Ambassador’s Report July 10th, 2015
By: Larry Scaduto
INTRODUCTION
Good day and welcome to my 2nd to the last Ambassador’s Report. One more to go and that will be covering all the new models shown at the Gathering along with an overview of presentation by the Matchbox Team after dinner. Also my 2017 Collector’s Poll results will be included as well. You still have till July 12th at midnight to get you top 20 lists to me. The response has been very good and you will be surprised at what the final choices will be. A copy of the candidates list is near the end of this report. This issue’s History section covers a variety of games and garages released over the years and the Models We Would Love to See Made section has been expanded for one last time with some great ideas that were sent to me. I just want to say Thank you to all the collectors who have sent me pictures over this past year. Your participation has been wonderful. It has made a difference and the 2017 Collector’s Poll is proof of that!!!! Well, that’s enough from me…..let’s get the New Releases!!!! Regards, Larry
NEW RELEASES
MB965 Attack Track
Attack Track (Front View)
Attack Track (Rear View)
MB959 Gator Raider (Front View)
Gator Raider (Rear View w/rotating prop)
Heavy Freighter (Front View)
Heavy Freighter (Rear View)
MB871 Highway Rescue Fire Truck (Front View)
Highway Rescue Fire Truck (Rear View)
MB862 Dodge A-100 Pickup (Front View)
Dodge A-100 Pickup
(Must be Michael’s 4991st design……what will number 5000 be???)
MB961 Mauler Hauler (Front View)
Mauler Hauler (Rear View)
Mauler Hauler w/ open cage section
GATHERING PREPRODUCTIONS FROM MY COLLECTION
First up is a MB29 Dodge Magnum in orange with smoke tinted windows, black surf boards, grey interior and grey plastic 2005 Thailand base.
Now I have a MB869 2006 Ford Crown Victoria in a metallic orange/red body, silver/grey interior with purple windows. Also featured is a burnt orange 2005 plastic Thailand base.
Next up I have a MB737 Quarry King. This tractor is painted metallic orange with a grey shovel and a smooth plastic chrome base without any text. The radiator at the rear is smooth and has no detailing as well.
Now this MB737 Quarry King is painted in creamy beige with a blue shovel black plastic 2007 Thailand base. The radiator on this model has a design pattern. And of course the wheels are different from the model above.
Moving along to the MB711 2007 Volvo C30…. The body is painted a metallic red with red windows and a grey interior. The bumper and rocker panels are olive green and the base is black plastic Thailand
I’m picturing a 2000 Chevy Corvette Convertible. It is painted in a satin dove gray with a clear windshield and a light purple interior. The base is a flesh color without any text.
MB871 Highway Rescue Fire Truck in a medium blue with clear frosted windows and a 2002 grey plastic Thailand base. Nice to see this model back in the line up!
The above model was not from any convention, but I had some extra space to fill…so I have pictured a MB56 Mercedes 450 SEL in an off white with a beige interior and blue windows. Also featured is a silver painted metal 1979 Lesney England base. Ahhh….the good old days when models had opening doors! This model does not meet the 4 part rule of today’s standards!!!
HISTORY
In my last History section I will be covering items issued by Matchbox that were not Diecast related. First up is a game called Race for the Cup which was released in Australia in 1987 in conjunction with the America’s Cup Race. This is an interesting game since the main sponsor was Swan Premium Lager, a beer company. I’m thinking by today’s standards, this would not be an acceptable association for a kid’s game. Please read on for other games….
Race for the Cup an America’s Cup Yacht Race Game (1987)
The Geller’s Strike Game (1986)
Zillion (Laser Tag Game) (1987)
Over the past year I’ve pictured other games I have, but there are a few I’m missing like Cascade, Chopper Chase, and the Traffic Game. Chopper Chase I never got but the other two I played with until they broke. Someday I’ll get the others….I’m in no rush!
