First Look: 2014 Matchbox BMW 1M in estoril blue...

Since we are already on a BMW kick today, why not the last preview we have been given permission by Mattel to show, this time of the upcoming color of the BMW 1M.

It looks like Matchbox is going with signature colors to start the run of the BMW 1M.  First orange, now estoril blue.  All we need now is alpine white with blue and red striping.

When we first saw the Matchbox preview photo in the Ambassador Report, the color didn't come through as well.  But now we have seen it in person, it is truly replicating the bright but deep blue we see on so many BMW's.  The 1M has been a favorite since its release last year, and when it hits the pegs we will be sure to the collection we have amassed together.

For now, we will enjoy these pics from the Gathering...

(Find the Matchbox BMW 1M on ebay...)


Matchbox BMW 1M (2014 Mainline):

First Look: Matchbox 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500...

Here is yet another upcoming model Mattel allowed us to photograph at the Matchbox Gathering, and that will be hitting the pegs soon.

We imagine a few collectors will be happy about this one.  It is a truck.  Not a truck with oversized wheels.  Not a truck with special equipment in the back.  Not a lowered truck (but that hasn't ever been a Matchbox thing).  It is just a truck.  No crazy tampos, or made up business name on the door.  Just a blue truck.

Matchbox has done just a truck many times before, including the Silverado SS a few years ago, so this one fits in nicely.  Do we like it?  Yeah, for sure.  It is, as is the norm with realistic models released by Matchbox, very precise casting-wise.  It is probably not a model that will make it into the Lamley collection, as for me most current pickups are a little on the boring side.  Of course, if it were just a bit older, and had a vintage vibe, I might be all over it.

Nonetheless, this plain blue truck is probably what the doctor ordered when it comes to Matchbox collectors.  What do you think?


Matchbox 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 (2014 New Models):

First Look: 2014 Matchbox 1971 Pontiac Firebird Formula...

It is probably appropriate that this post hits this week.

We took these pics of the latest version of the Matchbox '71 Firebird last week, before leaving for the Gathering, and we wanted to use one older version for sake of comparison.  The model we chose was the recolor from 2011, in gold.

And a couple of days later, the person that made a classic gold Firebird iconic passed away.  James Garner, famous for his role on Rockford Files, and a serious gearhead himself, passed away at age 86 on Saturday.

So, while the focus of this post is the latest version of the '71 Firebird in green, consider it our tribute to Mr. Garner, who we loved in the Rockford Files, Maverick, and many other series.  It may not be his exact Firebird, but it'll do.  RIP James Garner.

With all that, don't overlook how great this latest version is.  Yeah, the wheels are more modern, but after several classic versions, this updated look really works.  Definitely worth picking up, or snagging on ebay...


Matchbox 1971 Pontiac Firebird Formula (2014 Mainline):

First Look: Matchbox 1993 Ford Mustang LX SSP (Special Service Package)...

Alright, Lamley readers, this will be fun.  We have a massive backup of cool things to showcase here on the blog.  Here is a smattering:

1. Gathering Exclusive Toyota Tacoma & Dodge Charger Police
2. Matchbox 2014 Silverado
3. Matchbox Alfa Romeo 4C FEP
4. Matchbox BMW 1M
5. 2015 Matchbox 3D Prints, including the BMW M5, Porsche Cayman, Lamborghini LM002, and more.
6. Tomica Limited Vintage BMW 325i 4-door
7. Hot Wheels Datsun 510 Wagon standard issue & Super Treasure Hunt

And that isn't all.  There are a ton of TLV's waiting in the wings, some just-released Matchbox, a Hot Wheels US N Case Report, and more and more and more.  Plus Hot Wheels Batch P is just around the corner.  Oh, and two weeks of customs that we want to show.  That is a lot, and we plan to get to it all.  If there are some models you want to see sooner rather than later, let us know.

But with all that, there is one model we have been really excited to show first.  We wanted to wait for Nigel Cooper's final Ambassador Report before showing all the pics we have, and now we can.  We should also mention that these images come courtesy of Mattel, who allowed me to photograph all these upcoming models at the Gathering.

That model is the 1993 Ford Mustang SSP, which should be out in a just a few months.  It has been on the Matchbox Design Team's want list for some time, and when a gap emerged in the 2014 line after another new model had to be dropped, the team pounced.  The Mustang became a late addition to the range, and after seeing it, it might very well be our favorite of the 2014 line.  Funny how that happens.

The foxbody Mustang has gotten its fair share of love elsewhere, particularly Hot Wheels, when Jun Imai introduced the 1992 Mustang in the Modern Classics line.  Since then the casting has been very popular, showing up as a Treasure Hunt, RLC exclusive, HW Racing, and elsewhere.  We have to think the day will come when it appears as a Super Treasure Hunt as well.  We have even seen the '84 SVO in a few premium lines.  Not to mention an earlier version, the Turbo Mustang has been a lot as well.

