We continue today's dedication to the Matchbox Routemaster with a showcase of my two favorite versions of the casting. The new 2013 60th Anniversary Chase version gives these two a run for their money based on its simple beauty, but nothing can beat what the 2007 1-120 and 2007 Gathering model represent.
I am sure a great many of you have seen the 2007 basic range version. The bus is blue with a vintage "Matchbox" Toys sign:
But the one not a lot of people have seen is the 2007 Matchbox Collectors Gathering of Friends Dealer Model. It was produced only for table dealers at the show, and came in very low numbers. It is in very classic Matchbox colors: white, yellow, orange, and red:
By themselves both models are quite stunning. But they look even better when you look at these photos:
Both of these photos show the Matchbox employees transport bus, and it is easy to see where the Mattel got its inspiration. The Lesney factory supplied these buses as a means to transport employees too and from work, especially since there were may shifts at the factory that maintained odd hours. This must have been a very nice perk for Lesney employees, and probably decent advertising for Matchbox.
It is great to think that a fleet of these buses existed, and thank goodness these photos were taken. The Lesney factory is now a memory, as are most of these buses. I might seek out an expert on these vehicles to write an article about them for Lamley, but in the meantime, this site linked below should be able to fill you in a bit:
Lesney Staff Transport Index
Doesn't that make these two models that much cooler to collect? The Gathering Dealer Model is near impossible to find, but does occasionally pop up on ebay
for a pretty penny. The 2007 Basic version in blue is much easier to find. A few are available for sale
now...Matchbox 2007 Gathering of Friends Dealer Exclusive and 2007 1-120 Basic:
