First Look: Matchbox Toyota Tacoma...

As we have mentioned several times, the Matchbox Gathering of Friends is only a couple of weeks away.  Among many treats is the dinner presentation by Mattel, which outlines what is coming for the next year.  They have already hinted at a 2015 premium line of almost all licensed models, and we have heard rumors of realism all around.  We shall see.

The folks at Matchbox I am sure would love to see a little more excitement among collectors, and maybe some of the directions of 2015 will generate more.  Collectors surely are clamoring for more things to get excited about.

The problem is of course the models chosen.  Many unlicensed models, with a lot of over-the-top designs.  Executions really hasn't been the problem.  When Matchbox wants to do a realistic model, they generally get it right.  Look at models like the Seagrave Fire Engine, Dodge A100, and BMW 1M.  Each of those models hearken back to a few years ago when Matchbox was easily making the most realistic $1 models around.

So while we lament the model choices and general direction, we at least get a reminder here and there that the orange team still has it.  Case in point?  The brand new Toyota Tacoma.

Just take a look.  The model appears to be a perfect miniature version of the real thing.  The team took the production limitations and made a gem.  Sure, we wish it was just the Tacoma without the Lifeguard equipment, but it doesn't bother us.  Matchbox has to keep the "hero" theme, so it makes sense.  But thank goodness it is on a licensed model, executed realistically.  No oversized wheels or extreme proportions.

And there is detail.  From the Toyota logo on the grill (something Hot Wheels didn't do on their Tundra), to the texture on the rear bumper, the detail is there.  In fact, let's hearken back to the 3D print that was shared with us last year at the Gathering:

This is an early rendering, obviously a lot more delicate in detail than a normal Matchbox could be.  But then take a look at the finished product:

Pretty amazing, eh?

This is a tremendous model, better than we expected.  And let's consider it a great sign that if Matchbox decides to go more realistic, the models will be fantastic.  A total winner, and our favorite new Matchbox for 2014 so far.


Matchbox Toyota Tacoma (2014 New Models):

First Look: Hot Wheels Juke Box '92 Mustang...

I have had this model in hand for awhile, and there is finally some time for me to show it.

I guess there isn't much of a reason for me to show the Juke Box cars here on Lamley.  They are not really Lamley material.  While the Cars of the Decades series was fantastic, with many cool models, these Juke Box models just haven't been that interesting.  A Mustang with the word "Grunge" down the side is not my, or many others, cup of tea.

But the purpose of this post is more to celebrate a casting that is becoming more and more of a collector fave, the '92 Mustang.

The '92 is one of those models that snuck up on collectors.  I think many would fall in my boat, thinking it has been around a lot longer than it really has.  It debuted in 2008 as part of the Modern Classics line.  (You know that Modern Classics, the line we all left on the pegs, and now keep kicking ourselves for doing that?)  It also appeared in the Mustang Mania set from 2009, and debuted in the mainline in 2010.  Since then we have seen it in the mainline every year, in HW Racing livery, a Kmart exclusive, as a Reg Treasure Hunt, as a Car of the Decade, an RLC exclusive, a Walmart Mystery car, and now as a companion to the Then & Now '07 Mustang Super Treasure Hunt, and in the Juke Box series.  It has been used a lot.  In fact, in 2013 alone we have seen it three times.

And that doesn't even count the '84 SVO casting, that is very similar.

So what is the appeal?  The model comes from a rather bland era of cars, and many Mustang enthusiasts hope to forget that body style.  But then again, cars from that era are starting to be noticed again.  In the last year, the E30 BMW and Porsche 993 have been huge hits, and we know Hot Wheels' Honda Civiv EF is close to being released.  Are we just nostalgic, or are we starting to appreciate the looks of these cars?

The answer could be all of the above, but who knows?  The model is very nice, and coming from the Modern Classics line, is a creation of Jun Imai.  Jun seems to understand what makes any car look cool, and has an ability to highlight those details without completely changing the look of the car.  The 92 Mustang has a perfect rake.  Not too drastic, but just enough to highlight its 90's lines.

All I know is that I am starting to look at the 92 Mustang more and more, and starting to pick it up when I find it.  Maybe someday I will fork over a hefty sum and pick up the two Modern Classics versions and all the others I missed out on.

In the meantime, have a looksie at the new Juke Box version, along with the other 92 Mustangs in the Lamley collection.  (We have a long way to go to complete it...)

(Find the 92 Mustang on ebay...)


Hot Wheels '92 Ford Mustang (2013 Juke Box Walmart exclusive):

2013 Then & Now:

2012 Cars of the Decades:

2012 Treasure Hunt:

HW Racing (Walmart Mystery exclusive):

RLC Series 12:

You might ask why I haven't opened the RLC model.  I want to, but can't get myself to do it.  Look at the number below.  The lowest I have every gotten...

First Look: Matchbox 2014 Toy Fair Dump Dozer...

Alright, where to start on this one?

A bit ago I mentioned that my approach to Matchbox would be simple.  With the brand going in a different direction than what I normally collect, I would mainly feature those models that interest me or that I know would interest the Lamley audience.  I reserved the right to say what I want, but I am frankly tired of the "Matchbox is doomed and hates collectors" diatribes.

Now my mentioning that I am tired of the diatribes does not mean I am a blind collector who will like anything Matchbox puts in a blister, it only means I am tired of them the same way I would tire of my favorite food if I ate it every day.  We know Matchbox has moved away from collectors for the most part, and I am frankly fine with it, whether I collect more Matchbox or not.  Let them do what they want.  If they feel the need to separate the two Mattel diecast brands more now than they have in the past, that is their right.  I will just continue to collect what I want.

But I know others feel betrayed by the brand and its current direction.  I get that too.  But I feel all that has been said, and I am fine moving on.  I will enjoy the Matchbox models I like, even if they come out few and far between.  There is plenty to keep me busy from Hot Wheels, Kyosho, TLV, and others.

So that leads to the Dump Dozer.  We didn't feature the yellow Dozer when it hit the pegs a couple of months ago, frankly because it isn't a model we wanted to feature, and we know the kind of response it would get.  But since Mattel decided to make it a Toy Fair model, it seems like we should at least give it some attention.  Plus, it was made easy to feature it because our Lamley cohort, David Tilley, is a Matchbox completist.  Hence, he bought one and had it shipped to me so I could ship it to him.

So here it is?  Do I like it?  Nope.  Why would I?  Looking at it strictly within the context of its deco, they did a very nice job with it.  The metal-like paint they gave the model looks good, as does the overall deco.  It is a good promotion piece for what Mattel wants to convey to retailers brand-wise, which is the purpose of this model anyway.  It is not aimed at collectors, but as a giveaway to retailers.  Obviously many find their way to collectors, as this one has, but it is meant to convey where the brands is headed.

And the brand is headed towards...wait, what was it...oh yeah...Unstoppable Vehicles for Heroic Adventures.   Seems like a mouthful, but take it for what it is.  I will happily select the BMW 1M and Alfa 4C as my UVfHA, but kids these days probably have different views on that.  Hence, construction.

So there it is.  Now let's wait to see what Hot Wheels' Toy Fair model will be...

(And the best way is to follow the Rusnak2000 on Toy Peddler.  He got this one for us, and will be one of the first to get the Hot Wheels model, in case you are interested.)


Matchbox Dump Dozer (2014 Toy Fair):