Now I am showing my parking garages along with other items I’ve collected over the years. First picture is my Matchbox Autopark from 1970. This is a battery operated parking garage that has a ramp that raises cars to the round parking structure. This garage is interesting in that it has a gear system that allows the wheel to rotate while keeping the cars level. Also this garage is complete with all you see on the box….including the pumps. I know at one time it was said that the gas pumps didn’t come with the set, but it is included and it’s exactly as pictured.
Matchbox Autopark (1970)
Matchbox Motors (1989)
Matchbox Motorcity Freight Yard (1990)
Intercom City MC-560 (1992)
Sears Parking Garage
Not an official Matchbox Garage, but worthy of mentioning here in this report is the Sears Parking Garage that was available thought their Christmas Wish Catalog for $14.99. The box pictures several Matchbox regular wheels and a lone Hot Wheels car. I could not find a release date on the box. But judging by the types of models on the packaging, I’m guessing this was available 1969. I’ve had this since I was in Junior High!!! Still mint in the box!!!
China Specials
I’m not sure what to officially call these unique models other than China Specials. It would appear when SUTC took over the issuing of left over Matchbox models for the China market, they had a surplus assortment of World Class and Premiere unassembled models. Premium style wheels were not placed on these left over models. The use of 6 spoke gold spiral wheels can be seen throughout most of the issues I have seen. Models were assembled without regard for the matching of bases to bodies. So there is an array of different color combinations that don’t always match very well but are interesting and fun to collect non-the-less. I’m picturing a small selection of what I have. I’m guessing that these were available somewhere around 2005.
MB32 ’62 Corvette
The front model is a regular issue in blue without hood printing, but it does feature gold spiral wheels. The model in the rear is much more unique painted metallic blue with a yellow metal China base. It is pictured below with blue tinted windows and a red interior
Next is a silver Vette with a black & white interior and a metallic purple metal China base.
Here I am picturing a black Vette with a black & white interior, blue tinted windows and a metallic purple China base. Next to this is a red Corvette with a red interior, blue tinted windows and a metallic blue China base.
Here I have two more Corvettes. The first one is a MB14 1987 Corvette in white with a red World Class base and a blue interior. Next is a MB4 1997 Corvette in black with a black interior and a silver painted window roof combination. All four above models feature gold spiral wheels.
In these last two pictures I have a MB37 ’70 Boss Mustang from the First Edition Premiere Collection. It is of course light lemon yellow with a matching metal China base. The interior is black & white and this model also features the 6 spoke gold spiral wheels. Lastly I have one of my favorite China Specials. This is the MB4 ’57 Chevy from the Premiere Series. The body is black with a black & chrome interior. This model features a silver/gray metal China base. Now what makes this Chevy so much different from the regular release you say??? The hood should be red and not yellow!!! See the red flames on the doors….the hood should have been red to match that. And the wheels are 5 arch fronts with 5 crown in back and not the usual Premiere style wheels.
WHAT’S NEW
Canadian Batch F
Got the latest releases From Midwest Diecast and noticed the cards were different. The cases that arrived at Tom’s were Canadian Releases. I wonder if they’re packed different from the US!
MB1 2014 Porsche Cayman (copper 5 spoke wheels)
MB15 1968 Ford Mustang GT/CS MB89 Cliff Hanger
(Awesome in black w/gold stripe)
MB55 1975 Mack CF Pumper MB62 Pierce Dash Fire Engine (Thingy)
MB83 Lamborghini LM002 MB1 Porsche Cayman
(It does not get any better than the above 2 models!!!!)
MB81 Roar-By-Four MB10 Turn Tamer
MB32 H2O HLX (Water Truck) MB48 Ford F-350 (Blister Card Reads Ford F-150)
MB72 Sahara Sweeper MB102 Sahara Survivor
Mission Force: Strike Squad
(Found on Amazon.com by Shabbir)
Here are the two latest 9-Packs found at Target
MODELS WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE MADE
(Last Installment)
I was inspired by the inclusion of the Heavy Freighter in the New Releases section of this report. What excellent play value it would be to have train cars to go along with this engine!!! Like the good old days (as they say!) Here are some ideas worth checking out….
