David Tilley’s Matchbox Top 10(s) of 2023

Welcome to my Matchbox Monday, on a Friday. This is being listed down direct on Lamley, rather than my usual Wheel Collectors blog. That is because, this is a Lamley Top 10 list, so it is logical to have it here. Now, I am huge into Matchbox, and as such, I aim to try and get everything released every year. Some items may be tough to obtain. Some near impossible. But, I will try to get as much of it as I can. As such, and with a much larger range of items now, trying to narrow everything down to just a single Top 10 list is hard. In recent years, I have come up with 2 different Top 10 lists. One will be for new castings. The other will be for new looks on existing castings. I decided to go a slightly different route than the Lamley awards go, in their opening parts and non-opening parts awards. But, this year, I discovered that I was leaning so heavily on my favourite brand (Porsches), they were starting to take over in general. So, in a further twist this year, I have pulled Porsche from these 2 lists. If you get to the end, you will discover that I have done a Top 10 list of Porsches at the end! Yes, a third Top 10 list. All Porsche! But first, I am going to go with what is probably the more important one. The new (non-Porsche) castings.

New Casting Number 10….

In at number 10 this year is the MB1383 ’22 Lexus LX. Debuting in batch G of the Moving Parts series, there was just something about that front end that I liked. So much tampo printing for that huge chromed area. I thought it was amazing.

Sure, the rear didn’t open up very far, but it did open. I thought it was a stellar job on this model, and I absolutely loved it. I am not a massive SUV fan, but this is definitely one of my favourite ones they have created.

New Casting Number 9….

Number 9 sees the debut of the MB1394 ’62 VW Karmann Ghia. When they first debuted a Type 14 Cabrio, back in 2009, I thought it was a lovely car. Then, a few years later, they decided to go with a Type 34 as well. But, they did a cabrio again. I always wanted a change, with a hardtop version of one. Either one, to be honest. Just for a little variety. I have to admit, the Type 14 is nicer in real life than the Type 34, so if I was to choose one, it would be the Type 14.

So, coming up with a hardtop was brilliant. I also liked that they didn’t just go with a ’69 again. They went with an earlier look. Not an awful lot different, but a 1962 Type 14 is a little different to a 1969. I also loved the licence plate. Orange VW 62. Classic!

New Casting Number 8….

This one really surprised me. When they announced the MB1349 ’41 Plymouth Coupe, I was not overly fussed. But, I have to admit, when I got the model, I was really surprised. It was amazing. I loved it. A simple look, and a lot of attention to detail again. I am not the biggest fan of pre-1950s vehicles as a rule. But perhaps I should be looking at the 1940s a little closer again. 

Because this model has really opened my eyes to the decade. I am very impressed, and now looking forward to seeing more of this one in the future.

New Casting Number 7….

Number 7 in the list is a wagon. I do enjoy wagons. And this one, the MB1374 ’57 Ford Country Sedan, was a part of batch F of the Moving Parts series, debuting in a white and red design. I know that this is based on a real one that Abe Lugo from Matchbox owns. Perhaps this influenced the attention to detail. Plus, being a Moving Parts vehicle, they are sometimes able to do things that they cannot financially do in the basics. That is, there is no rivet running down inside the rear. 

Coupled with a beautifully opening front, displaying the engine, I thought this was an amazing little casting. One that I am very much looking forward to seeing many more times.

New Casting Number 6….

Another Moving Parts model from batch F. The MB1378 ’88 Mazda RX-7 Convertible is next up on my list. It was definitely a good batch. I admit to having a bit of a soft spot for the Mazda RX models. I still remember when I saw my first RX-7 in the 1983 basic range in black. I was 10 years old, soon to turn 11. I was with my parents on an Easter trip to the seaside in the UK, and this was the first time that I saw the new window boxes that had launched that year. The Mazda RX-7 and a Datsun 280ZX were in the assortment, and I talked my parents into getting both for me. I was 10. I didn’t have any money. Although I liked the Datsun, there was something special about the Mazda. It is still one of my favourites. So, coming up with a new alternative on that generation? Yes, please, gimme gimme gimme! 

