Matchbox turns 70 this year and its parent company, Mattel, is planning some big celebrations for the little cars, starting with a release of limited-edition models.
The special collection covers everything from pocket-sized exotica to everyday classics, including a Porsche 910, Jaguar D-type, MGB GT and a Morris Minor 1000 convertible, plus a selection of commercial vehicles and modern machinery.
The individually packaged cars will hit supermarket shelves throughout 2023.
Matchbox’s 70th-anniversary collection includes classic and modern vheicles
The first Matchbox models – a road roller, dumper truck and cement mixer – were released in 1953.
English engineer Jack Odell conceived the idea after his daughter’s school banned toys that couldn’t squeeze into a matchbox.
Less than a decade later Matchbox was producing millions of little die-cast models per year and its range had expanded to British and American classics, including a Ford Customline Station Wagon and a double-decker bus.
Double-decker buses have long been in the Matchbox line-up