But that is Hot Wheels.  It is now Matchbox's turn.  And this one definitely has the Matchbox touch.  A notchback, no low profile, no sporty rims.  It is a Mustang cop car, with the made-for-the-force Special Service Package.  It truly is Matchbox at its best.

And the culprit for this one is designer Miguel Lopez, who took Ryu Asada's spot at Matchbox when he crossed the hall to blue.  Miguel has been responsible for quite a few of the models we are seeing in 2014, and most of the 2015 line.  He has that same touch for realism, and it really shows here with the Mustang.  Just look at the clear plastic headlights, which are part of the window piece.

I first met Miguel last year at JCCS, and was able to spend a lot more time with him at the Matchbox Gathering last weekend.  Like Ryu, he is exactly the guy you want designing diecast cars.  He loves cars, knows a ton about them, and it a very talented artist.  Watching him ogle over some customs one of our Lamley friends brought was as good a sign as any what kind of passion Miguel has for little cars.  It will be fun to watch what he comes up with moving forward.

We are also happy to see this model debut in a real police livery, and an iconic livery at that:

CHP has graced a few Matchbox models (do I smell a future post?), and it looks great here, especially knowing the Mustang SSP was a model CHP used.  Of course, there is another SSP we would be interested in seeing, whether or not Greenlight already did it:

Am I too obsessed with the Utah Highway Patrol livery?  Probably, but the plain white with the beehive on the door really can't be beat.  And it has remained the same for years.

Anyway, here we are.  Real livery, on a really good-looking model.  Matchbox wants your love, collectors.  This is quite the love note.

Look for it in stores this fall.

(note: You may see a slight gap between the rear bumper and body.  Just something that this test model has, after a too-tight riveting.  It sits flush on the production model.)

Matchbox 1993 Ford Mustang LX SSP (2014 New Models):

First Look: Matchbox 1963 Mack B Fire Engine Everett Marshall Charities Exclusive...

To say we have a lot of Matchbox to get to is an understatement.  Gathering models, new models, late 2014 and 2015 previews, Nigel Cooper's final Ambassador Report, and Larry Scaduto's first.  That is a lot.  Not to mention new Tomica Limited Vintage BMW's on the way, as well as showcases of the TLV I brought home from Albuquerque.

We haven't even mentioned Hot Wheels, but never fear, an N Case Report is coming soon, and later this week we will be giving the Lamley Treatment to possibly the most highly anticipated Hot Wheels model of the year.  Lots and lots to do.

But back to the plethora of Matchbox.  Nigel Cooper's final report should come later today, so stay tuned.  It will highlight all the details from the Matchbox presentation last Saturday night, and will showcase the models coming in 2015.  So keep checking back.

For now we have a real beauty to showcase, and to let you know how to get one.  And a beauty with a heart, as the purpose of this model is to raise funds for burn victims as part of the Everett Marshall Charities fundraiser.

So before we get to the model, a little about Everett Marshall and his charity.  First off, among the Matchbox collecting population Everett is well-known.  His collection of Matchbox is among the most complete anywhere, and it is displayed for anyone to see:

We would imagine hours, if not days, could be spent at Everett's museum.  But that is Everett the collector.

More important is Everett the man.  Every year in August, Everett hosts a golf tournament to raise funds for Everett Marshall Charities, created to help burn victims.  Everett himself knows such perils, as he suffered significant burns and lost both his legs in an accident in 2006.  Since then, Everett has been raising money for those who have to deal with many of the same challenges.

And Matchbox is on board.  Every year, Matchbox creates an exclusive model and donates it to the charity to help raise funds.  The model is always emergency-related, always stunning, and is sold to tournament participants, as well as anyone else who would like to donate to the cause.  Some previous models:

And because the gold tournament falls only a few weeks after the Matchbox Gathering, Everett is able to bring several of the models with him to Albuquerque and sell to collectors who cannot attend the tournament.  And every year we seek Everett out to pick up a model.

This year was no exception, and we were able to return home with our Everett Marshall model.  And this one may be the prettiest yet.  When Matchbox announced the Mack B Fire Engine last year at the Gathering, Everett knew that was the model he wanted to be used for next year's tournament, and Matchbox obliged.  And the result is stunning.

The Mack B is just hitting the stores, but the cherry red version, while fantastic, pales in comparison to this black beauty.  The photos speak for themselves.

And if you want one, and we hope you do, all you have to do is email Everett at mbroad@aol.com, finalize a way to pay him (paypal is best), and send him a $50 donation plus $5 to ship (unless you are overseas.  Everett will quote you a shipping price.).  We hope many of you grab one.  You won't be disappointed with the model at all, and you are helping a great cause.

If you need reasons to buy one, just look at the model:


Matchbox 1963 Mack B Fire Engine (2014 Everett Marshall Charities Exclusive):