I loved that they went with the convertible, and not another hardtop. It makes this so much different. Plus, it is a later, facelifted look for the model. Talking of lifting, yes, the hood doesn’t go up too high here. It is a minor quibble on a fantastic casting. It was the only thing I would have liked to have seen done better. I loved the model itself, and let’s face it, most of the time it will be shut anyway. Hey, I remember a certain Škoda coming out in 1986 that had an engine bay that barely opened at all. Did that bother me? Nope! Another big favourite. 

New Casting Number 5….

On to number 5, and another Moving Parts. The MB1386 ’64 Buick Riviera arrived in batch D, and debuted in a lovely black look. I wasn’t too sure how I was going to react to this. I had Googled the real one, and was a little unsure on whether I liked it or not. But, I hold on until the model arrives. Some lovely “real” vehicles don’t come out very well in miniature. I have to admit, I am not a fan of the current trend of making the roof a part of the window section on many castings. These are mainly on modern vehicles. Classics do tend to keep to the traditional roof as part of the body. Something I am very happy to see. And this one, well, it came out beautifully. It is quite long. One of the longer vehicles, and this really does enhance the look. 

Lashings of chrome and silver trim. They nailed the side pin striping. The real one does have those rectangular sections after the door. They have definitely come up with some awesome US vehicles of the 1960s and 1970s lately. 

New Casting Number 4….

But, that is as high as the US vehicles went. Because, now, I move on to number 4, and a lovely little model I was very much looking forward to seeing. For many years. The MB1351 Morris Minor Saloon. It is so cute. After seeing the Tourer debut in Moving Parts for 2022, I was really hoping the saloon would join it. Of course, I am also trying to talk them into doing the Traveller. I know that one is a little tougher. You know, being part wood in real life. I think that is quite the challenge to make in small scale, and still be realistic. It might have to be a case of tampo printing the wood each time. Anyway, I am digressing. The saloon debuted in batch 11 of 12 of the basic range, and I will get more into it (spoiler alert) next Monday (beginning of 2022). 

All I will say for now, I love it! And I think the 2024 looks (2 are already appearing in some places) are making it look even better. 

New Casting Number 3….

Moving into the top 3 now. In bronze position is a brilliant little model. The MB1344 ’86 Volvo 240. When this arrived in batch 10 of the basic range, I was stunned. I think a number of people had been anticipating it. It is such a simple vehicle. A classic 3-box design. I mean, this is how a child would draw a car. But, Volvo just made it into reality. It was dependable, reliable, solid. I still see random ones on the road. They just keep going. Daft fact, the first Matchbox Volvo car was the vehicle that replaced it. The 700-series. Until then, they had never done a Volvo car. In fact, it was only a few years earlier they did their first ever Volvo. A truck. Growing up, my friend, who lived opposite my house, had a Volvo 340. Well, his father did. I was always surprised that Matchbox never made any Volvo in the 1970s. I am not surprised they went with the 240, as the 340 wasn’t sold worldwide. It was a smaller vehicle. Even though it had a bigger number. But, in the UK, the 340-series was a big seller. Particularly the hatchback variant. If they wanted to be a little adventurous, I would love for Matchbox to make a 343 (the 3-door variant as a hatchback). 

But, I digress again. The 240 looks amazing. I love that they side pillars are all there, part of the body section. This is traditional construction. Very old school. Plus, I love the attention to detail. Just look at the headlamp washers. Freaking awesome! This is a fantastic little casting, and I love that they added it to the range. 

New Casting Number 2….

Number 2 on my list is the MB1405 ’69 Triumph TR6. It arrived in the final batch of the Collectors series. I reviewed it just the other week. And Graham Heeps also did a whole blog on Lamley just on this 1 vehicle. It is absolutely incredible. And the parts involved?

The fact that this has so many different parts to it just defies belief. With the way they carefully create castings in such a way to limit the parts involved, the fact that this has so many of them is amazing. Even the metal engine as a unique part is something to behold. Debuting in a beautiful British Racing Green, with a luxurious tan interior, and showing off some real rider disk wheels, this model is just about perfection. So what beat it?

