Matchbox Monday brings us basics Batch B part 2

It's time to get on with the second half of the second batch of Matchbox for 2026. As of the time of writing, I have not managed to secure a Target Red for this batch. Is there one? The last batch of 2025 missed it, and this was not forthcoming. I am not sure what is up with Target stores in the USA. Are they just ordering wrong batches? Anyway, that leaves us with just the 5 models for me to review this week. Two of these are new castings as well. So, let's get on with it. 

Now, what number were we up to? Ah, yes, MB19. That would be the MB1358 '04 Mazda RX-8. This is one of the few castings that Charlie Angulo has created for the Matchbox brand. He tends to design for other parts of the Wheels section of Mattel. But, this shows that they are all talented. Because this is one of my favourite castings of all time, and is now on its fourth outing in the basic range in a row. Sweet! It comes in white. 

Mazda calls this colour Whitewater Pearl. It has a pearlescent finish to it. Technically, it is a 2005-2006 colour option. They didn't do it on the 2004 model. It was replaced in 2007 by Crystal White Pearl. But, as I always say, they don't need to be exact. The fact is, a 2005 RX-8 would look a lot like a 2004 RX-8, so this does work in that capacity. I classify it as a real option. And, I think it looks fantastic. We get the usual front and rear tampo detailing for this one, and the gold wheels just make it look so classy. 

There is nothing else they could have done to make this any better. Honestly, this model is spot-on, just the way it is. The clear windows are perfect. The black base, perfect. I just love this one. It is definitely one of the nicer looks on this model, which did win my new casting of the year when it launched. So, it had a lot to live up to, and it is doing a grand job of living up to expectations. A perfect 10 to start off. 

And, as I often do, I notice that the pearlescent white does come in shades, with some coming out more creamy looking than others. Oh, yes, more RX-8s for me. 

This is a fantastic complement to the 2023 basic range debut look in black. 

We then saw it in red in the 2024 basic range. 

With blue being the choice of colour last year. This was the first basic I found a shade on. 

Although the green of the 2025 MBX Japan Cruisers II 5-pack was also good for a shade.

I am still extremely keen on getting more of these. Especially the Lightning Yellow (obviously yellow) and Black Cherry (a dark purple) real options for the RX-8. Copper Red (a dark metallic red), Sunlight Silver (I think you can guess the colour) and Stormy Blue (a lovely dark blue shade) are also ripe for future releases. 

Okay, we do appear to be skipping a few numbers now. We move from 19 up to MB22 now, with the first of the 2 new castings I am looking at this time. The MB1593 '58 Chevy Corvette. As has been the case recently, Wheel Collectors are getting both long card and power grab box releases for Matchbox models. I show the power grab box this time. Just to mix things up a bit. The Corvette debuts in a lovely sky blue. 

I think most people know what a Chevy Corvette is. Back in the tail end of the 1940s, US imports of 2-seater sports cars were taking off. Chevy had long given up on one. A 1938 Chevy Master Deluxe Convertible marked the end of their foray into the convertible world. However, Harley Earl, who was head of GM's design division, had noticed that these imported vehicles were very popular. Then, in 1951, Nash started selling a US made convertible, known as the Nash Healey, in collaboration with Donald Healey from the UK. He convinced the bigwigs at General Motors that they needed one, and so a concept was shown off in January 1953. It was a hugely popular attraction at motor shows, and so he rushed through making a production vehicle. Named after a small warship, the first production ready car was done in just 6 months. By the end of the 1953 model year, they had made 300 Corvettes. All by hand, all in white with red interiors and blue engines. 1954 saw the move to a more automated production, with other colours available. The design was slightly modified for 1956, and then again in 1958, with a final facelift for 1961. We have seen a 1957 Corvette in Matchbox size before, and now we get a 1958. 

