
- MBX® SkyBusters®
- Games section which features Dinosaur Rescue™, a game that allows boys to take on the challenge of capturing a dinosaur on Volcano Island. Can you catch the dino?
- Toys section which features our key drivers and links directly to our Mattel Shop home page, where consumers can purchase our toys directly.
This is a great update, but look forward to additional video content and games, as well as the full activation of our vehicles section to include an illustrated catalog of our core die cast collection with downloadable poster. We are also in the process of refreshing our Mattel Shop home page to create an even more consistent consumer experience.
This is a small step for the Matchbox brand as we accelerate our efforts to refine our online/digital experiences and put Matchbox in a position to grow.
…Now GO check the site out already!!!
REMEMBER – you may need to clear your internet browser cache to view the new website.
As the message states, the site is evolving and a downloadable poster is in the works so stay tuned.
INTRODUCTION
Hope everyone is having a wonderful day!!! We have a lot to cover in this report. We have a nice selection of new product to show and I’ll be showcasing PrePro’s from the TV Series Viper. The history section will feature Viper Series PrePro’s from Chuck Wiersma’s Collection. But first let’s get to the new models. All images are courtesy of Mattel & the Matchbox Team and are used with their permission and consent. Enjoy my latest report….
New Releases for 2014…
We have retooled the Delivery Service truck mid cycle for this year. While the graphics will remain the same the main parts have been changed to include the following:
- Window has been added to the roof.
- Rear door which was part of the body is now part of the interior which will be black.
- Front grill is now molded to the front bumper instead of being part of the body.
This will be a new variation for this model. The new MB number is now MB993. This also means there will be 2 to collect this year…in case you were wondering.
…and 2015
Up First is the Runway Wrangler, fully dressed for production this time. It will be part of the 2015 singles.
Next is the new deco for HUMVEE that will be used in the 2015 Mission Force “Strike Force” Military pack. This is a retooled model that no longer includes the gun or the opening hatch, but the body is still die cast. The new MB number for this is MB983.
This version of our SWAT truck will be part of the 2015 mainline singles.
Lastly we have the refreshed Sky Buster Fang Fighter with moving jaw.
Matchbox Questions
- Since the Delivery Service Truck has been retooled, which version will be harder to find? The original version may be harder to find.
- What Does UVHA mean on the tampo printing design of some models? This stands for: Unstoppable Vehicles for Heroic Adventures.
- If the Mystery Models or Supreme Heroes sell well, is there a possibility of a series 2 in 2016 or is this just these issues and done? We cannot discuss what is in the cards for 2016 at the moment.
- Will the Supreme Heroes Collection be available worldwide? Thus far it will be U.S. and Canada but may grow to other regions. This line is scheduled for a December 2014 Launch.
- Why don’t more fire engines have red lights on the roof? Seems to be clear or smoke in most cases. Many of our current models will no longer have separate light bars due to cost, so the light bar is combined to the window. That being said, if the light bar is red or blue it means the entire window must be that color. Many collectors have had issues with us doing this which is why the window color is neutral. We will on occasion use tints if this works with the deco.
- Have you been looking into introducing the new Mustang for the lineup? Possibly.
- Are Mission Force Sets going to be all exclusive or a mix of mainline models? It was noted that the Construction Set had 2013 models and the same SkyBusters from the previous set containing the Real Working Rig. Mission Force sets for 2014 & 2015 have exclusive decos and contain 3 Matchbox basic vehicles and 2 Sky Busters. They no longer include Real Working Rigs.
- Are Real Working Rigs gone for good or just for now? Real Working Rigs have not gone away, but currently they have been carry forward items (no new deco) in revised packaging. While they may be hard to find, they are not gone.
- Does Mattel still have field reps that go to stores? Do they offer feedback on what is selling and how the product is displayed? This information is confidential.
- Does Matchbox have a say-so on how your product is arranged in the stores? Presently Target has the singles at the very top which makes them out of reach of the kids and some adults. This information is confidential.
