Greetings collectors...
We are back with another fresh set of sneaks this week. There was a lot of discussion last week regarding the new Double Decker Bus. Obviously its plastic content got a lot of the attention, but any discussion is good discussion, right?
Many of you wonder if Mattel sees your responses, whether here on the blog or on other forums, and I promise you they do. I have had several discussions with them where the team has brought up specific names and comments they have read. I know the Matchbox team appreciates the passion. Of course they are making a line aimed at children, and not everything that collectors want can they do, but they know collectors are out there. But I would ask that you not assume they are not listening because they are doing things you don't like. They are trying to build the best lineup for the kids they target, within the most advantageous price point, and that constantly changes. But keep providing your feedback.
With all the talk of plastic and other developments, some might have overlooked the fact that Matchbox models are returning to more realistic liveries. The team will admit that designs went pretty crazy in the last 12-18 months (purple Hazard Squad, anyone?), but they have backed away from that. Thankfully that might be more in line with what collectors are looking for, but more importantly corresponds with the direction of the brand.
A case in point is the brand new Interntaional MXT MVA. The Matchbox team has wanted to expand their military vehicle portfolio, and they are very excited about this one. Now that I see it, I am too. The MVA is the armored version of the MXT lineup (although I would not suggest attempting to see if the Matchbox version is actually armored), and arrives in desert combat colors:
(As always, images are shown with permission from Mattel.)
Next up is another Gift Pack exclusive. If you remember, each 9- or 10-pack will feature one exclusive, a classic car casting with the 60th Anniversary logo somewhere on the body. We have seen several, and now we have the first image of the Lamborghini Miura:
Four more sneaks this week, with three from the mainline. There are two Oshkosh M-ATV's for 2013. One, the red version, will be in an upcoming Mission Force set. The other in orange will be in the mainline:
Next is the upcoming Ford Crown Victoria Taxi:
And lastly, a collector favorite from 2012, back for 2013 and looking equally dapper. The Buick Century Police Car returns in white with black doors. This is bound to be a hot item once again:
That is it for now. We are all ready set for next week's sneaks, which will focus almost solely on the 60th Anniversary line.
Until then...
