The models have been created out of pressure from collectors to bring back pure diecast models. That is to say, that they body and chassis are cast from metal, like in the old days before plastic took over. Mattel decided to cash in on the heritage of Matchbox by producing a range of models using the Lesney moniker and adding extra tampos and detailing, as well as increasing the price point to almost double what the standard 1-75 model actually costs. Add to this a replica box like that of yesteryear with artwork similar to those of the original 1-75 of the 60s, and 70s.
I think that there has been mixed success with the ranges released. Mattel decided to release another line of “detailed” 1-75 called the Best of British range, which had plastic bases, but were based on cars and vehicles significant to the UK. The range bombed. Priced at around £3-4 each, the Yanks snapped them up as it was another Matchbox models, “so I just gotta have me one”, but within the UK, unless you were a die-hard collector, this range didn’t seem to sell particularly well. A year later, you could still see them clogging up the pegs where available. Mattel did the same with other lines called SuperFast and Streakers, which were not in line with the original models, but yet another way to milk more money from collectors. I have to admit, I got a handful of SuperFast models, but was complete unimpressed. A little bit more detail, and a bit of glossy cardboard? SuperFast to me meant models that went fast on the floor when you zoomed them. Bit of an insult that the true meaning of the ‘brand’ was not carried over, and £ signs took over. I never got any of the Streaker models, but I am certain that they were in the same vain.
And as with most things, the stiffs at the MCCH would not hear anything bad about the models, as it would jeopardise their “relationship” with Mattel and their ability of try to influence the model line up for future years….
However, the Lesney range of models caught my eye – more so that they had a diecast base, which meant that they were closer to the original 1-75 range of yesteryear. The two models I got were the 1975 Chevy Stepside Pick-up/Ute and the Cadillac De Ville.
I have to say I am very impressed with the 1975 Chevy Stepside. The detailing is really rather exquisite, with the Goodyear logo on the 5 dot wheels – a wheel which traces its origins way back to the early 70s. Love it. The little touches please as well, such as the Chevy logo detailed on the front grill, and the rear detailing on the backside of the model. The paint finish is also HQ, and the actual weight of the chassis and body gives the real feel of an old MB model. With the box that comes with the model that is a bonus, but not in my mind an essential part of the model – serves little purpose if all you are going to do is display the model. But overall, dead chuffed, and very happy with this one.
The Cadillac however, is somewhat flat. Despite the diecast chassis, it just does not feel right…..I simply cannot put my finger on it, but something is missing from the model, and just does not have the presence of the Stepside, and just feels very wrong as a diecast model. The detailing on the model cannot save it either.
The packaging also seems to also be a bit of a waste of time as well. So Mattel have spent time and effort employing an artist and then ensuring that the plastic covering masks over the artwork….? Just seems a little pointless to be honest, as when you remove the model from the packaging, it destroys the visuals. This is one of the main attractions that Matchbox had over the years, and they seem to have scored an own goal with the way that the packaging has been done. Mattel have learnt from their mistake, and the 2011 1-75 range ensures that the artwork is clearly displayed over and above the plastic bubble housing the model. I hope that the brainbox behind the Lesney lot has been put in detention for being a div.
No doubt, Mattel will continue to milk as much as they can by producing these models, and there will be those who will snap everything that they can produce – because it is a Matchbox model, or those who will scalp and sell on for profit to the unsuspecting collector. For myself, it really is a judgement call. For models like the Stepside, which use the old 5-dot wheels, this really does appeal, and I will go out on a limb to ensure that I have this addition to the collection. Indeed having looked at some models on eBay, they look rather nice. BUT – and there is a but – some castings are simply a shocking choice. Who really wants a tarted up edition of the Sahara Survivor or Jungle Crawler?
Thinking here that Mattel might have run out of ideas, and just plonked for the first ones that might have been easy to convert to a Lesney edition……
Indeed, it has been reported on the MICA website that Mattel are actually scaling back with these models – even diecast is not immune from the likes of the economic climate at present, and the figures don’t seem to add up for 2011. You can almost visualise some of the hardcore @ the MCCH looking to top themselves as 3 models will not be produced this year…..(D’oh – get out more you bunch of anoraks!)
This is very much a mixed bag – and I am not certainly going to go out of my way to get any more. Well, fact of the matter is that Mattel still cannot get their arse into gear with regards to distribution in Europe, so I never really stood a chance even if I was a massive fan of this range.
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