Rail Flat Car
Passenger Rail Car
Tanker Car
Box car
…..and lastly a Caboose!!!
1971 Checker Marathon Wagon
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ45
Austin Mini Pickup
P8 Poseidon (Sky Buster Idea)
Willys 4-Wheel Drive Vehicles
Ohhhhhhh… and one last request for the Ford Contractor’s Truck
Dodge C-Series Cab
Ford “Louisville” L-Series Truck
U-Haul Trailer
MBX Glass Truck
I know you didn’t ask for anything new to be proposed, but this is something that might perk Gerry Cody’s ears because it can actually be a “Matchbox Original,” which they’re always looking to make to save money on licensing. I’ve always thought a Glass Truck would be the perfect type of vehicle for Matchbox’s unique approach to “blue collar” vehicles over the years. I’ve enclosed a pic of a licensed truck that could be modified to fit into the “four piece maximum” mantra for making a vehicle:
1. Cab and flatbed strip are diecast metal
2. Plastic base
3. Plastic glass frame holders on either side are actually one piece that lies above plastic base, but under metal flatbed strip (allows for color blocking potential with cab, i.e. red cab, white glass frame holders)
4. Different size “glass” that sits in the frame holder, united by an unseen strip at bottom that the glass “sprouts” from. Again, this piece could be united through the floor of the flatbed. This last piece, although still only being the fourth piece, would likely have to go before pre-production, because it would be hard enough uniting three pieces at the flatbed (plastic base, plastic glass frame holder, and diecast flatbed strip).
Anyway, thanks for the opportunity to throw in my two cents, Larry.
Regards, Marco
Ambassador’s Note: Nice idea Marco!!! Well thought out plan. Glad to share it with everyone.
Miscellaneous
A huge Thank You goes out to Tom Sarlitto of
Midwest Diecast Miniatures
for supplying all the newest Batches of Matchbox for these reports.
One last push……..
As a reminder we just have a few days till the July 12th deadline to submit your top 20 lists to me. I have been keeping a tally of your votes for possible models for 2017 and beyond. The Collector’s Choice Poll is once again here in this report. Please use the list I have below, it is really too late at this point to start adding personal choices and new models to the list. If you wish, hold onto your picks and we’ll see if the new ambassador will keep this going. Thank you to all who have submitted their picks to me. Results in my next report……
August 19th Report:
Polaris 700 Twin 1975 AMC Pacer 2014 Honda Crosstour 1948 Tucker Torpedo
1971 Buick Riviera
September 2nd Report
Ford Capri II Turbo Bombardier B-12 Snowmobile Bedford TK-1 Fire Vehicle
Toyota Land Cruiser F-70 Troopy 1968 Chevy Impala 1967 Ford Galaxie Fastback
Austin FX4 Taxi 1967 MGB GT
September 18th Report
1970 Chevy Nova SS350 Asphalt Spreader Prius Taxi The Schwimmwagen
2015 Kai Soul EV 2015 Ford Mustang Speed Trap Trailer
October 10th Report
1986 Mitsubishi Mills-Tui Pumper 1993 Chevy Caprice Police Car 2008 Nissan GT-R
2015 Dodge Viper Asphalt Grinder Paymaster Semi Tractor BMW i8 2016 Audi RS7
October 22nd Report
1962 Divco Delivery Van 1961 Ferrari Ford Tri-Motor Deepflight Submersible
VW XL Sport 1992 Fiat Tipo Toyota FJ Airstream Trailer
November 5th Report
1968 Oldsmobile Delta 88 1990 Honda NSX 2010 Lancia New Stratos 2013 Jaguar F-Type
Airport Luggage Vehicle BMW R-75 w/sidecar Site Dumper 2011 Nissan Juke
November 25th Report
Oshkosh Cement Mixer Hino Cement Truck International Paystar Cement Truck
1986 Isuzu JCS Rural Fire Engine 1960 Dennis Fire Truck Scania Bus Porsche Macon
Mazda Miata MX-5 2015 Chevy Corvette Z-06 2015 Toyota Highlander
