Matchbox Monday electrifies us with the entire E batch

Well, I did say that my cut off point would be if we hit double digits on a set of models. Batch E of the 2025 basic range is rather small compared to most. It only consists of 9 models, and there are no extras to chase or rare models to hunt down either. It is right at my limit for a single blog report. A generally straight forward batch. Well, as there are so many, I guess I should really just dive in. 

The first model in the list for today is a Tesla. One of a gazillion they have in the range. The MB1448 Tesla Model 3 is in its second year in the basic range. I remember last year complaining about how it was in Moving Parts, and also basics. With only so many slots, I hate getting duplicates across the 2 ranges. This comes in a rather familiar looking maroon as MB4.

There is not much to say about these. With Tesla not having a lot of colour options, we tend to see the same colours over and over again across their portfolio. Because, you know, they do them all. I am now finding the models starting to warm pegs. As much as adults are turning away from them, I think kids are as well. Yes, I know that Mattel are really pushing the whole "electric" future with the models in the range. But, they really need to look around at all the other manufacturers, as each one appears to have 1 or 2 electric vehicles being made. Whereas Tesla just gets everything, and to be honest, when shrunk down to miniature size, most of their portfolio tend to look much the same. So, when we get another of the models in the range in the same colour as various others they have released, it really feels like we are treading the same ground. 

I can't knock the effort that went into this. Abe Lugo made a lovely casting. It is very much like the real one. The colour is a real one, and the front and rear tampo prints are exactly what we should be getting on regular cars. I just find this extremely underwhelming. I'm Tesla'd out. It is a perfect representation of the real thing, but I am only going to score it a 5. That is simply because of the final job being so good. Not that it is wanted or needed. At least, that is how I see it. 

Abe first created the casting for the 2023 Moving Parts series. It debuted in a lovely red. That was something a little different. I liked it.

After that, the model turned blue for the Moving Parts range in 2024. So far, we have not seen the MB1372 casting in 2025. The later casting has seemingly took over.

The non-Moving Parts model debuted in the 2024 range in white. Plus, it was also in white in the Tesla 20th Anniversary 5-pack later in the year. However, the 2 models had different tampos. The basic had Tesla written as a word on the rear licence plate. The 20th Anniversary set had a Tesla logo on the licence plate. You might notice that this single also has it as a word. I do like consistency. I don't like a gazillion Teslas taking over the range. More variety please.

I have to admit, the 2 Moving Parts models are nicer than the 3 basics. They should have just kept this as a Moving Parts exclusive. That is my opinion.

And, now, we get our first new casting of the batch. This is a Matchbox originals design. Garry Gopinath created this out of his own mind. It is the MB1521 Blaze Blaster III. It takes the MB13 slot in the range in red.

First of all, I am noticing more generic models creeping back into the range. I fear we are seeing a change to the Matchbox brand. Every time it reaches a real high, they pull it back down again. Which I always react with a sigh. That being said, this casting is not bad. It does look like a Ladder Truck should. Plus, we see from the front end, the lack of a grille is sort of saying this is an EV vehicle. Again, pushing more towards the electric side of things. But, the problem with that is, it is a little too plain. I think it should have had a little MBX logo cast into that grille (or perhaps E-MBX to denote an electric vehicle). 

I do notice from the side, the window section is making up a lot of the body parts of the model. Using that as a base for the ladder does look weird. I think they should have extended the base section through there. 

The other thing I notice is that the ladder is a simple click on. You raise it up too high, and it just pops straight off. I can see many ladders getting lost in kid's hands. I know this type of construction is now favoured, as it is a quick method, but I don't think it is the best. It really needs a more secure construction method. 

You may notice that the 2 sides of the body are a little different. Garry has given us something unique to the 2 sides, which I do like. Is there too much of the base going up the sides to accommodate these? The model is pretty light. 

Having a blue window section gives us the blue lights on the roof. I am not bothered with that. In fact, growing up in the 1970s and 1980s, this was much more common in those days. But, as I stated, the blue should have finished when the main cab finished. 

Habbethorpe is a fictional town, likely attempting a UK style name, as the yellow checks on the side do depict a rather British looking engine. 

