Matchbox Monday: Rarest Models of the Mattel Era, Part 7...

Matchbox Monday today is going to be all about the Porsche 911 Turbo casting.  No, not the Porsche Turbo that debuted in 1978 (and continues to be David Tilley's obsession), but the Porsche 911 Turbo casting that debuted in the early 2000's.

This casting has been used twice this year, which is rare for a sports car in the Matchbox lineup these days.  And this after the casting took some time off.  But it remains one of my favorites, and in my opinion one of the best sports car castings Matchbox has ever done.  It still looks great 10 years into the game.

It just hit stores as part of the latest batch of Matchbox, and we will be featuring that model shortly.  But there is also a version of this casting that easily qualifies as a rare Matchbox, and makes a great subject for Part 7 of our ongoing series on rare Matchbox models of the Mattel era.

If you missed Parts 1-6, I would check them out.

The version of the Porsche 911 Turbo I am talking about is a variation of the 2006 mainline version.  Those of you collecting Matchbox back then will remember it.   A beautiful metalflake sky blue version, with full front and rear tampos.

Although I cannot remember if one came before the other, this model came with either the old flower wheels or lace wheels.  I am sure there was less of one than the other, but it was not by much.  Both wheel variations were easy to find.  Until the third wheel variation came out.

All during the 2006 range and into 2007, Matchbox was fading out the use of the less-realistic flower and lace wheels, and replacing them with the much better-looking trispoke, 6-spoke, and 10-spoke wheels.  The wheels looked more realistic, and the 10-spokes especially looked fantastic on current sports cars.  The 911 Turbo of 2006, however, was released early in 2006 and the new wheels had not been put into production at that point.

However, late in 2006, a batch of 3-packs started appearing in Australia, and one of the models found was the 2006 sky blue 911, this time sporting the new 10-spoke wheels.  When the variation was first reported, many collectors decided to wait and see if it would show up elsewhere, instead of the paying the expensive shipping rates from Australia.  But that proved fruitless.  Not only did the 10-spoke Porsche only show up in Australian 3-packs, but even the 3-packs ended up being hard to find there as well.  Porsche Nut David Tilley had the foresight to ask for one, and I followed suit and bought one from a fellow MCCH member from Down Under.  I am glad I did, as that collector never found anymore.

I don't know what the numbers ended up being, but there are not a lot of these.  And yes, I realize a lot of collectors don't care for wheel variations, especially when you have to pay 20 times the price of a model to acquire it.  But as a wheel nut, the 10-spoke version was a must have because it looks so much better.

Why not just do a custom you ask?  Well, if Mattel can do an official version for me, I want that one.  Yes, collectors are weird...


Matchbox Porsche 911 Turbo (2006 Mainline version with 10-spokes, only found in Australian 3-packs):

The three wheel variations:

Be sure to check out the store of our Matchbox Monday partner, MVE Collectibles, for both the latest and classic Matchbox, M2, Greenlight, and Johnny Lightning.  Also be sure to inquire about their subscription and "One of Each" program...

Matchbox Monday: The Rarest Matchbox Models of the Mattel Era, Part 6...

It has been awhile since I have done something about rare Matchbox models, but I finally have the time and space to feature another.  My Matchbox knowledge rests almost entirely in the Mattel era.  I guess I am that rare collector that prefers Mattel era Matchbox over the other eras.  I did collect Matchbox as a kid, and still have some favorites.  But casting-wise I think the models are far better now.  Yes, I know there are no metal bases, no opening parts, and none of those cool shocks, but today we have more variety, models that are not too wide, and castings that have more detail.  But we all have preferences, and I don't fault anyone for liking previous eras more.  Just don't fault me for liking the Mattel era better.

With that, here is Part 6 of our look into rare Matchbox models of the Mattel era.  Rare Matchbox can include promo models, event exclusives, and many variations.  In fact, if you were not following Lamley when we started this series (and most of you were not), go back and have a look:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Today's rarity dates back to 2006/2007, and was only found in Europe.  Actually, I think only found in Germany, but I cannot remember specifically.  The Matchbox Mini Tanker was introduced as a New Model in 2006, in a Phillips 66 livery.  The model was gold and had a chrome Phillips 66 tank:

And yes this is an old photo.  I took it years ago, when I still had this model.

