The Matchbox German Toy Show Exclusives of year's past, plus a little teaser for the 2013 show model...

Matchbox produces very few promotional exclusives each year.  While Hot Wheels produces several convention, RLC, toy show, and car show models every month it seems, Matchbox will throw out the occasional model in very limited numbers.

In fact, at this point, Matchbox only produces models for the MC Gathering in July, Everett Marshall's Charity Golf Tournament in August, the Toy Fair, and the German Toy Show in October.  We have seen models done for SEMA, Dream Halloween, and other retailers, but nothing more at this point.

So whenever a Matchbox promotional model is released, it is a big deal.  And another is coming.

We have gotten word from our friend Dirk Schleuer in Germany that the next rare promo model will be released next month.  The fifth German exclusive has been made by Matchbox for the show in Leipzig, Germany, and will be unveiled at the show on October 3rd.  In the meantime, Dirk has sent us a couple of teasers:

So what do you think it is?  You might have a good idea, and we will neither confirm nor deny whether you are correct.  But needless to say this is a beautiful model and will be high on a lot of collector's wants list.  The question will be how to get it.

The Modell Hobby Spiel show in Germany is a big event, and those attending will have a chance to snag this exclusive.  But I have good news for those that cannot.  Dirk has been kind enough to send Lamley a few, which he asked that we make available to our readers.  We might give one away, along with last year's Seagrave, and we might sell a few to those that are interested on a first come, first serve basis.  Once the model has been revealed (we are set to do a First Look feature as soon as it is out), we will give out the details on how to get one.  Don't miss out...

To whet your appetite a bit, how about a look at the previous exclusives?  Matchbox hasn't done one every year, but when they do, the models are truly eye-popping.  Which is your favorite?

2006 - Mercedes-Benz CLS500

2009 - VW Karmann Ghia Type 14

2010 - Volvo P1800S

2012 - Classic Seagrave Fire Engine

Matchbox Monday: Rarest Models of the Mattel Era, Part 9 - 2008 London Motorshow Lotus Evora...

This is Part 9 of our series on rare Matchbox models from the last few years.  If you missed previous installments, they are here.

(As always, Matchbox Monday is sponsored by our good friends at MVE Collectibles.  Be sure to check out their store for both the latest Matchbox, and those models you need to fill in your collection...)

Today we will look at a model that is in some ways very common, in others quite rare.  You know I am a DLMer, meaning I open just about every model I acquire.  There are some exceptions: rare variations, autographed cards, etc.  But there is only one Matchbox model I have not opened.

And there is a good reason.  If I did open it, the actual model inside the packaging would be just like its regular issue version.  It is the packaging that makes it rare.

The model I am referring to is the first issue of the Lotus Evora in 2008.  There have been times in the past that Mattel has worked with a carmaker to help promote a new car.  Chrysler had Hot Wheels create a mini version of their new Viper to help promote its release, and if I remember correctly Ford did the same thing with the 2010 Mustang.

The same goes with Lotus in 2008.  As they developed their first 2x2 sports car, they sent Matchbox all the specs and asked them to put together a mini version that they could use as a promotional tool.  It was determined that the Evora would be unveiled at the 2008 London Motorshow, and Matchbox created a special promo model for the occasion.

The model itself is no different from the regular issue.  Metalflake silver with 10sp.  But there were two different versions given out at the event in different packaging.  The most common was handed out as part of a press kit on the Evora.  It was in a blister very similar to the basic blister, only without the barcode.  The second is the one we are showing here.  It came in a special plexiglass case with a simple black background, and was only given to attendees of a special Lotus dealer event.

The back of the case mentions that there were no more than 550 made.  The number might be much smaller.  I have not been able to confirm if that number includes the blisterpacks, but nonetheless finding the plexiglass version is quite difficult to do.

I acquired this version several years ago from Matchbox historian and supercollector Paul Carr, who was able to get his hands on a couple.  I am glad I did, because I have not seen it since.

So yes, this one stays packaged, and it is lovingly displayed on my desk...

Matchbox Lotus Evora (2008 London Motorshow Exclusive):

With the regular 2008 issue:

And with my favorite version of the Evora, released last year:

Matchbox Monday Model of the Day: German Toy Fair "Modell Hobby Spiel" Classic Seagrave Fire Engine...

I have been waiting to crack this model open for some time, and I finally got around to doing it.

Matchbox does not produce that many Code 1 promo models each year, especially compared to their blue card compatriots across the hall at Mattel.  You can usually count on a Toy Fair model, an Everett Marshall Charities model, and a couple of exclusives for the main Matchbox event each year, the Matchbox Collectors Gathering of Friends in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  The only other one, which seems to appear every other year, is the Toy Show model done for the "Modell Hobby Spiel" collector convention and toy show in Germany, held every October.

I couple of years ago, Matchbox produced a gorgeous Karmann Ghia for the German show, and this year they produced a brand new version of the one of their new collector faves, the Classic Seagrave.  That makes four versions for 2012, and only one was available to the public in the basic range.  The others were produced for events.  The aforementioned Everett Marshall Charities Golf Tournament, the Gathering of Friends, and the German event.

And if you like this model, then good news!  One of the event's organizers, Dirk Schleuer, is a good friend and has donated one of these Seagraves to Lamley to give away.  We will figure out how to do that soon, and are thinking about a photo contest.

But that is one.  He has also put a few up for sale, so grab this rare model while you can.

In the meantime, enjoy this beauty, as well as its counterparts, and line up with all the other Matchbox collectors to get the 2013 version...

(Matchbox Seagraves for sale...)


Matchbox Classic Seagrave Fire Engine (2012 German Toy Show exclusive):

The four Seagraves, in all their classic glory:

As always, Matchbox Monday comes to you by way of our partner MVE Collectibles.  Be sure to check out their store to get the latest Matchbox (including the 60th Anniversary series), M2, Greenlight, and more...

Just Arrived: The 1 of 96 ex-Kyosho Factory VW Beetle Turbo Promo Model...

I just got word from Wheel Collectors that the Limited Edition DMC/Wheel Collectors/Lamley Group exclusive is finally here and available for purchase.  This is a very exciting development, as Lamley has teamed with DMC (Daboxtoys) in Hong Kong, and Wheel Collectors here in the US to commission this exclusive Beetle Turbo.

For those of you not aware of these amazing 1:64 models, the old Kyosho factory now produces special dealer sets that are quite popular overseas.  We have profiled models from the 12-car Pagani Huayra and Porsche 911 Turbo sets, and now comes a brand new 6-car VW Beetle set.  The black and white turbo is a special 7th model done in far less numbers, and only available at DMC and Wheel Collectors.

Lamley will be doing a full article on this model next week, but it is available now for purchase.  Only 299 were made, and only 96 of those are available here in the US, so don't miss out!

For US collectors, find it at Wheel Collectors.  Mention The Lamley Group and get 10% off the Beetle and the rest of your order...

For overseas collectors, it is available at the DMC store.

Don't miss it!