- Will the Ford Interceptor have a running change to correct the misspelling? And if so…which variation will be harder to find? Yes, the spelling change for the Ford Interceptor is currently in progress. We are unsure which version will be the hardest to find.
- What is the release date of the 2014 Chevy Silverado? This should be released in October of this year.
Preproductions from my collection
In this issue’s PrePro’s section, I am featuring models that were never released from the TV Series Viper. Below is a page from the 1994 Tyco Matchbox Dealer’s Catalog. This would have been a nice set…….
Here is a YouTube link to the original commercial for the TV Series Viper!
Pictured below are the preproductions of the Morphed Viper and Dodge Stealth. These are from my collection. I just obtained the yellow Viper after a long 17 year search. As you can see, it was well worth the wait!! For the next part of this article I asked our 6th Ambassador, Chuck Wiersma to show us his Viper Series Collection. Please read his wonderful story about the history of these models. His collection is second to none!!! Thank you Chuck!!!
Above is a lemon yellow Morphed Viper. It has a dark blue interior and a pink riveted base without text. Below is the earlier version of the Dodge Stealth in black and a grey interior with the wider body that Dodge didn’t approve of.
History
Here is Chucks story…………………
In the 1990’s, Tyco Matchbox worked with the Chrysler Corporation to develop several die cast models. These models were affiliated with a US television show called Viper. Two models made it to a short run preproduction phase before being cancelled. The third model also made it to a short turn preproduction phase only to be cancelled, salvaged as another model, and then recreated from scratch only to be cancelled for the Viper series but eventually issued in the regular MB 1-75 line.
The Viper television show was about a top secret task force of the US Federal government using a super tech vehicle in the form of a Dodge Viper. The car in its “street form” was a Dodge Viper RT/10. The vehicle could morph into the “Defender” which featured armaments and gadgets that were used to defeat the bad guys. A black 1991 Dodge Stealth was also used intermittently in several episodes of the show. The show first premiered on the NBC network in the USA in 1994 but was cancelled in its first season. The show was later syndicated from 1996 to 1999.
The star of the show was the Viper Defender or Morphed Viper. The model is the MB 265 or Viper Morphed as it is called on its base. Like most Matchbox designed models of the day, the sample was first made in resin and then cast in metal. Some slight alterations were made to the model between the earlier resin stage and later metal stage including less pronounced details on the hood, a smaller circle cast on the roof, a larger grille, larger exhausts and taillights on the rear, as well as a reinforced wing on the rear. Overall, the models appear very similar.
Side by side, unpainted MB 265 Morphed Viper on left and painted resin MB 265 Morphed Viper on right.
The metal preproduction samples were made in two liveries, one in regular silver and the other with “battle damaged” deco. Both samples appear as factory finished models with fully engraved bases, interiors, windows, and full tampa deco liveries. The models are fully assembled and riveted. Both models have grey plastic interiors, tinted windows, black plastic bases, red taillight trim, black trim on the rear section, and white tampa headlights. The models were manufactured with a metal strip in the base, a production standard at the time for many Matchbox models, to give the vehicle a suspension feel. The wing was cast to the body and the wheels were a chrome six spoke spiral. The bases were engraved with Made in Thailand, Matchbox Int’l Ltd, 1994 copyright, and 1:60 as scale.
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| Morphed Viper battle damage on left, Morphed Viper no battle damage on right. |
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| Note tampa detailing around exhaust, on taillights, and on headlights. |
One surprise – the model has a right hand steering wheel! Was an interior from another model used on these development models? The gearshift is also on the right side of the center console. As the model was never released to the public, when samples can be found they usually demand a premium price.
The second model designed in connection with the television show was the MB 264 Dodge Stealth R/T Turbo. This model has a bit more history behind it. The Dodge Stealth, like the Morphed Viper, made it through the resin design stage all the way to metal stage and eventually to a limited preproduction run before being cancelled. It has two known design liveries. The first in all black with tampa trim on the fog lights, turn signals, and taillights. The second with a black and green leopard stripe and no other tampa trim. Models sport black interiors, tinted windows, six spoke spiral wheels with chrome hubs, and black plastic bases. Like the Morphed Viper, sample preproduction models had fully engraved bases, riveted bodies, and complete tampa deco. The bases were engraved with Made in Thailand, Matchbox Int’l Ltd, 1994 copyright, and 1:60 as scale.