The gold Mini Tanker debuted in one of the last batches of 2006.  It was not soon after that the 2007 line debuted, and one of the first 5-packs to hit stores was the Airport 5-pack.  The Mini Tanker was part of that pack, sporting a green cab and another chrome tank, this time with a green Aviation Fuel theme:

Yes, another old photo.

The 2006 basic range and 2007 5-pack versions were released so closely together, it was common to see both next to each other on the pegs.  

ROW markets, especially Europe, tend to get Matchbox batches much later than the US, and it was not until a month or two later that the 2006 Mini Tanker appeared in Germany.  It was there that a handful of collectors discovered a small number of 2006 short card Mini Tankers going through a serious identity crisis.  They were the correct gold cab, but were carrying the green Aviation Fuel tank:

Error?  Of course.  How this happened is hard to know.  It could be that the 5-pack version was ready to go as the final 2006 basic versions were still on the line and the green tank was accidentally mixed in.  Who knows.  But a very cool error was born.  

Enough were found, however, that soon the mixed identity Tanker was classified a variation.  And based on the numbers, a rare variation at that.  As far as I know, the one I have is one of the only examples here in the US, and it still sits in my collection today.  I acquired it from a collector in Germany soon after the variation was discovered.  It actually has switched hands a couple of times since then, but I reacquired it and in my collection it will stay.

It remains one of the more unique variations from the last few years:

As always, Matchbox Monday is sponsored by our friends at MVE Collectibles.  Be sure to check out their store to find out more about their case and unique "one of each" subscription service...

Matchbox Monday variation alert: Ford F-550 Superduty in lime...

Matchbox collectors have been aware of this vari for awhile now.  It was first mentioned in a previous Ambassador report several months ago.  Apparently the first few runs of this model were erroneously produced in lime, not the normal color used for the ongoing National Parks livery Matchbox has used.  Because of the large number already produced, Mattel released them, and they have been showing up as the batch has been released.

I figured once I found the lime vari I would put together a post about it.  The problem was that the lime version never appeared around here.  That happens, so a request to a good friend produced one, and now I can put together the post.

I am a big fan of this casting.  Some don't like it because of the amount of plastic, and while I understand their reasoning, it doesn't bother me.  It goes a step further because of the white plastic, and although I think black would be better, the white is fine for me.  I think one of the main reasons they did it was to differentiate it from the Forest Service version released in a 5-pack earlier this year, which had the black trim.

With all that aside, what I like most if the sensical pairing of this model and the National Park livery.  I have mentioned it here before, but I love this livery, and Matchbox has not disappointed by dressing at least one or two models each year.  So far this model and the Baja Bullet have sported the deco.  This F-550 brush truck makes perfect sense in this design, and goes very well with my favorite National Parks model so far, the International Brush Fire Truck.

Matchbox National Parks models for sale...


Matchbox Ford F-550 Superduty (2012 mainline):

Correct color:

Error lime color:

Some pairs:

National Parks & Forest Service (explained here):

National Parks F-550 and International Brush Firetruck:

Matchbox variation alert: EMS 5-pack Hazard Squad with tri-spoke wheels...

Sometimes the eyes can amaze.  I was at Target tonight in St George, UT, and while looking at the Matchbox 9-packs, something looked different.  I could not pinpoint it until I noticed the wheels on the Hazard Squad.  It is funny, my eyes know something was different, but my mind had to think about it.  In fact, it needed verification, so I looked at the EMS 5-pack, and sure enough, the wheels on the two models were different.

Here is what the Hazard Squad has looked like in the EMS 5-pack, as well as the assorted-model 9-pack:

And here is what I found:

Matchbox Monday: The rarest Matchbox models of the Mattel era Part 5...

It is Matchbox Monday, where all Monday posts here at the Lamley Group are dedicated to Matchbox.

