Happy Matchbox Monday...
When we jump into Matchbox Monday, we like to look at what is new to the shelves, and if there is nothing significant, we run over to the collection to see what might be nice to show off. This time we pulled out the severely underused Porsche Panamera, and had it all ready to go. But then I remembered that some new gift packs were recently released. Alas, the Panamera will have to wait.
Matchbox has taken a specific direction with the gift pack exclusives this year. Each model used is a classic car casting, most introduced in the last 6-7 years. Classic cars not called Mustang took a back seat when Matchbox shifted its direction a couple of years ago. Not something collectors, including us, wanted to hear, but sadly many of these castings did warm the pegs.
Matchbox seems to be slowly returning to more realistic liveries, and maybe some of the model choices will follow in 2014 and beyond. Models like the Olds Vista Cruiser, Volvo P1800 (we need to feature that model soon), and GMC Stepside need a little more attention, and we hope it comes soon.
In the meantime, we have these gift pack exclusives. They aren't necessarily what you would call realistic, as the deco is more oriented to Matchbox's 60th Anniversary than the design of the actual car. But the idea is a good one. Some collectors don't like, and we totally get why. Matchbox collectors like their models realistic looking. We do too. But these models add a nice variety to those that collect them, and easily signify what they represent. My guess is these models would be much better received if there were other more realistic versions being released in the mainline. Maybe those basic versions come, and in turn makes these gift pack exclusives more desirable in the future.
So here are with #4, #5, and #6. We have already seen the Cadillac Sedan Deville, Corvette T-Top, and '69 Camaro packs shelfwarming at a big box near you. Still to come, a Lamborghini Miura and '71 Firebird (which will be previewed in next week's Ambassador Update). This current batch of three looks good. I would put the Karmann Ghia at the top in its bright green and chrome-rimmed disk wheels, followed by the Mini and 914, which is a bit drab (but it has never been a favorite personally). Matchbox collectors may not be into these now, but there may come a time when they wished they picked them up. Who knows...
(As always, Matchbox Monday is brought to us by our friends at MVE Collectibles. Be sure to check out their store for the latest Matchbox and other brands, as well as older models that you may have missed...)
Matchbox 1964 Austin Mini Cooper, Type 14 VW Karmann Ghia Convertible, and VW-Porsche 914 (2013 Gift Pack Exclusives):
