Matchbox cars offered a thrilling promise: a toy that allowed a child to take the hottest automobiles on the planet out for a spin, anytime and anywhere they wanted. From humble beginnings in a former U.K. pub to the height of the toy-car battle with Hot Wheels, this is the story of Matchbox: including background on what made these miniature masterpieces so special and unique, industry history, and photos of some of the rarest, coolest and most valuable toys ever created.
“THE REAL ONE IS HERE!” • Why we love Matchbox cars
1. LIFE BEFORE MATCHBOX • A brief history of die-cast cars
2. TWO MATES, A PUB & THE QUEEN • When Lesney began, they didn'n have much of a plan
3. BETTER THAN THE REST • Matchbox quickly earned an evviable reputation
4. THE FAB FOUR & 1-75 • The first line of cars was a quartet eventually growing to a fleet of 75
5. TREASURE HUNTING • Some very valuable Matchbox vehicles as chosen by an expert collector
6. AN AMERICAN REVOLUTION • Matchbox ruled the market until Mattel found a competitive edge
7. MATCHBOX STRIKES BACK • In 1969, Matchbox loosened its grip on tradition and met the challenge of Hot wheels
8. 70 FUN FACTS • In honor of Matchbox’s 70th birthday
The Story of Matchbox Cars
PHOTO CREDITS