New Casting Number 1….

This. The MB1358 ’04 Mazda RX-8. Yes, this is the new casting from 2023 that I have chosen as my favourite. I bet this has surprised a few people. But not me! As soon as it was announced at the 2022 Gathering, I knew this was bound to be one of my favourites. When I finally had it in hand, I was not disappointed. Again, going back to my story of the Mazda RX-7 as a child, I loved getting that model. When Matchbox released the next gen in 1994, I was happy. But also a little sad. Unfortunately, it came out just as Tyco had got their foot in the door. A lovely little casting wasted with such gaudy graphics. By the time Mattel had seized control, and finally gave us a half way decent outing, they dropped it! Seriously? Oh well, a new generation is coming. The RX-8 debuted, and I waited. And waited. I am patient. 20 odd years later, and it finally arrived! And it has not disappointed in the slightest! I absolutely love it! 

Debuting in a simple black with front and rear detailing, I could not ask for more. I thought this was a brilliant start, and I am already looking forward to the next release. And the one after that. And so on. Yes, I am a big fan of this one, and as soon as I had it, I knew this was a contender for casting of the year. When I finally put the models together to make a final decision, I realized it was the one. Way to go little Mazda. 20 years was definitely worth the wait. 

So, that is the new castings out of the way. Of course, I do a rundown of existing castings that saw a look I just loved. Now, I have many MANY more to choose from here. And, I have to admit, this was so much tougher to go with. There were a number that almost made the cut. I thought the VW T2 Bus in the last Collectors batch was awesome. As was the Merc W123 in the first Collectors batch. There were many basics and Moving Parts that sported simple front and rear detailing that I thought looked amazing. Then, you look at 5-packs, 9-packs, other side lines. It took a while to narrow things down. But, I got there eventually. So, let’s go through my Top 10 new looks list.

New Design Number 10….

I finished with a Japanese classic on new castings, but am starting with one here. The MB1292 ’94 Mitsubishi 3000GT was a cool model when it debuted in 2022. But, there was something about the red look in the 2023 basic range that spoke to me. I do tend to like red models anyway. But, I preferred this to the debut black release (looking good for the RX-8 in 2024).

It’s quite tough getting a lot of detailing on a red model. Particularly rear lights. But, they got them there. A more orangey shade to them. They stand out well. I thought it looked great.

New Design Number 9….

Number 9 is the MB1317 ’21 Ford Bronco 2-door from batch F of the Moving Parts range. Didn’t I tell you it was an amazing batch! 2 new castings from the batch appeared in that Top 10 list, and now another gets in this list as well. As soon as the model debuted last year, I knew I was going to be a big fan. I wasn’t 100% sure whether I would like this year’s as much as the orange debut.

But, I do. The metallic blue, coupled with the gold wheels. I thought this looked amazing. What a way to keep it going. 

New Design Number 8….

Number 8 on my list is a Mattel Creations release. The MB1323 ’75 Mitsubishi Lancer Celeste was one of my new castings of the year in 2022. I was blown away by how good it looked. Well, we saw a very period correct looking brown in Moving Parts this year, but that was nothing compared to the awesome blue stripey one that popped up on the Mattel Creations website. Of course I was getting it. I think it is amazing. And the little Japanese writing extras on the tampo really set it off.

And with this being a high-end premium product, they really flexed their tampo muscles. It got a lot of details. I thought this was, and probably will stay, as the best this model looks. 

New Design Number 7….

Number 7 on the list is the MB1139 ’16 Chevy Camaro. I am a big fan of the casting anyway, but with this appearing in batch D of the Collectors series in a very real Edelbrock look, I thought it was incredible. Apart from the small switch from what was on the real vehicle over the rear wheels to putting a Matchbox logo there, this was an exact replica of the rear one that Edelbrock uses.

The fact that the Edelbrock theme has become a bit of a recurring theme now, to go and put this one out is just icing on the cake. I love when they find these real models to showcase. 

New Design Number 6….