Group shot of the MB 264 Dodge Stealth (from left to right) Green and Black leopard stripes, all black livery, and two unpainted first shot castings with blue interiors, white plastic un-engraved bases, and clear windows.
According to die cast legend, Dodge did not approve the Dodge Stealth model as it appeared too “thick” or “fat”. The Tyco Matchbox team went back to the drawing board and started to redesign the model with a sleeker profile. However, the redesign never made it past the resin stage of development. Interestingly enough, the redesigned model was decorated with the same two liveries as on the original MB 264 die cast model, all black or black and green leopard stripe. The redesigned resin model included additional detailing on the hood, sides, and rear of the model. Unfortunately neither model was ever released to the public.
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| Dodge Stealth original MB 264 on left and redesign resin on right. |
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| Dodge Stealth original MB 264 on left and redesign resin on right. Notice the redesigned model appears sleeker. |
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| Dodge Stealth original MB 264 on left and redesign resin on right. Notice same deco designs used on both. |
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| Group shot of the second Dodge Stealth model in various stages of development. Note green and black leopard stripes and all black models. |
The third model affiliated with the show has a history all its own going back before the Viper TV show. The MB 227 Dodge Viper RT/10 model was originally designed in the early 1990’s had a lower profile and featured a wraparound windshield, closed front grille, and bump out lights on the rear license plate.
The unreleased MB 227 Viper in metal on the left and resin on the right.
The only tampa trim on the model was on the headlights. The wheels were Goodyear Eagle racing slicks and the rivetted black base had a 1990 copyright with scale of 1:58. Despite the fact that this model made it all the way to the metal stage, it was not approved by Dodge for release. In order to salvage the investment in the design and tooling, the model was modified into the MB 227 Sunburner. Heavy modifications were made to the model especially in the grille, hood, and side areas to change it to the generic Sunburner casting.
The orginal metal MB 227 Viper RT/10 on the left, the MB 227 Sunburner in the middle, and later released MB 260 Viper RT/10 on the right
The orginal metal MB 227 Viper RT/10 on the left, the MB 227 Sunburner in the middle, and released MB 260 Viper RT/10 on the right
Now four years later, during the development of the MB 265 Morphed Viper and the MB 264 Dodge Stealth, the development of Dodge Viper RT/10 is undertaken once again. This project is started from scratch and the vehicle is developed as a wholly new model. The casting number is assigned MB 260 and it has no relation to the previous MB 227 casting. The model has a higher profile, does not feature a wrap-around windshield, has new body detailing, and sports six spoke spiral wheels. All parts are new: body, windshield, interior and base.
This pic compares the unreleased 1990 MB 227 Viper RT/10 (left) and an unpainted MB 260 Viper RT/10 (right).
Notice the difference in height profile between the unreleased original MB 227 (left) and released MB 260 (right).
A HUGE THANK YOU GOES OUT TO CHUCK!!!!!
What’s New in the Stores?
I’m doing something different in this section. Since there was nothing new in the stores to report about this time around, I decided to show you this picture instead!!! I was at Meijer’s this past week looking for the rest of Batch K. I did find the International Brush Fire Truck, but I found something even better…..a complete selection of Matchbox!!!!
This is Matchbox Done Right!!!
I’m thinking that you should print this picture and take it to your local big retailer (no names necessary) and tape this to the pegs over their plan-o-gram so they get a clue on how to display this company’s merchandise!!! A BIG thank you goes out to Meijer’s for keeping the faith!!!