But, as I bring up the base for a shot, I do need to score this. Inclusion. Well, that is tough. I know they are going for more electric vehicles, and they appear to be rolling out a number of electric original designs across the utility side of things. electric fire engines are still in their infancy. Rosenbauer and Emergency One are 2 manufacturers that have got started, but they are not in widespread use yet. So, I get that we do have original designs. But, are they trying to rush them out too fast? So, for inclusion, I am giving this a 7. Casting. Again, not the easiest to score. As I mentioned, the ladder pops off way too easily. The front end looks too bland with the lack of any logo or anything in the blank grille. The window should not be holding up that ladder either. For this section, I am giving it a 6. Design. Very realistic. Habbethorpe is a cool name, and the side checks do look very good. This is where it does shine. For that, I give it a 9. An overall score of 22 out of 30. I have scored worse than this. But, let's look closer at the name. Blaze Blaster III. Where is Blaze Blaster II?

For this, I bring in last year's new Matchbox originals fire engine. Remember this one? Debuting in the same look. Brilliant! Love recurring themes. However....

That was called Blaze Buster II. Which, as I pointed out, was due to a Skybusters model being Blaze Buster, not the original Lesney casting from the mid 1970s.

My question is, why were they not continuing on with a theme for names? Plus, there is no mention of the EV moniker. The MBX EV School Bus in the last batch had EV in the name. Why are the fire trucks not going down a similar path? MBX EV Fire Fighter and MBX EV Fire Fighter II. It would make a lot more sense to me. And the fact that we have gone from Blaze Blaster to Blaze Blaster III with no second in between, really does seem odd. And why did Garry not use the template of the last one to create an alternative? Garry did create both castings, and although the first one was slightly reminiscent of the Rosenbauer, this appears to have gone in a different direction at the front. I would have much preferred for this to be rather similar from the front. So many missed opportunities. It is not the best I have seen lately. 

Right, let's get on with some cool stuff. I really need to. The first 2 were not great, but that vastly improves with the 4th outing of the MB1284 '60 Chevy El Camino in yellow. It takes the MB28 slot in the range for 2025. 

This is an official colour for the model. Chevy referred to it as Crocus Cream. It was an El Camino option in 1960, so again, they have made this extremely authentic. As with all previous issues, the model is sporting side pin striping and a rear tampo print. 

However, that does leave the front looking bland. Especially as they are no longer chroming the model's base. The artwork did depict plenty of chrome, and it is missed here. I know, they have limitations. So many limitations. As we know, in recent years, they have had to shave costs over and over to keep things profitable. Especially as Walmart doesn't like putting prices up. They have recently. Only a tiny bit. But, it is a small rest bite on the ever-cutting of anything that can save a few pennies. I believe only so many models in the range can get a chrome treatment, and if they have too many classics in there, some will be left without. This appears to be one of those. Such a shame.  

But, some good news. First shade variation of this batch. Yes, I have seen 2 noticeable shades of Crocus Cream. Scoring this is relatively easy. I love the colour. Had it sported a chrome base, it would have been top marks, but I have to deduct something for a plain grey base. So, it gets a 9.

The thing is, every release to date has seen shades for the nutter like me. The 2022 debut in mauve saw some shades (and a chrome base).

I also saw a little shading to the green 2023 issue as well (again, it has a chrome base).

2024, blue? Yep! Shades. And the first of the releases without a chrome base. 

With 4 consecutive basic range outings, I have a feeling this may not see a 2026 release in the basic range. I think the next time we see this, it will be in a multipack. 

Ah! Life is good. Porsche! And, no, this is not an EV. This is the first generation Macan, which was sold as an ICE vehicle. The second generation has only launched recently as an EV only vehicle, and currently both are still being produced as they slowly phase the original one out. After all, the Macan is currently Porsche's best selling car. We see this one in blue as MB64 in 2025.

Porsche has many (MANY) colour options available for their cars. Many are under their "paint to sample" moniker, and this is one of those. It is called Riviera Blue. A lovely colour for the model. It really stands out. The gunmetal look on the wheels work here as well. We see simple front tampo.