Did I say I love Camaros? This MB302 ’69 Chevy Camaro was in the Blue Highways III 5-pack early on in the year. After seeing the revamped casting pop up in the late 2022 Retro series with flames on it, my initial thought was I wanted to see one with hood stripes! Lo and behold, one with hood stripes. The US Muscle series saw a classic look re-used, but now on the modified casting, but it was not as cool as this one was. This was the business! I loved it. So much so, that I rummaged through many boxes of the 5-pack to find 3 noticeable shades on it. Yes, I bought the pack 3 times, just to get this model 3 times. I am not obsessed. Why are you asking?

New Design Number 5….

I haven’t got to this one yet in my regular features. The MB1275 ’86 Ford F-150 is in the final batch of the 2023 basic range. It comes in a lovely light blue with white siding. When this arrived in the Jurassic World Dominion series in 2022, I was hoping that we would be able to see it in non-Jurassic liveries. After all, the part it played in the movies was not using a modified vehicle in any way. It was a stock F-150. I have noticed that a lot of the casting that were made by Matchbox for the Jurassic series have not been seen anywhere else. Only a few manage to see further action. Which is a shame. I was sure the Textron Tiger could have been used as a SWAT vehicle. Maybe the ’93 Jeep Wrangler in some sort of action role. The 2x Kawasakis looks perfectly normal to me, and I thought they could have been used again. The Merc G-Wagon saw a modification to enable it regular use. The Unimog did see a German issue in a Polizei design. So, it does happen. But, when I saw the innitial red here, I was positive it would be seen again. And yes, here it is. It looks amazing in this new look.

It kept the chrome, and they even tampo printed the front again. Stellar work. This casting is one of my favourites of all the pickups they do. 

New Design Number 4….

The Matchbox team really gave us items to chase down in 2023. After debuting a solitary chase in 2021, for 2022 they gave us 2. But in 2023, we saw 7! Three of them were in the basic range, with another 4 a part of Moving Parts. And those ones were really tough to chase down. But, I had to. The Range Rover was awesome in orange. I nearly had that in my Top 10. It was one of the last to be dropped. But, the MB1306 ’19 Ford Mustang GT Convertible, a chase model from batch D, did make the cut. Number 4 in the list. I thought this was amazing. I loved the black with the silver stripe going through the middle. Plus the little Ford Performance detailing.

And, being a chase model, this did get an uplift to premium status. Real riders, full tampo. There is something about US muscle cars that I love. Because….

New Design Number 3….

Number 3 is another muscle car. And yes, my third Camaro in the list. The MB629 ’69 Chevy Camaro was the first of the 6 Target Red models in 2023. And they came out of the box red hot. Did you like the pun? Target Red? Red hot? No? Oh, well, I keep trying. I keep getting told not to give up my day job. Red, with dual white stripes. What was not to love? A little extra detailing down the side as well.

This showed us the bar that they were creating when it comes to the Target Red stuff. And I have to admit, I am loving them all so far. 

New Design Number 2….

Now, this is a work of art. I had a chat with Michael Heralda about it while I was in Albuquerque in July. The MB1267 ’64 Chevy C10 Longbed was chosen to be the dinner model for the 2023 event, and when we were handed them, I was totally blown away. I had this model as one of the top ones last year, and it goes and does it again. I know that Jim (and his wife Vicki) were extremely pleased with how they turned out. As was Michael. He had a vision, but was unsure just how well it would be replicated at the factory. But, they did amazing work to make this look rusty and old. There was an early bird special in silver, but I do prefer the green. It was tough. I was going back and forth over which one to put in. 

In my preview of them after the convention, I talked about the significance of the design. The letters on the front corners, and what everything meant. This was very personaly, especially to Vicki. But, for the rest of us, it was just a work of genius! There’s nothing more to say about it. Now, on to the top spot, and something which may surprise you.

New Design Number 1….