Models we would love to see made…
We have a nice selection of ideas that were summitted to me from several collectors. I still have 23 pics waiting for their turn, so if you didn’t see your picture this time, watch for it in one of my upcoming reports. Reading from top to bottom we have first, The 1970 Chevy Nova SS350, Ashphalt Spreader, Prius Taxi, BMW M3, The Schwimmwagen, 2015 Kia Soul EV, 2015 Ford Mustang, and finally….a Speed Trap Trailer. I’m still looking for more ideas…..Keep them coming!!!
Miscellaneous
The White Night’s Take over the next Report!
In my last report I asked you to talk with younger children in your family and ask them what cars they like that are on the road. So far only one person responded and the model of their kid’s choice was the Audi Avant. Expensive little tastes for kids, I might add!!! Well it’s a start….. Anyone else have some kids in the neighborhood they can ask? Let me know what they had to say. Thank you for your participation.
My e-mail: matchboxamb10@outlook.com
Asphalt spreader and speed trap trailers would be great for Dio guys and train guys. Would think they sell very nicely. Everything else are great ideas. With everything posted the last couple of weeks, there could be plenty of new castings that would fly off the pegs!
Glad to see the mail truck & Hummer back rather see real tempo but atleast their back. The airport truck, another dio guy great cast.
Wish they would give you more pic so I can really get excited. Just keep it coming. Going to check the site….
I have already imagined some more models to be produced by Matchbox – feel free to check the here: http://szirszarjaim.blog.hu/search?searchterm=sosemvolt&searchmode=OR&submit=Keres%C3%A9s
Finally! A new Ambassador report! Sadly, none of the new models shown interest me. I like the HUMVEE but still not my cup of tea. About the new website, very nice! I don't visit the site but those who do, good for you. The history about the Viper series was interesting. I would like to question Matchbox as to why they are not using that Viper from the old days. The GTS-R has been used to much recently. Give the oldie a chance as well! It would rock in bright red and the new 5spoke wheels in silver. The part I'm most interested in is that Matchbox section photo. This is how you do it! Only then and only then will the products start to move off the shelf and new ones would be restocked. Good to see Meijer's doing this! Good work.
I asked a few of the kids I know at school and most of them said stuff like BMW M3, M5, Ferrari 458, Jaguar XJ, Mercedes S class, Porsche 911 and so on… mostly all European cars. Nobody said anything about Japanese or American. Now, being a kid myself I though I would list a few cars (some my personal favorites) which I would like to see as new castings: – BMW E39 M5 and M Roadster (there is already a Z3 Roadster so only the casting needs to be modified rather than starting from scratch), Porsche 993 Turbo, McLaren F1 GTR, Jaguar XJR-15, HSV SV99, Ford Falcon XR8, Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 (HW has the Nismo so MBX should do the standard Vspec), etc.
Some old models I would like to be brought back : – Aston Martin DB7, Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible, Ferrari F50 and 360 Spider, Ford Falcon AU, Holden Commodore, Lamborghini Diablo, Porsche 944 Turbo, etc.
I could go on and on. But these were the first ones that came to my mind. If Matchbox wants to make any money they have to stop producing plastic construction equipment, off-road trucks and all that hopelessly shitty stuff under the name of “realism”. This kind of rubbish and this “cost saving” is not going to get them anywhere if nobody is going to buy their stuff at all. If Matchbox wants to be cool again, they need start making cool cars. Kids want cool cars. The ones I listed above are cool cars (and more waiting to be listed). If Matchbox wants to stay in the game then this is the only way forward. This is my opinion and I hope that Matchbox read it, see the real reason behind it and hopefully my wishes might come true. Anyway, good report and waiting for the next one!
Well, the new Matchbox site is rubbish, every link takes you to the shop, whats the point of that, whereare the pictures of the models for this year.
Great to have an Ambassadors report, I miss having it weekly, it was always something to look forward too, I enjoy the bits at the bottom, about old prepro's etc.
Right, to the point on the latest models, CRAP, I thought we had gone way past stupid stupid stupid models, but no, here we are in 2014 with a plane that has a mouth, WTH, really, the rest do little for me either, like most of the recent releases, and these will be virtually impossible to get hold of anyway in the UK.