Today we continue our series on rare Matchbox models of the Mattel era, and if you haven't read the first four installments, here you go:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Today's model is a very interesting one, mainly because it is the only one ever found.  Of course it can be argued that this should not be considered a rare model, because no other one was ever reported.  But when there is a wheel variation like this one, on one of the most popular Matchbox models from the last few years, I think it merits discussion.

The Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser debuted in 2009, and was already one of the most anticipated models of the year.  It was a classic Matchbox choice.  Unique, somewhat obscure, and a complete classic.  It had collectors reminiscing about the days of long family trips and no seat belts.  Little did they know it would become a variation goldmine as well.  

The Vista Cruiser was officially released in two colors in 2009 - green, and then recolored white.  But if you were a completist, you ended up with at least six:

There were three shade variations on the green, two wheel variations on the green, and two more wheel variations on the white.

It started with the first early run of the green models with trispokes.  The first Cruisers off the line were colored in what can only be described as a toxic green.  Mattel noticed the error and corrected the problem, but not before a decent number shipped to stores.  The color was corrected to more of a metallic moss green, and even that came in a bright and dull color variation.  

It was then recolored white with trispokes, and soon after that both green and white versions showed up with 10sp wheels.  The normal trispoke wheels apparently ran out at the factory, and as is the norm, replacement wheels were used instead of shutting down production.  Hence, the wheel vari.

But none of those six is the featured model of this post.  It is this one:

Yes, that is the initial run toxic green vari with disk wheels.  It is the only 2009 issue of the Olds found with disk wheels.  It was found at midwest dollar store by a Hot Wheels collector, and after a decent amount of negotiation, sold to yours truly.  

You might ask why it is loose.  There are two reasons:

1. I open all my Matchbox models.

2. The blister cracked while being shipped.

So although this was a model I would have considered leaving in the blister, the choice was made for me.  And what it did provide was an opportunity for the model to be inspected by those in the know, and it was proven legit.  

So how this happened is anyone's guess.  Maybe a factory worker having a little fun?  A prepro that made it into a blister?  One of many that were shipped but bought up by non-collectors?  No one will ever know.  But here it is, and it is as rare as it gets - a one-off.

Some additional photos:

One other note about the 2009 issue of the Olds.  I had a bit of luck with it.  Not only did I acquire the disk wheel variation, but I found this ultra-unique error at a Walmart near my house:

I was shocked when I found it, and yet another that is a complete mystery of how it was put together like that.  Hot Wheels/Matchbox mash-up errors are definitely some of the best out there, and this one is at the top of the list for me.  Incidentally it was also victim of a cheap cracked blister.  It was a huge problem at the time and Matchbox corrected the problem soon after.  Almost all the Vista Cruisers I found had cracked blisters.

One last photo, of all of the Olds variations (and error) together:

Definitely one of my favorite subcollections.

Happy Matchbox Monday!  Now get to work...

The rarest Matchbox models of the Mattel era Part 4

Yet another entry in our ongoing series on rare Mattel-era Matchbox models.

This one is slightly different than the four we have profiled previously. Those were either rare variations or obscure releases. This one was meant to be rare. Actually meant to be VERY rare.

On three different occasions in the last 10 years, the Matchbox team has opened up the Mattel Design Center to a small number of collectors. Think of it as Willie Wonka's factory without the oompa loompas. It is officially a line preview, and those collectors are allowed to see certain directions the team is headed, and what is slated for the upcoming year. If that is not a treat enough, they send each attendee home with a model exclusively decorated for the event. I was fortunate enough to attend the last one they did in 2010, and came home with the exclusive.

That is the model we are profiling today - the 2010 MB Line Preview Hazard Squad. Mattel claims they produced 49, but there are only about 25 in circulation - those given to attendees and two more auctioned off at the 2010 MCCH Gathering.

The model photographed is obviously mine, and I was one of 4 who ripped it from the blister. Ah, what I do for a good photograph. What differentiates the 2010 exclusive from the previous Preview exclusives (Desert Thunder in 2008 and the Tractor Plow in 2006) is the fact that the Hazard Squad has turned out to be one of the most popular generics Matchbox has done. Matchbox and emergency collectors both adore it, so there was a lot of effort made by many collectors to get their hands on one. In fact, both of the Hazard Squads donated to the Gathering fetched $500 each, purchased by the same collector!