Because it actually surprised me too. The MB1226 ’19 Ford Mustang GT is one of my current favourite castings. Part of my “I love muscle cars” preference. This casting saw 3 outings in 2023, none of which were a regular part of the range. The closest was a Target Red. We also saw a white US Muscle release, and although both were more “normal”, there was just something about this Shell look from the 2023 Convoy series that just appealed to me. I guess it is partly down to the throwback vibes this gives me. I grew up in the 1970s and 1980s. During the Universal era in particular, we saw quite a lot of tampo printing on models, and the Shell logo was used a lot. It made me feel nostalgic. Even though it is a completely modern design. I mean, Shell V-Power is not an old fuel.

Now, I would like to say that this is not me promoting the use of side graphics on everything and taking away front and rear lights/detailing. I still want those to be the norm. But, once in a while, I do not mind them thinking outside the box on something. Occasionally, as a rare issue, it can work. That is because it is not gaudy. This is not mid-1990s Tyco era designing. This is a real company being utilized in the design on a model. Something I can get behind. Or, one of the recurring themes that we have seen lately. I think they know what they are doing. 95% front and rear detailing, 5% having a little fun. 

So, there you go, a shocking result. But, I stand by it. But, as you noticed, I did not put any Porsches in there. As I said, we had a lot of Porsches this year, and I decided to give them their own list. Now, I made a rule. For each Porsche casting that was used this year, I only chose my favourite look for that casting. Some saw more than 1 outing. In total, we had 11 different Porsche castings used in new looks. One solitary casting did not make the list. Spoiler alert, it was the 918 Spyder. It was close. The final spot was between that yellow basic range, and the model that did eventually get chosen to be in the number 10 spot.

New Porsche Number 10….

Yes, the new MB1308 Porsche 911RSR. It debuted as a Mattel Creations model only a few months ago, and I have literally just done a showcase on it. It is over on the Wheel Collectors website as we speak. I gave the casting a 10 out of 10. I cannot fault it. It is absolutely amazing. The end result is also incredible. The effort that has gone into this one beggars belief. It was definitely one of the big talking points of the year, and I believe did fairly well on the Lamley polls. Yes, this ticks all the boxes. So, how come it only just scraped into my Top 10?

Well, this is the thing. I am a huge Porsche fan! I always have been. The 911 is my favourite car of all time. When I was a kid, my bedroom wall was covered with pictures of them. I had posters, pictures ripped out of magazine, adverts pulled from places. You name it, if it had a Porsche, I would stick it up on the wall. My walls were covered with them. But, if you looked at them, you would likely notice one thing. They were standard road cars. Mainly the Turbo. Slightly flared wheel arches and a spoiler on the back? Perfection. The more outrageous they became, the less I seemed to like them. Huge spoilers? Adding skirts? Lowering and/or raising? Sure, you could still tell they were a 911. But, the simple elegance of the regular ones was being lost on me. This is one of the reasons why I prefer the Matchbox brand. Other brands tend to make the more outrageous. Matchbox were known for stock vehicles. Regular cars you see on the road. That is something I always liked, and still do. For the most part, we are still seeing a lot of this. So many new castings debuting of real cars, in standard road looks. Nothing fancy. No huge spoilers. Nothing unusual. Sure, we have always seen odd vehicles getting a little more extreme. I do not mind the odd ones. But, they will not be some of my favourites. The 911RSR is a track car. Not something seen on the road. As I said, this is incredibly well done. And I know, for quite a few people, this has been an incredible release. I do think it is, as it shows that Matchbox, as a brand, are being allowed a little more elbow room at the Mattel toy car table. A decade ago, they were very restricted in what they could do. But, now, they have a voice. I do see this is a bit of a game changer. A very significant model in the Matchbox portfolio. But, it just didn’t gel with me as much as the other 9 on this list did.

New Porsche Number 9….