Majorette, here is my credit card, spend it wisely and send me some lovely models with opening parts, suspension, light treatments, no ghastly generics and no ghastly plastic, and only £1.
I am goign to Paris in a few weeks so will stock up on my Norev and Majorette then, both brands make superior models now, which is a real shame, as i have always loved Matchbox.
I have two last points, the first, I asked my two nephews (10 & 12) recently about my collection, and out of about 600 loose models in holders, i asked them to pick a few they liked, they picked mostly Matchbox, ALL real vehicles, no horrid plastic or graphics, I then asked them if they could have any five cars that they could have Matchbox build, they picked
Nephew 1 (10)
1) Ford Focus (grandads car)
2) vauxhall/Opel Zafira (Dads Car)
3) Passat (my Car)
4) Rover 827 Si fastback (my classic)
5) Vauxhall/Opel Mokka (grannies car)
Nephew 2 (12)
1) Citroen DS3 (neighbours car)
2) Bentley Mulsanne (not sure where he got that from)
3) Ford Fiesta (there brothers Car)
4) Jaguar F-Type (he has a pic on his wall)
5) FIAT Panda (his teacher has one)
they did pick a few that are already modelled by MBX or HW, like the Scooby Van, KITT, Aston, Bentley Continental and a few others, but over all, they are generally cars for the everyday person, and thats what THEY wanted to see, and to be honest I would buy the lot, some great choices.
And lastly, what would I like to see, well, My Rover 827 SI Fastback for one, then there would be:-
ANY Rover any era
ANY MG (the new MG3 and MG6 would ideal to enter the Chinese market)any era post 1980
ANY Rolls from any era
Merc C-Class or S Class
Morris Marina TC
Austin Maestro
Bentley Brooklands
New Volvo XC-90
New Mazda MX-5
New Jaguar XE
ANY post 2008 Jaguar saloon
New Land Rover Discovery Sport
Range Rover 2014
Range Rover Classic
Triumph TR7
Triumph 2500
New 2016 Bristol
2015 Ford Transit (no branier really, as it is sold ALL over the world INC USA)
Any modern Citroen especially the CACTUS
Any DS Brand post 2010
Peugeot 308 SW
David Brown Speedback GT
Any modern Renault 2005-on
and to clarify, NO BMW, NO AUDI, NO Porsche, NO Chevy, NO GM, NO Pick-ups
just my two cents or 1p worth…..
So no Matchbox Collector series in Matchbox's home country where Matchbox collecting is pretty big, the only reason the 60th didn't sell well was due to the generics, plastic bodies, being triple the price for pre 2012 mainline detail and the UK stores being overloaded with the first few cases.
That kid who likes the Audi RS4 shows mattel are getting it wrong, kids like real cars there was a reason in the late 90s as a kid I bought loads of vangards and cararama 1/43 and had a fair few matchbox but only 12 or so Hot Wheels from 2001.
If matchbox went to 80 cars out of the 125 and had 40 realistic cars/4x4s, 40 cars/vans/4x4s with stripes, race decos, favourite kids brands (like coca cola, m&m's etc) and 45 construction, delivery/emergency/utility and went back to the quality of a few years ago, then MB would become a player once again. They'd have to up the price in the US though as we in Europe already pay a lot more for Mattel products compared to other companies who's products are similarly priced in different countries.
Mattel just don't get it, look how popular the Nissan GT-R was with kids when it came out in 2008 and look at how many times Mattel realised.
My 6 year old sister loves the Majorettes because of the features, they could use a better variety of paint though, just a shame my Morrison's only puts the same case out. from what people have said and from what ive seen kids like the same thing that I did as akid 15 years ago – realistic cars, around 2000 I had loads of vangaurds in 1/43 and a local pound shop opened and sold 1/43 and 1/76 hongwell cararama and me and my friends never bought a hot wheels or matchbox again, until I started collecting.
*released it.
