Posted 4 years ago
fortapache
(3421 items)
This model was released in 1970 which was the first year almost every model was a Superfast. 1969 had a few but those were sports cars and cars that actually went super fast. For 1970 even the trash truck became a Superfast model to compete with Hot Wheels. Mattel was doing more than using the thin axels to make the cars roll fast. They had hot rods, dragsters, custom cars, exposed engines and other such and they did it well. I think Matchbox missed the point and did it badly. But this is still a fine model.
This being a Volkswagen Camper Van. I recall seeing these with the top that opened like this although there was a canvas covering. But if they had that you couldn't see inside when the top is opened. There is a kitchen inside. Not sure if there was a fridge. Across from the sink and stove area there is a table which would turn into a tiny bed. The master bedroom is in the back.
This was released in the turquoise color through 1972, after that it was all orange.
Sadly Superfast was the beginning of the end. Matchbox is still around but Lesney/Matchbox did not last long after that. Ending on a negative note, sorry.
They still had the superb colors of the early 'Boxes during this transitional time before they went to the Hot Wheels type metal flakes, etc. The Hot Wheels changed the whole direction of the original small die cast concept, for better or worse I guess depending on your age and taste. It was after my car playing years when it happened and there weren't many Matchbox dealers around here so I didn't have but two of them.
Thank you very much Toyrebel. It's a bit brighter but still a good color. We had Matchbox all over here thus many Matchbox.