The MB423 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet. Out of 18 castings that have debuted under the Mattel watch, this is the oldest one that is still going, third that debuted. The older 911GT1 debuted in 1998, but has not been seen since 2004 (technically early 2005) when it was last used in the Superfast series, and the Boxster, which debuted the same year as this has not been seen since 2014. But this one has continued to soldier on. I do wonder if this might be its swansong. A new, modern, 911 Carrera Cabriolet has just arrived for 2024, which may mean that after a quarter of a century, we may be saying goodbye to this one. We may not. I don’t work for Mattel. They may still slip it in a 5-pack (not including the 2024 carry forward outing before anyone points it out, I was talking a new look), or a 9-pack somewhere down the line. Heck, they might even dig out the Boxster for another outing. We don’t know for sure. But, as a mainline outing, I think this could be done. If so, it is going out in a lovely blaze of glory. A simple metallic blue with front and rear detailing. 

Although I do think this is a beautiful look, this is the 7th time we have seen a metallic blue. Deep breath…. 2001 basic (ROW only), 2005 basic, 2005 Superfast (ROW), 2008 basic, 2010 5-pack and 2021 Best of France. Obviously, with a quarter of a century of action, we were going to see colours used more than once. Blue was the most common, followed by red (on 4), then black (3)/yellow (3) and so on. We never saw purple or orange though. Could we have seen a funky look to finish? Who knows. As I said, it may still pop up. Perhaps in purple or orange….

New Porsche Number 8….

The 8th model in the list is the MB1305 Porsche Cayenne Turbo. This is the first one I had a choice on. Blue basic range or red Porsche series? Definitely the red. I instantly chose that. It is a simple look, which is what I usually prefer. Front and rear detailing. Terrific! It is what I like on models. You can’t go wrong with them.

Of course, this is a large SUV. From the rear it doesn’t quite scream gorgeous to me in the way the 911 does. I have a soft spot for 911s in general. Mind you, it did beat 2 of them in the list. As did a few more.

New Porsche Number 7….

Taking the number 7 slot is the MB1407 Porsche 910. This is a model I had 5 options to go with. The debut was a 70th Anniversary special, and then it saw 4 different looks for the Leipzig Convention in October. I have to say, they were all amazing, and the Leipzig models really stood out to me. But which one was nicest? The orange was my least desirable option of those 4. Pink was really cool, but I dropped it out next. It was between red and blue. Usually, red would be my go-to option, as red is my favourite colour. But, I thought this blue one looked better. It was the “Best Buddy” option of the 4 that were made for the event. 

The sweeping stripes over the model were amazing. I loved all the little details added, and the 22 (for the event year) roundel giving us a nostalgic vibe. Sliding in a 70th Anniversary logo for good measure? Sure, why not. They did terrific work, and I think it was an outstanding new casting. Yes, I prefer this new casting over the 911RSR, even though this is also a race vehicle. But, this is a classic track car, and in those days, they didn’t go nuts with loads of spoilers, skirts etc. Plus, it was born to be a track car. The 911RSR was a regaulr car turned into one. So, to me, it is a better vehicle. 

New Porsche Number 6….

Another new casting for the number 6 slot. The MB1367 Porsche Macan. Had I just put this in with the rest of the new castings, this would have been number 1. I am just saying. The Porsche 910 would have been number 2. The 911RSR? The third of the Porsche castings debuting in 2023? Well, to be honest, it wouldn’t have made the list. It is weird. I know. That’s the way things go sometimes. But, this was a big surprise, as it was not announced before early pictures of it coming as a basic range Super Chase emerged. It made my jaw drop! 

So, arriving in the basic range, but in a more premium guise, this model realy knocked my socks off. I loved the look. I loved the way they captured the shape so well, and being a smaller SUV in real life to the Cayenne, the model also follows suit, and is that little bit smaller. It sort of stays in proportion that way. I thought they did an outstanding job with it. Definitely my casting of the year, but thrown in a special Porsche Top 10, rather than standard one.

New Porsche Number 5….

Which means, spoiler alert, the whole Top 5 is going to be 911-based. Hence the reason why I pulled Porsche from the main list. Just imagine if I did a Top 10 of new looks, and 7 of the 10 were Porsches? That’s how this was looking before I made this call. I think I made a good decision. Sure, more work for me, more reading for you (if you decided to do the Porsche list as well), but I thought this was definitely a better option. This MB1330 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S was my casting of the year last year. Rightly so. It is gorgeous! But, the red debut was about as good as it was going to get. For year 2, they went with a dull grey. Sure, this is a popular colour choice, but dull grey isn’t the snazziest of looks. It is good. Don’t get me wrong. But, it didn’t pop the same way as the debut one did.