See, that's what I don't get about their current marketing strategy… They claim to be making more fantasy vehicles to please the kids, but when I was a kid, that was the exact stuff I passed on, just like you. Back then, I had somewhat basic notions about cars, like “sports cars that look like Ferraris” or “big cars that look like Cadillacs” or “VW Beetles and Kombis” or even “jeeps” for anything that looked offroady, and that's the stuff I bought…
Thank you! Yes, thank you very much, it's great to see that the 1970 Nova has at least been remembered by someone, even if it was me. It probably was me… But with Hot Wheels picking up all the “sacred cows” of the Muscle era (sometimes with disappointing results), the more mundane coupes and sports cars of 60's and 70's America would fit right into Matchbox's lineup. Just look at the Mustang CS and Firebird Formula: crisp, clean lines, good amount of detail, square height and stance sitting atop appropriately sized and styled wheels. If the 1970 Nova got that treatment, Matchbox would have to open another factory just to supply my personal demand…
Anyways, here's a few more suggestions which would be absolutely killer…
– 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB: With Hot Wheels exclusive license deal falling through, maybe it's time Matchbox got some of that Italian magic going again, and what better place to start than with the quintessential Ferrari?
– 1973 Porsche Carrera RS 2.7: The original Carrera RS is the quintessential Porsche in the same way the 250 GT is the quintessential Ferrari, and with both marques involved in a historic rivalry both on and off track, you can't have one without the other.
– 1995 Fiat Tipo Sedicivalvole: Fiat tried their hand at a GTI fighter by stuffing a 2.0l Lancia Twin Cam and close ratio 5 speed box under the bonnet of the humdrum Tipo and ended with a brilliant little car good for 0-60 under 7 seconds and a top speed of 226 kph. I have one, and how this model fell into obscurity is beyond me.
-1984 Peugeot 205 GTI: Peugeot doesn't get enough diecast love. This is a great place to start.
and of course, the 1970 Chevrolet Nova in coupe form.
new matchbox.com and mattel store is awfull,….too bad.
you are absolutely right!
@Jon Mower: Are you serious? No BMW, Audi or Porsche? These are actually some of the best models Matchbox has done. Look at the 911 Turbo and GT3, the Audi RS6 Avant and all the BMWs that were featured in the last “rare Mattel era Matchbox” posts here on Lamley. How can you say no to these? I must disagree with you. About everything else, I do agree. Its the real cars that sell and most importantly what the kids want, not all the plastic generic shit Matchbox is throwing at us. Matchbox need to rethink their game.
If you read my introduction you will see the website is still to be updated with the poster and other features along with an update to the Mattel Store. I'll be honest…there is little there of interest for collectors at the moment. But be patient and don't jump to conclusions that the website is awful!! After all the content is on there, then you can comment and let your thoughts be heard.
I want to see this: http://i.wheelsage.org/pictures/saab/9000/autowp.ru_saab_9000_aero_12.jpg
2. gen SAAB 9000 Aero (but possibly not in silver).
Nice looking SAAB!!! And thanks for the picture. I've added it to my growing wish list section.
You gotta love Photoshop. Nice work!!!
Jusr for reference, if Matchbox makes the SS350, this is how it should look like:
http://oldcarraffle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Lena-Winslow-High-School-1970-Nova-SS-2012-raffle-550×308.jpg
Simple and even a bit understated in bright red with a black vinyl top. No stripes, flames or anything like that, at least on a first release, just like you guys did with the 71 Firebird and 67 Mustang
Terrible website. Mattel won't even show you the car lineup, instead you are redirected to an online store. Ridiculous. They can't even make a decent website to showcase their products, they've been working on it what, some 10 years now? Unbelievable.
Nice…….who can forget the vinyl roof???
I know a lot of people complain that the Matchbox team doesn't listen to collectors. Of course they can't bend to our every wish, I appreciated seeing their note that they have been using a neutral window color on emergency vehicles because of collectors' disapproval of emergency-toned windows (on vehicles with an integrated light bar/window piece. This is one example of them listening to collectors and making a change because of it. Thank you, Matchbox!