Tyler Charest (the person who created the MB1524 '23 Chevy Corvette Z06, must like Corvettes) is the person behind this one. I must say, this does look stunning. I always thought the '57 Corvette was a little bit small. This one is a much better sized vehicle. Comparing this to real ones, I think he has captured the shape extremely well. The flowing, graceful lines appear to be captured very well. However, the side panel in white, there should be a little bit of a gap just before the 3 silver lines. The whole white section is flat on the model, but in real life, it slightly goes in, and there is a small vent after the Corvette logo before the 3 strips. It has not been captured on the model, although you might notice the artwork shows off the vented section. It is a minor thing, but definitely noticeable. 

The front grille is a part of the body section, which means that the chromed front end is not that distinguishable. The front grille and teeth have been tampo printed, alongside the front bumper section. However, because this model is a light colour, they don't stand out that well. Obviously, when the '57 was released in the late 1990s, they used to have clip in front ends on a number of castings. Nowadays, with a limit on the amount of parts we tend to get, this is much less likely to happen on a basic range model. Which does beg the question, would this have been better in Moving Parts, with an opening front or rear, and adding a chromed insert? Possibly, but if we keep doing that, everything would end up in Moving Parts. The basics are still the starter range, and deserve some cool models. I think this is a cool addition, and I had a think over alternatives. Sure, Tyler could have created this with the front grille section being a part of the interior. Then the interior would be chrome. I am sure people would complain about that. It would also mean the base section would wrap up around the underside of the grille and bumper, meaning they would have to make it the same plastic colour shade to the metal body section. I think this was perhaps a better option for building this. I am happy for it to be a basic, not a Moving Parts release. As I said, we can't just have Moving Parts. I am sure some would like to argue that point. After all, Moving Parts is often cited as being the best part of the Matchbox brand. When it comes to the casting, I think Tyler did well. I believe that is the correct amount of teeth on a '58. They were reduced for the 1960 model year before the model was given a facelift in 1961. 

The rear end, well there is no tampo on it, as they went with sides and front only on this one. So, this is all about how the casting looks. And I think it looks good. 

The shape and detailing look just like the 1958 one does in real life. The wraparound windscreen is a perfect top ending to this casting. And I love that we get the foot pedals cast into the base (something I know Abe Lugo often used to do as well). 

When it comes to the design, this blue look is a real one. They simply called it Silver Blue. A perfect beginning to the career of this one. Real ones would often sport a blue-grey interior. They went with a simple grey look. I think it works well. Being too blue might have been too much blue for the model. A smokey window works perfectly here as well, off-setting the grey interior perfectly. 

I did already mention that the silver detailing on the front end was not that noticeable. But, I do believe it could have stood out a bit more than it does. It might just be the colour of the model that is stopping it from standing out. The sides are fantastic. The white with silver ended side panel, with the Corvette logo and grooves detailed. As I said, the small defect with the side panel not having that gap is a small flaw. There should have been a little depth to it. But, that goes with the casting. So, scores. Inclusion. I think this is a perfect 10. A 1958 Corvette? Why not. I love that we are getting some cool classic 'Vettes. Casting. That lack of a side vent section in the side panel is my only minor flaw. The front end I think is the best option in the current state of basics. So, it gets a 9 out of 10 from me. Design. Almost perfect, but the front end silver trim is barely detectable. I think it would have been better if they had added a bit of black behind both the grille section and the 2 corner sections around the bumper. It would have given them more depth and help them to stand out. Plus if you look carefully, you might just about notice that the silver also forms the side portion of the rear bumpers, but with no rear print, stops at the corner. That is actually a blessing here, and I think would look worse if it was standing out. Another 9 out of 10. It is a bit of an awkward one. This gives the model a 28 out of 30. That's a pretty decent score. 

I do still really like this one. My overall score may not be perfect, but my enjoyment of the model is. I love it! I am definitely looking forward to seeing more of these soon. As it is new, we do get a base shot. 

And a shade shot, because this silver blue colour does vary between a more bluish shade or more silverish shade. Love a shade!

The next model in the list is the other new casting. The MB1601 Ridge Raider II. An original design, created from the mind of Abe Lugo. It debuts in the MB23 slot in the 2026 range in orange. 