2015 Dodge Charger Hellcat Segway
December 12th Report
2012 Ford Focus 2012 Mazda CX5 2015 Dodge Challenger Hellcat 2015 Mustang Rocket
Audi A9 2015 Chrysler 300 Hellcat 2012 Volvo S60 Polest Bedford Water Truck
Bentley SUV
December 22nd Report
2015 McLaren 650S Hyundai i20 2013 Ford Fiesta ST Volkswagen Atacama
1990 Jaguar XJR-1 Honda Pilot Volkswagen Vision Gran Turismo
January 8th Report
1958 Ford Edsel Corsair 1960 Chevy El Camino 1992 Aston Martin Vantage
2016 Ford Bronco 1963 Ford Thunderbird Volkswagen Tristar Sea Ray Cabin Cruiser
January 27th Report
1981 Checker Police Car 1981 Checker Fire Chief Car 2014 VW Golf 2016 Toyota Mirai
2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune 2016 Ford GT 2016 Toyota Supra Infiniti Q60 Jaguar XJS
February 10th Report
1959 Aston-Martin DB4 2014 BMW i3 2014 Porsche 918 Spyder 1973 Lamborghini Jarma
1990 Scania G93M Fire Engine 2011 Opel Insignia opc Unlimited 2012 Volkswagen Up
2014 Jaguar xfr-s Sportbrake
February 27th Report
2014 Volkswagen Scirocco 2013 Subaru Lavorg 2015 Volvo XC90 2009 Alfa Romeo Brera
Dump Truck Trailer Shipping Container Trailer 2015 Nissan March Nismo
2014 Lamborghini Asterion Ford F-750 Super Duty Fire Truck 2016 Kia K900 2016 Mazda 3
Hyundai Santa Cruz Crossover Truck 2016 Ford Transit
March 16th Report
1953 Studebaker Starliner Kia Sportspace Concept Donkervoort D8 GTO
Audi RS3 Sportback 1974 Plymouth Duster Cement Mixer Trailer
2014 Porsche 918 Spyder-Weissac Flybridge Cabin Cruiser
March 30th Report
1976 Chevy Monte Carlo 2014 Maserati Gran Turismo BMW Alpina B4 Bi-Turbo Convertible
1994 Venturi 400GT Holden Special Vehicles / HSV Ge-F GTS Honda Civic R-Type
1971 Plymouth Duster Super Bee
April 13th Report
1967 Pontiac GTO 2015 Jeep Renegade Latitude Can-Am Spyder F3
Citroen Xsara Picasso Tunning 3 1959 Plymouth Fury 2015 Polaris Slingshot
2015 Volkswagen Crafter
May 4th Report
2015 Aston-Martin Vulcan 1973 BMW 3.0 CSL 1930 Cadillac Fleetwood
2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen 1990 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec Honda Civic Concept
2016 Volvo XC-90 1954 Hudson Hornet 2016 Porsche Boxster 2015 Chevy Tahoe
2016 Chevy Malibu
May 19th Report
1939 Dodge Sedan Police Car 1947 Series 62 Convertible 1991 BMW Nazca C2
2013 SAAB 9-3 2016 Nissan Maxima 2016 Ford Focus Volkswagen GT1 Roadster
1999 Lamborghini Diablo GT-5
June 4th Report
Toyota FT-1 Concept Subaru STI Performance Concept Chevrolet FNR Concept
Maserati Alfieri Concept Land Rover Defender Flying Huntsman Concept Nissan Sway
Lexus LF-C2 Concept Convertible Honda Concept C Bentley EXP10 Concept
June 15th Report
1979 Pontiac Tran Am 1980 Firebird Red Bird / Sky Bird / Yellow Bird Volvo 850 T-5R
Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE 2014 Audi S8-4 2016 Chevy Camaro 2015 Kia Sorento
June 26th Report
Army Duck Bedford Army Personal Carrier GMC Canteen Lunch Wagon Aquada Car-Boat
2009 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT Kia Tral’ster Concept 2016 Hyundai Tucson
Chevrolet Chaparral 2x Vision GT 1995 Ford GT90 Concept 2014 BMW M3
Aston-Martin DBX Ford Falcon GT HO Phase 3
July 8th Report
1971 Checker Marathon Wagon 1954 Willys Jeep Wagon & Sedan Delivery Austin Mini Pickup
Toyota FJ45
A Parting gift from Michael Heralda
The Ambassador’s (former & current) received a gift from Michael Heralda. It was his way of saying thank you for supporting the Matchbox Brand and for the friendships that were built over the years. He had several t-shirts made up with the company logo in Taiwanese. The picture below shows the front of the shirt and the picture underneath has what is printed on the sleeve. Does anyone want to guess what ADLAR58 means?