We see simple rear tampo. There is honestly nothing else they could have done to make this perfect. I love it! An easy 10 from me. And, no, I am not being biased because it is a Porsche. 

Abe Lugo kept this one very quiet back in the day. He created the casting, and it was never mentioned early, with it turning up as a Super Chase in 2023. What a start. 

2024 saw the first regular outing for the model in Gulf Orange. Another model which I found shades on.  So far, I have been unable to find a shade on the new blue one. I am not giving up, though. 

Having seen 3 outings to date, I think there is still room for a couple more basics. I do wonder if they will make the new EV Macan casting as well?

Next up, we reach the middle model in the batch. This is the second outing for the MB1439 Radical SR3 XXR. for 2025, it takes the MB71 slot in red.

As we know, when I explained it last year, the Radical SR3 XXR is a track car created in the UK. The model can be purchased in 7 basic colours, with an 8th option being a bespoke colour. This basically means you can create your own if you have the money. But, for year 2, we see Rosso Red. And we also get the same detailing as we saw on the Stealth Black last year. Again, I love the consistency of these.

Although the rear does get a little extra that we didn't see last year. Well, it would be weird to tampo print black on black. It is a very unique vehicle for Matchbox to make, and I love that they are able to create stuff like this in their range. The red rimmed wheels are a carry over from last year, and they work perfectly here. 

And I did see a shade here. Red and orangey red shades. This is an awesome little model. One of Abe Lugo's creations again. I think it deserves a 10 for this release.

I think this is great, as it is almost a negative image of the original from last year. 

Black with red tampo becomes red with black tampo. I wonder what colour they will come up with next? And will it see the same central stripe down the model? 

Next up we see year 3 on the MB1365 '92 Mazda Autozam AZ-1 in yellow. This takes the MB79 slot in the range. 

I was a little curious about what they would do with this one once the 2 original colours were used up. When the real vehicle launched in 1992, it was only available in blue or red. However, later, they added black, white and silver. But, this is yellow. Not a factory original colour, but one that has been seen, as many were customised. I think it is a great contrast to the blue and red, as this means we get the full primary colour selection. As with the previous 2 issues, the model saw simple detailing. A badge on the front. Side indicators. 

And rear lights and badge to finish it off. The base also comes in yellow to match the body. Abe did a great job creating this, as he incorporated the front headlights into the window section. Honestly, I don't know why they don't do this more often?

And, yes, I found shades to this one as well. I am doing pretty well with shades in this batch. Scoring this is easy. Another 10. And, this wasn't a Porsche. I told you I wasn't being biased with that one. 

I actually have a pre-production sample of this in yellow as well. It is quite a similar shade, but the clear window, lack of tampo and blue interior/base really set it apart. 

As I mentioned, this debuted in 2023 in blue.

And then we got the second primary colour for 2024, with the red release. 

Giving us a lovely primary trio of releases. There is a white one in the MBX Japan Cruisers II 5-pack. I forgot to add that. I wonder if we will see the black and silver ones in the future?

Model number 7 is the gorgeous MB1428 Morgan Plus Four. One of Garry Gopinath's creations, it takes a second outing in the basic range in blue as MB81.

Morgan calls this Lagoon Blue. However, I think the interior is just a tad too dark. One of their options for interiors is ivory. This looks a little too tan-like for an ivory interior. But, that honestly does not matter. I think it looks absolutely fantastic. We see the same front end tampo printing that we had on last year's model.

Plus, the same rear tampo highlights the model. I absolutely love this. I am so happy that they finally have a traditional Morgan in the range. I have been wanting one for ages, and was surprised that they never bothered when they were British owned. I have to give this a perfect 10 as well. Nailed it!

This joins last year's champagne debut in the same look. I do hope we get a lovely dark green soon. They call it Sport Green, not British Racing Green. But, it is basically the same colour. It deserves to be used on this model.

I can't wait to see what we get for the model's next outing. This is one of my current favourite castings.

Which is not going to be the case here. It's a boat. This is one of 2 new boat castings coming this year, with the other being in the Jurassic World series. Again, this is a Matchbox originals casting. Designed by Garry Gopinath, this MB1517 Coast 2 Coast debuts in black and white in the MB89 slot. 