This type of vehicle is often referred to as a Rally Raid vehicle. The most famous race is the annual Dakar Rally, which takes place at the start of each year. We get motorbikes, quads, and then 5 levels of vehicles, T1 and T2 for car based, T3 and T4 for UTV based, and T5 for trucks. Back when Matchbox released the original Ridge Raider, the T1 and T2 vehicles were quite tall and thin. Recently, in real life, vehicles have started to become lower and fatter. So, what has Abe done? He has made this lower and fatter. 

I do see hints of the original MB716 Ridge Raider in the design (including putting the 716 number in the artwork). That first appeared back in 2007. It is about time we had a more modern looking one. Mind you, I always wondered why they stopped using the MB767 Quick Sander. That only saw action between 2009 and 2016. Sure, there was a 2021 issue, but that was simply a carry forward. But, this is even lower and wider than that one. 

You might be able to name some of the vehicles being used. However, none are stock. A Ford Raptor is one of the most popular nowadays. It looks nothing like a road going Ford Raptor. So, to me, getting a licensed rally raid model is not overly important. Just make something that is reminiscent of the type of vehicle. Big wheel arches. A vented front end. Sure, these are the type of things you would find on a rally raid vehicle. 

Having spare wheels in the rear is also something you would see. Mind you, making them a part of the body section? Could they have been a part of the window section? Just imagine if the wheels were a part of the interior, and when the body section is upside down, when you drop the window piece in for production and then interior, the 2 wheels would line up into the slots left for them. I am sure that it could have worked okay and not slowed down production too much. 

Because you can see the other half of them sticking out the front end of the massive rear wing. This definitely feels like Abe has taken the original Ridge Raider, and just updated it to a 2020s style rally raid look. Which I do think is exactly what is needed. The old one was looking a bit dated now. 

Now, when it comes to the design, what they have done is simply take the 2008 basic range look of the original Ridge Raider, and attached it to this one. They changed the 48 number to a 49 on the door. But, for some bizarre reason, they left the 716 MAN number moniker on the side. I think it should have had 1601 on the side, just before the rear wheel. It's a shame they didn't give this the manufacturing number 1600, as that would have looked even cooler in side designs. 1 out! 

So, as I show a mildly lighter and darker orange, I will score this one as follows. Inclusion. We have been using the old Ridge Raider for too long now. Quick Sander should have been utilized more, but both are fairly old, and it is about time we got a new rally raid vehicle. I am not fussed about it being generic. So, I will score this a 10. Casting. My only gripe was the outer part of the rear wheels being a part of the body section. Had they been part of the interior section, along with the inner part, I would have given it top marks. As it is, a small drop to a 9. Design. Replicating a look from the original Ridge Raider is awesome. But forgetting that the MAN number was also a part of the design is a bit of a blunder. So, I am also giving this a 9. Well, look at that, it scored the same as the Corvette. I was not expecting that. I do prefer the Corvette, but I am a bit of a Corvette fan. Both Corvette and Camaro from Chevy, along with Mustang and Thunderbird from Ford, I have a bit of a soft sport for. Along with a whole variety of US muscle cars. So they would always win in a personal choice from me. But, for variety purposes, I think both are equally viable choices. Therefore, both do end up with the same score. At the end of the day, I do think the guys at Mattel know what they are doing. 

Do you think that, because they trademarked the Ridge Raider name, they don't have to apply for additional trademarks for adding II to the end? After all, the TM logo appears after Ridge Raider on the base, before adding II after. That's is quite clever really. If they can do that, we could see Ridge Raider III and IV as time goes on. 

Ooh! We skipped a few again. Up to MB26 now with the second outing of the MB1518 '24 Range Rover PHEV. For 2026, it turns up in British Racing Green. 

I do have a soft spot for BRG as a colour, especially on a British vehicle. Yes, I know, JLR is now a subsidiary of Tata Motors of India. But, the JLR company is still based in England, and the head office is in Whitley, near Coventry. I still classify it as British. I have to admit, I much prefer this to the debut version, which only appeared a few batches back in the last of 2025. I am surprised to see version 2 out so quick. The model is sporting the same tampo print as the original one did, and on the dark green, it really stands out. It does look the part. 

