How fun has the Matchbox coverage been this week?
Obviously not everything that we have shown will appeal to all collectors, but there is quite a bit that does. The Best of the World line was very well received by collectors, and the upcoming 2015 and 2016 models have also created a ton of buzz.
That doesn’t mean everything is hunky dory with collectors and Matchbox. Lots of generics you don’t like, and the emphasis on off-road cars still has a few of you up in arms. But darned if things haven’t turned in the last bit. Since the release of the Tesla Model S, the vibe has steadily been getting more and more positive. And this week it seems to have hit a high that hasn’t been seen in a very long time. It is cool to see, and it is going to get even better. Trust me.
So let’s dive into another model that should bring collectors to the orange pegs a little more than before, the BMW M5 Police.
This is one that has been high on the want list ever since I saw the 3D print last July at the Gathering:
I have always been a sucker for Matchbox police cars, and I am always happy to have a larger variety of police cars, especially from carmakers around the world. So the BMW made me very happy. I realize many of you would rather have a street version, and that would be nice, but I think the police version is more interesting. Same with cars like the Mitsubishi Evo and upcoming Stingray Corvette. It is a nice little unique niche for Matchbox. In fact, we should do a blog post focusing solely on the police cars Matchbox has released in the last few years. It is a pretty stellar list.
But let’s focus on the BMW. Matchbox has appropriately started with the German “Polizei” livery, which is based on a real car:
Sure, no front and rear tampos which is a bummer, but considering the 2-pass rule, the police livery is far more important than the front and read detail. (But if you are listening, Matchbox, this would be a model to try and get four passes for. Let a generic get the blank ends.)
All in all, this is a great model, and hopefully we will see it sporting all kinds of cool police liveries in the future. We could show quite a few ideas, but that is for another post…
(Find the BMW M5 Police on eBay…)
Matchbox BMW M5 Police (2015 New Models):
Too bad soo sad that Matchbox brand already DEAD in Malaysia…I miss them already..
Matchbox should do the BMW M6
This looks perfect in spite of the missing front/rear tampos. A great addition to the line and we will hopefully see a lot more European liveries. Thanks Matchbox.
This looks perfect in spite of the missing front/rear tampos. A great addition to the line and we will hopefully see a lot more European liveries. Thanks Matchbox.
I demand separate light bars. I don't know which boffin is responsible for this whole “4 piece treatment” thats supposed to save them money but its a very lame and takes away the accuracy. It also takes away the chance of turning it into a street version. Since Matchbox won't do a street version, the separate light bar should have been a must.
Anyway, its a stellar model nonetheless. I love the fact that the German Polizie version was done rather than some generic white-black model. Even the wheels suit it very well. This is a must have for me.
M5 street car, here we go… of course, if these ever show up in Mexico.
Get used to it. The general “4-piece rule” is law of the land in the $1 line for both the blue and orange brands.
I agree it does take away some of the sleekness of the police/fire/emergency castings, though.
Personally, there are some cases where light bars that are molded as a part of the glass is OK, and cases where it takes away. In this case, it takes away from the overall look of the casting.
I hope to find one if anyone decides to get rid of the pegwarmers from Batch B? and start stocking these . I hope they keep the decos realistic. Maybe we'll see one with blue replacing the green, as many police cars in Germany are this way.
Something I've been wondering about, wouldn't they be able to do 4 passes on a vehicle if they did one with no passes to compensate? And wouldn't they be able to make 5 or more parts by cutting down parts on the less desired models? I believe a windshield or tampo prints wouldn't make a lot of difference in a generic loader or tractor.
Wow. Are they back, or are they back! New castings being announced are exciting, and variety I think will ensure something for everybody. I SO wish they gave this one the front & rear tampos though(lamps).
Exactly. This is my point. I mean, they have money for all the stupid plastic stuff that no one wants to buy and when it comes to the really good 'licensed' models, in comes the cost-saving and out goes what the collectors actually want like full tampos and separate light bars. but nevermind, its just my opinion.
As much as I love the BMW M5 casting, there ought to be a street “civilian” version. It’s not that I don’t like police vehicles, but street versions have more of a place in my collection.