Thank you, Michael for the gift and for all those wonderful years at Mattel!!!
Great report! Lots of function, with the Heavy Freighter a possible sign of a new train line in the future?
Larry, can you please ask the Matchbox team at next week's meeting what is going on with the distribution of new 1-100 singles to retail stores? All of the major retail stores have been stuck at 2015 Mix B, with either empty pegs, restock of the same B-case mix, or restock a 2014 case. Now I know that it takes time for the new stuff to arrive at stores, but this has been going on for months now and there's three batches that have yet to come out! On the other hand the 5-packs and 9-packs are always constantly up-to-date on the store shelves, but not the singles. This needs to be resolved soon because Matchbox sales and reputation is at stake here if this doesn't get resolved by the fall resets and the upcoming holiday season.
I really like the heavy freighter locomotive! I am also thinking that it might be possible to use the hot wheels rapid transit series with it (at least for now)…
Thanks God I decided 2014 would be my last complete 'buy everything/variation year'. Lots that I do not like here. But to each their own I guess. Lots of $$$ savings I see:)
I couldn't agree with you more on distribution. It has been spotty here in Illinois. One Target is up to date and your knocking the dust off the singles at another store 5 miles away!! Up until this week even the 9-Packs were behind as well. I could never get an answer ever time I asked about distribution. I only dealt with the design team and they relayed my inquiries to the department that handles this and they never answered the questions I posed. We'll see what is said at the Gathering this coming weekend.
Larry
ADLAR58 = Heralda backwards with substitution.
Thank you for that…..now I know!!
Grrrrrrr – Generics they are like fleas, you cant get rid of them, and just when you think they are no more, a load more pop up…. LOL… The Dodge is awesome, as is the Porsche (albeit a little stubby) Lambo and other real MBX models, i really can not wait to see the new batch of cars for next year, i may welll get them by 2018… LOL… thank you for you reports.
Same here in Europe, nothing on the pegs this year yet, sad!
It's about time Mattel stop doing war related toys if they want a brighter future of non alienated children who think missiles, soldiers, guns, tanks and jet fighters are fun.
I'm with you regarding the Heavy Freighter in the sense that I love it,also,I like that beige colored fire truck (although I can't think of any actual firefighting vehicles that are beige colored.)
Regarding distribution issues what I can tell you is that one of the local Wal Marts (in my hometown of course) that it's selling some up to date 5 pack vehicles but with regards to the singles they are essentially not up to date and it's becoming a bit ridiculous so having mentioned that Hot Wheels (which like Matchbox is a subsidiary of Mattel) does update its latest products (only to an extent if you know what I mean) but more so than Matchbox which doesn't really make much sense. Finally some of the singles (at least I assume they are singles) that I look forward to are the Matchbox brand Alfa Romeo 4C(?),BMW Polizei car,GHEO rescue vehicle(definitely a single),Tesla Model S and to some extent the Runway Wrangler,etc but however no luck so far and if I'm lucky I might start seeing those items by October or November of this year. It's pathetic that I may have to wait so many months from now.
Loving that old Dodge. Wished they'd do an 89-92 MKIII Supra.
Wish they'd revive the RS200.
Yes, yes, yes and YES, it would look awesome with the Blue Brands MK I Escort