It just looks so bland at the rear. I am guessing that JLR requested that they have to have that silver piece tampo printed on the side. Because, if that was just a choice from Matchbox, it would be the wrong one. I would much prefer a rear tampo print than having a silver piece tampo printed on each side. But, sometimes, it is out of their hands. I have a feeling that this is a stipulation from JLR. Which sort of ties their hands a little. And for that, I do think it is a shame. And the fact that this is being made with the roof being a part of the window section, I do think it makes the model look worse. Black wheels? Great! So, BRG as a colour? Fantastic, and great wheels. From the front, decent, from the back, bleh! I am giving this an 8. The same as the debut. It just doesn't work for me. Even in an awesome colour. It just misses that something extra that makes it work. 

This was the one that preceded it by 2 months. I don't know why they rushed version 2 out so quick. The green is nicer, but the end result still leaves me wanting more. 

I do hope to see one with the rear tampo printed. I think it really needs it. But, not as a premium. I don't think this casting is worthy of a premium outing. Not like the older Range Rover casting from Moving Parts, or the classic '75 Range Rover from Moving Parts. Both of those have seen premium outings, and both looked great in fancy clothes. This one, with the roof issue, I don't think it would. 

And now, we move on to the last model. And a jump here. MB41? This is the MB1493 '23 Toyota Prius Prime. It has a second outing in the basic range in blue. 

Now, version 1 debuted in early 2025, so having this in early 2026 makes more sense. It has been a year. Give or take. This is a lovely blue shade. Toyota calls this Reservoir Blue. It is one of their official colour options. It does look very nice, and as we expect nowadays, the model sports front and rear tampo prints. 

I know that Abe Lugo made a very good job of replicating what Garry Gopinath had done with the Moving Parts model from 2024, in making a basic range one for 2025. But, it still irks me. Why are there 2 castings of the exact same model? Literally. There is nothing different about them except one has doors that open and the other doesn't. I feel they waste their limited range on making the same model twice. There are a number of Toyotas in their current portfolio. Why didn't they do the Mirai for a basic? Just imagine. A hydrogen fueled car instead of a plug-in hybrid. Something a bit different. The Mirai is sold in many markets. We should have had that in basics and just left the Prius in Moving Parts. This model is very nice in its end look, and I am scoring it an 8. The drop is simply because I don't feel it is warranted in both basics and Moving Parts. 

And even though I am not a fan, I still have 2. I can't help myself. I do like a shade. Mind you....

There is a long hair stuck inside the darker one. Yuck! I can't get it out, not without drilling the model apart. Well, I guess it makes this one unique. 

This follows last year's basic range debut in white. 

But also the Moving Parts debut from 2024 in red. 

And grey for Moving Parts in 2025. 

I just wish they would choose which range (either basic or Moving Parts) a specific model should go in and stick with it. Use the space in the alternate range for something else. Similar? An alternative variant of a model? For instance, if we had a '58 Corvette added to Moving Parts, but it was the roadster variant with the roof on, I would be fine with it. Put the convertible in and I would be screaming again. Obviously the Prius has no alternative. Hence me thinking a Mirai. Similar, still within the Toyota family, but not the exact same model. They have done a few the exact same in both ranges, which I am not happy about. Just needs to make them a different version of a vehicle, or perhaps a different year, if there are differences between years. Again, a '58 Corvette could be a '54 Corvette as a convertible in Moving Parts. Same C1 generation, but a slightly different look, to differentiate the 2. 

But, that's enough ranting for now. I am done. With the report. Not with Matchbox. I am still very much a Matchbox lover, and will be back next week for more goodies. This week saw 2 new castings with identical scores. 

And 3 further issues with varying degrees of happiness. 

As these head off to join the rest of my collection, I wish everybody a safe and happy week. Until next time....