Greetings fellow collectors...
Hopefully you have had time to digest the 2013 1-120 lineup that was posted last week. While we have already grabbed or seen a great deal of the models on the list, I think there was a fair share of surprises, when it came to both those models on the list and those omitted. We can at least safely say that if there is a tool that can be used in the Matchbox arsenal, there is a good chance we will see it at some point. So if there was a model or two you wish was there (Panamera, CTS Coupe, Toyota 4Runner, and Holden Ute for me personally), don't fret, as they are bound to appear soon.
Speaking of lists, the most anticipated list of the year is the Matchbox Team's release of the next year's NEW MODELS at the International Matchbox Collectors Gathering of Friends in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We are exactly two months away from the event, and I hope to see many old and new faces there this year. It is the defining Matchbox event of the year, with full involvement by Mattel. More information can be found here:
2013 International Matchbox Collectors Gathering of Friends
So now that we know what models will be in the 2013 lineup, it is just a matter of seeing what they look like. This week we have one new model and a few new decos for 2013, all shown with permission from Mattel.
We will start with the new model, the MB889 Food Truck:
The truck, which has a plastic body and metal chassis, clearly pays tribute to the explosion of food trucks around the world, with Los Angeles being the capital. There is no doubt the Matchbox team has had their share of food truck grub, and I am sure this model was high on the to-do list. The team plans on having quite a bit of fun with different decos for this model. The first incarnation is as a hot dog truck, but we will soon see our share of cuisines from all over the world. I vote for a caviar and foie gras truck.
(No I don't. Let's go with the El Taquito Taco Truck at the Nishikawa Auto Shop on Fair Oaks in Pasadena. Dave, I know you are reading this...)
Next, a few new decos on existing castings:
First, the Armored Response Vehicle and Hummer H2, which will be part of the Military 5-pack:
One of the five models to be recolored in 2013, the Vantom:
A model we haven't seen for awhile, but happy to have back in the mainline, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, sporting the 5-spokes for the first time:
And lastly for the basic line, the Dodge Challenger, looking very sharp in purple with chrome-rimmed 5-spokes:
Speaking of the Challenger, I have submitted a question to Mattel in regards to the whereabouts of the 2012 issue in green. We have seen it in gift packs, but not on the card. I asked if we will ever see it on the card, but at this point I have my doubts. As soon as I get an answer I will pass it along.
Our final model is the Real Working Rig Freightliner Business Class M2 106 Satellite Truck from the Mission Force UFO set. We have already seen the UFO and VW T2 Bus from this set.
That is it for today. But we have many more for next week. In fact, I am very excited for next week, as I have the first images of a model that is bound to be a major collector hit. The choice is great, the execution spot-on. How is that for hype?
Until then...