I am going to be honest. I am not a boat fan. Not unless it is on a trailer being hauled by another vehicle. However, in their entire history, we have not exactly seen many yachts in the basic range. So, it is a bit different to the past boats we have seen. And, as a yacht, it is very well done. The black hull is made of metal, and we get a deck and window made out of plastic. 

The model does sport tiny wheels underneath. So you can roll it along. Which I think it pretty useful. It is too heavy to float. The old Lesney Boat & Trailer had the boat made entirely out of plastic, and that floated. As I said, a boat with a trailer is cool. A boat on its own? Meh!

It is very realistic. I mean, who can name me a yacht manufacturer? No Googling! Very few people will be able to name one. So, being an original design is the logical way to go. 

But, having a boat in the range again? I really didn't want one. To me, proper vehicle you see on the road are what sells best. This means no water vehicles or flying vehicles (unless, they are on a trailer, obviously). It is still too new to see whether it is warming pegs or not. I may be a minority here. 

I tried to get a close up of the stern. Garry has added flippers and lifebelts to the casting, which is a lovely touch. I have to say, out of all the boats that I have seen Matchbox create over the years, this is actually one of the nicest ever. 

But, honestly, it just doesn't excite me. Nothing against Garry's work here. I think the casting is spectacular.

And the livery on the side really cannot be faulted. It is a simple design, and I love the Coast 2 Coast name being incorporated into the livery. 

So, I guess I should try and score this. Inclusion. Meh! A 1. I really didn't want it. Casting. Garry did an exceptional job, and I cannot find anything to fault it. A 10. Yeah, going to extremes here. Design. Well, again, I can't fault the design. 10. That gives it a total score of 21 out of 30. Almost the same as the fire engine earlier in the report. That saw slightly above middling scores all over, whereas this simply lost a lot for being a boat. I can't help it. Being a boat, I will collect it, I will bury it at the back of my collection and forget about it. 

However, I don't think I will be forgetting this in a hurry. The MB1503 '70 Citroën 2CV. This is another of Abe Lugo's castings, and it is the final model in the batch. Sort of saving the best 'til last? Well, if you discount the Porsche! Ha ha! Taking the MB115 slot in the range, it debuts in yellow.

I honestly can't believe that Matchbox has never made this vehicle before. It was unveiled in 1948 as a cheap form of transport, and production began in 1949. It ran until 1990, and only saw minor tweaks and changes throughout its life. Abe has decided to go with somewhere in the middle, with a 1970 variant. I have been trying to read up about what changes were made to 1970 2CVs. Front indicator lights were rectangular in 1969 and round in 1979. Yep. 

And at the rear, the rear lights from the Ami were substituted in for the original ones the 2CV had. I think Abe has totally nailed the date here. 

When I heard it was coming, I was wondering whether the wheel arches would be part of the body or not. Thankfully, they are. I think that was definitely the right choice with this one. And look at that shape. Again, he has captured the essence of the 2CV perfectly.

I love how the tampo detailing looks on the front. We see the stalks coming out of the engine bay to reach those round headlights. Citroën logo and grille, lights, perfection. I also like the way the window wipers go up too high for the body and are incoporated in to the window section. And a chrome base? Wow! 

With simple rear detailing completing the model, I applaud the work that has been done here. About time!

And I have a shade! Yes, perfection x2. 

I have a feeling that this may end up quite high on my new castings of the year. Inclusion. Finally! A 10 out of 10. Casting. Perfection. 10 out of 10. Design. Yellow is an obvious choice for a debut. But, that is fine. It was going to get a yellow outing at some point. Why not start strong. A 10 out of 10. Which means, a perfect score. Hallelujah! A new casting with a perfect score. Sure, it is the only licensed new casting, but it is a great way to finish. Oh, wait.

Now I finish. Base shot. 

So, 3 new castings this time. 1 cool, 1 meh and 1 zzzzzz. 

Plus, 2 modern open top British cars, and a modern German sporty vehicle.

As well as a modern and classic US vehicle, and a classic Japanese. Plus, lots of yellow!

As these head off, my attention turns to next week and another moving batch. I hope you enjoyed my ramblings this time, and as always, have a safe and happy week.