Mine isn't going anywhere. Not only is it a valuable model I am happy to have, but it is a reminder of a truly memorable day. Hopefully future Line Previews are being planned.

Matchbox Hazard Squad (2010 Line Preview exclusive)

The rarest Matchbox models of the Mattel era Part 3...

Those of you new to the blog, be sure to check out Part 1 and Part 2 of this series, and as always, please invite all your friends to like us on Facebook and follow the blog.

Like we have said before, not all hard-to-find rare models belong in the Hot Wheels line.  Matchbox has its share as well, whether they be hard-to-find variations, or models produced in very small numbers.  We at the Lamley Group have a good number of them, but definitely not all of them.  We will continue to attempt to profile all that we know.

This week's model comes from 2005:

Matchbox 2005 Burger Zone 5-pack '69 Chevrolet Camaro with hidden headlights:

The variation we are discussing is on the viewer's left.

This is still one of the better Matchbox 5-packs.  It had the 69 Camaro, a 70 Cuda, a T-Bird, and two VW's.  It made a lot of people happy, including the vari collectors.

I don't know why Matchbox produced two versions of the '69 Camaro.  The model was originally created for the premium "Collectors" line, but that line was eventually scrapped for the new Superfast.   Since then the hidden headlight version has only shown up twice.  Once in the 2004 Superfast line, and the other in the Burger Zone pack.  We haven't seen it since, which is a shame.  In fact, we haven't seen the '69 Camaro enough in general.  It was slated for the 2011 Lesney line, but fell victim when the line was reduced.

Anyway, for some reason both castings made it into the 5-pack, but the exposed lights version was in MUCH higher numbers.  I came across the hidden lights vari once, at a Rite Aid in Arcadia, California.  I didn't like the $7.99 price tag, so I regretfully passed.  I finally found mine on the secondary market, and I promised I paid well more that $7.99 for it.

Because it is on such a popular car, this is considered, at least by the Lamley Group, another of the great Mattel-era rarities...

Part 4 next week...

The rarest Matchbox models of the Mattel era Part 2...

We at the Lamley Group pride ourselves on current Matchbox knowledge, and variations and rare models is a definite specialty.  Last week in Part 1 of the Rare Mattel Matchbox series, we profiled two doozies, the Chilean Mini and Life EMS Ambulance.

Now Part 2:

White "ADLAR" Scraper:

This is the first edition of the Scraper, debuting in 2008.  What makes this model rare is the white "ADLAR" on the side.  The normal release of this model had a yellow "ADLAR" (ADLAR58 is code for "Heralda", the last name of Matchbox's chief designer, Michael Heralda).  

Soon after its release, the white ADLAR variation was reported on MCCH.  A couple more were found, and an inquiry was made by the Matchbox Ambassador at the time to the Mattel team on the subject.  It was reported that when Michael saw the final design, he decided the side print needed more color variety so he asked that the ADLAR be changed from yellow to white.

Collectors took that info and assumed that the yellow ADLAR would be an early run, and all Scrapers thereafter would have the white ADLAR.  It was quite the opposite.  Whatever Michael told the factory, it didn't happen, and the white ADLAR Scraper was found in very small numbers.  Because everyone assumed it would not be rare, not much effort was made to find them.  There are many Matchbox collectors who now regret that decision.

This particular White ADLAR Scraper was a lucky find on ebay.  I noticed the Scraper in a lot of about 10 new Matchbox.  The seller was asking about $18 for the lot, and I asked him if he would separate the Scraper from the lot and sell it to me on its own.  He said he wanted to see if the lot sold, and if it did not, he would sell me the Scraper individually.  I waited it out, and I got lucky.  The Scraper ended up costing me about $4 including shipping.  If I knew what I know now, $18 for the lot would have been a no-brainer.  I think a lot of Matchbox collectors would pay a great deal more for one now.

Keep coming back to the Lamley Blog, as Part 3 of the Rare Mattel-era Matchbox series should be here next week.  If you have a rare Mattel-era Matchbox model you want profiled here, just let me know...