Matchbox Monday First Look, Part 2: Fisker Karma EVer in black...

As we stated in Part 1, this is Part 2 mainly because the Fisker Karma doesn't go at all with the models of Part 1.

(And Matchbox Monday is STILL brought to you by MVE Collectibles...)

Normally we would feature this new color of the Karma with a few other new basic offerings from Matchbox.  After all the model has been around for a few years, and black is not necessarily a stunning color.

But wait, it is stunning!  Clearly Matchbox has limits on what color they drape over the Karma, just as Fisker demands that the solar panel be included on every model (no argument from me).  So Matchbox had to release a Karma in black again (it was done in 2011 I believe), only they changed the wheels.  And poof!  The best looking Fisker Karma yet!

And Fisker needs all the help they can get.  Several rounds of layoffs, cars sitting in the dealerships, the buzz slowly fading...we may not see Fisker around much longer.  Which is a shame, because there was a lot of promise.  Good looking, fast hybrids.  People aren't buying the Fisker, but I don't think it is because of looks.  The car is beautiful.

So if Fisker goes under, do we see Matchbox's version again?  Maybe for nostalgia's sake, but since we are repeating colors, maybe it is time to give it a break.  I can think of several established cars to put it in its place.

It has been a good run, Fisker Karma.  I have every version Matchbox made of you.  Glad you left in style...


Matchbox Fisker Karma EVer (2013 Basic Range):

First Look: Matchbox 2013 Exotic Rides 5-pack...

Welcome back, Mr. 5-pack full of sports cars.  We missed you last year. 

You may not be exactly at the level of some previous packs, but it is good to see you around.  I could have done without the Cobra Concept (ewwwww), or the Tuscan (old, but I will admit it looks good in black), and maybe the Carrera Convertible could have taken the day off and given its invite to the Panamera.  And maybe the GT might have forgotten to add headlights to its awesome green suit and 5-spoke shoes, but it looks great otherwise.  But other than that, we are thrilled to have you. 

Don't be a stranger, and next year maybe invite your old friends the Audi R8, or the Morgan Aeromax, or the Bentley, or the Holden Ute, or that sharp looking and severely underused CTS Coupe, or whatever.  There is a lot of room for friends.

Sincerely,

Matchbox Sports Car Collectors
(Find previous Matchbox 5-packs for sale...)

Matchbox 2013 Exotic Rides 5-pack:

Porsche Carrera Convertible

Ford GT

Fisker Karma

Tuscan TVR

Ford Shelby Cobra Concept

Matchbox Monday Model of the Day: Fisker Karma PHev...

I remember being at the Matchbox Gathering in Albuquerque a few years ago when Felix Holst announced that Matchbox would do the Fisker Karma.  Hearing Felix say "Fisker Karma" in his Sean Connery-like voice instantly made it sound cool, even though I had never heard of it.  It did not take long for me to do a small bit of research and get very excited about this model.
Now there seems to be a rule of thumb when it comes to me and Matchbox models I am excited about.  That rule is if jtl really wants a new model, it must come in the last batch of the year, just to make him wait.  And wait I did.  The model was announced at the Gathering in July 2009, and it was not until January 2011 that I finally got my hands on it.  And that was after it appeared in Australia around Thanksgiving, and not in the States until two months afterwards.  Pure torture.

There is a lot to like about the Fisker.  First off it is a great choice for Matchbox.  A unique car, a bit on the groundbreaking side, that looks good on the streets and in miniature.  Also, the Fisker licensers have been adamant about the treatment the model gets, so it will always have the solar roof panel, and I assume front and reast detailing and logos.  Matchbox obviously obliged, and has even adorned it in great colors (including white very soon).  One other thing they did for Fisker is create the wheels they wanted.  The Matchbox Fisker wears the large 5-spoke wheels.  This 5-spoke style had already been on other models, but not this large version.  Fisker liked the 5-spokes, and asked that a set of large 5-spokes be used on the model. Once again, Matchbox obliged, and we collectors have been all the better off for it.  The Matchbox 5-spoke is one of the best plastic sports wheels out there, and the large wheels allows for some creativity on models like the Ford GT and Range Rover Sport.

This new version comes in a nice metalflake charcoal.  I would put it behind the black and blue versions in terms of looks, but it is still quite attractive.  Actually, all of them are quite attractive...
(Remember to check out the variety of Matchbox models available over at MVE Collectibles, our Matchbox Monday partner...)

Matchbox Fisker Karma PHev (2012 mainline):

The family so far (There is a white version coming out soon in the 2013 range.  As soon as it does I will post close-ups of all of them...):