But, as is the norm, you can’t go wrong with a simple front and rear tampo scheme. The gold wheels were great, and I have noticed this has appeared on a few Porsches now, so in a way, I am hoping to see more dull grey Porsches with golden wheels in the future. Yeah, I am getting weirder by the second….

New Porsche Number 4….

Which brings us to number 4 in the list. Another non-stock 911. I know. I told you. I get weirder as the list goes on. But the MB1185 ’85 Porsche 911 Rally isn’t that wild. A slight lift, a few extra lights and a bumper accessory on the front, and some luggage on the roof. It is not as extreme as the 911RSR. And this look is by far the nicest I have seen it in. A simple black look with the luggage detailed on the top. No side design at all. It looked amazing! 

A tiny bit of detailing to the front lights, and this was out the door. A simplistic look if ever I saw one. I was blown away by how cool this looked. I think many were. I had a friend obtain the Porsche set for me (they were unavailable where I am), and this was the one he could never find. As soon as they hit the stores, this one went. It was a hot commodity. But….

New Porsche Number 3….

When it came to the Porsche set, 3 models were new, and 3 were carry forwards. All 3 new ones are in the list, and the MB947 Porsche 911GT3 came out top for me. Just look at the funky lime green! I loved it! Yes, this is also a casting that takes the Turbo stance and takes it to a more extreme level. But, it is not that extreme. If I had a choice, I would take a Turbo over a GT3, as I prefer the simple Turbo spoiler. The 911GT3 spoiler does detract from the look of the 911 in my eyes. But, beyond that, it is still very much a 911. It is still a road car. And that does make it better than a 911RSR to me. 

Again, we saw simple front and rear detailing. Something that cannot be faulted. I thought this was such a cool colour outing for the model. I wonder if we will see some other 911s in funky lime green?

New Porsche Number 2….

I think, by now, you would likely have guessed what would be top of my list. Number 2 is the MB544 Porsche 911 Turbo. This model has been with us for a long time, and after debuting in 2002, it hung around until 2017. After that, it disappeared. I thought it was not going to be seen again, but I was happily mistaken. However, when it returned this year, I did see that the casting has been lightly modified. Just a few tweaks here and there. They did a carry forward issue in the Advent Calendar this year, but also this appeared in the Target Red series. Yes, this is my second Target Red model showcased in this rundown. That series is really good. And this is probably going to remain as my favourite one they do for Target. My favourite car? A 911 Turbo? My favourite colour? Red!

Plus, the model saw front and rear detailing, and a side stripe! I do love stripes. This is perfection in this model. However….

New Porsche Number 1….

The nostalgia factor of this just had to put it tops in my book. The MB1152 ’80 Porsche 911 Turbo from Mattel Creations. I think this was the fastest sellout from Matchbox in that range. I heard it was gone in moments when they put it live. It just screams the 1980s to me. Who would have thought that a pink model with blue and yellow designs all over it would be my model of the year? Yes, this is my overall pick of number 1 outing for the entire brand.

It is weird. It is funky. It is, pretty much everything I would not want to see done often. But, as I said with the Mustang, once in a while, they come up with something that just works. I still want to see more plain looks. The red and the brown are amazing models. Simple front and rear detailing on the 2020 and 2022 Moving Parts releases. But, occasionally, a funky look can knock it out of the park. Where’s my loud suit and brick mobile phone? I am definitely in an ’80s mood now.

So there you have it. 3 different Top 10 lists. New castings, new looks, and the all-important (to me) Porsche one! The 3 winners? Well, the Porsche wins that mini tournament, with the Mazda as the runner up. I bet this has surprised a few people. As i said, I am weird. I like what I like. Things don’t always make sense. I hope you enjoyed the rundown anyway. And as for me, normal service resumes on Monday. I am not stopping with the regular routine. Until then, have a safe and happy New Year!