Matchbox Monday celebrates the first promotional models of the year

I have to admit, this year was a little more busy for me on the travelling front. I took in a big trip to Boston in the USA, flew down to Albuquerque for the convention, then back to Boston, headed up through Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont into Quebec in Canada, ending up in Montreal. Then back to Boston to fly home. Once I was home, I was straight back to work. I could have taken more days off, but didn't want to use them getting over this trip, as I could take them later in the year for further breaks. This also means that much of my Matchbox haul is still to be processed (opening, photographing and cataloguing). I should be done and back up to date by the end of August. But, I also know that I still have blogs to write. I know the guys at Wheel Collectors do not mind if I skip weeks, and I did for the first time in a long time while I was still on the trip. But, I do try my best to do a weekly roll-out of new content if I can. 

So, this week, I honed in on the new promotional items that came out of Albuquerque, photographed and catalogued those. As I was doing it, I also created a whole blog report just out of the 3 models. I did bring the 3 boxes home with me. They did make it in 1 piece, crammed inside a suitcase that was mainly models (with a few clothes for padding). Two of the models are in larger plexiboxes, so these do dwarf the other one. Before I get into the Albuquerque convention promotionals, I will start with The Golf model.

This is the MB1412 Mercedes-Benz Unimog Fire Truck. This is the annual Golf Tournament fundraiser that Everett Marshall III has been doing. This is the 20th year for his fundraiser. Sadly, recent years had seen a second model done for Breast Cancer Research alongside his usual one done for the Burns Foundation. But, this year he is back to just a single model. 

So, we did miss getting a pink Mog. But, the one we did get is a stunner. It comes in a lovely shiny red colour. As with other premium outings, we are seeing attention to details all over. This model has Everett's name written across the front.

The sides have Everett's name again, as well as a small 2025 Golf Tournament print over the cab doors. Under the Fire & EMS on the door is his Burns Foundation logo. As I noted already, this is the 20th Annual Golf Tournament, and each one of his promotional models has the number incorporated into the design as well. Unit 20 proudly being displayed towards the rear. 

As we know from the debut last year, this model sports a number of moving or opening parts. The hose on the roof spins and pivots. 

The tool compartment on the roof opens to reveal various items inside. They have tampo printed the floor of the compartment to make the items stand out. I told you, the attention to detail here is phenomenal. 

And when you lift the rear hatch up and slide it in, you can see the hose reel and other items all carefully picked out with more tampo printing. Although it is a little unusual to see the switches and dials to the right of this compartment being ignored. The ladder to the left was picked out in grey. These are very minor quibbles though. I think they have done a beautiful job with this model.

And, for those who may not have noticed, one side depicts Florida between the wheels. 

The other mentions New Jersey. Originally, Everett used to hold his Golf Tournament in New Jersey. He lived there, and still has the Matchbox Road Museum in Newfield, NJ. But, when he retired, he moved to Florida, and now the tournament is in both states. Matchbox sometimes makes note of that in the models they create for him. Not often, but this year was a year that is is Incorporated into the design. I think that was a nice touch. This is a lovely model, and being done for charity does make it even more special. He does ask for a minimum donation of $50 to obtain one. I think it is well worth it, especially as it is being done for a great cause (well 2, as it is divided between the Burns Foundation and Breast Cancer Research still).

I bring in last year's debut. This was launched as a Mattel Creations casting. Due to the amount of pieces involved in it, I can only see this ever being used as a premium model. This means if we do see it again, it will likely be in the Collectors series.

However, for those who like Unimogs (I know I do), we do have a couple of others that this is based on that could also appear again. 

This model first appeared as the MB1111 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U5020. In real life, the Unimog is now a U5023. It debuted as part of the Jurassic World series, which was appearing alongside the debut of the Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom film in 2018. The Fire Truck is based on the same casting, but with a number of changes. But, the front is still the U5020. The film release saw a single outing in olive with a grey canopy.

While the 5-pack outing saw it in charcoal with a green canopy. 

2019 saw them create even more Jurassic models, with many coming back for repeat appearances. However, the Unimog was given another new look for the 2019 series. It was now in black with a grey canopy.

We have even seen an outing outside of the Jurassic World series, as a Polizei look was released in the Stars of Germany series in 2022. 

In the 2022 run of Jurassic models, as a tie-in to the Jurassic World: Dominion film, again there were new items sprinkled in with a number of carry forwards. The original 2018 single release was used once again. Although the shades all appeared a very good match, the 2022 release did see no tampo printing across the front, leaving the tri-star plain. 

Plus, after the last of the U5020s, the MB1380 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U5023 arrived in the 2023 Moving Parts series, sporting a similar Polizei theme to the Stars of Germany U5020. 

Although that did not have a canopy, but did have a 2-section build. The front and rear could pivot in the middle. A really cool moving part. Sadly, this has not been seen since the debut. 

It's funny how we have seen the U5020 from 2018 through 2022, the U5023 in 2023, and now the Fire Truck 2024-2025. It's almost as if they can only have 1 in use at a time. I don't know why? I am a big fan of this Unimog look, and would love to see more of all 3 appear. 

Now, we move on to the 2 Gathering models themselves. As we know from last year, the older 4 models per year was reduced to 2 for 2024, and continues here. We get a single dinner model and a single dealer model. The dinner model comes in the smaller box, and sports a hologram on the top. I remember the 2023 dealer MB1313 Ford GT40 had this same hologram on it. I guess Ford request it on premium issues. 

Now, they did make a mistake. They accidentally put "Dealer Model" on both models at the Gathering. This only appears on the plexicase cover, and me being me, this is about the last I will see of it. 

As I take it off, I notice the end also has printing. A list of logos used on the model. This is something that Michael Heralda came up with again, using his Adlar58 moniker. 

This is the return of the MB587 '65 Shelby Cobra 427S/C. This vehicle was originally called the AC Cobra, and was created and debuted in 1962. AC (Auto Carriers Ltd) was formed in 1901 in the UK by the Weller Brothers, and they made a variety of vehicles during their history. One of their biggest successes was the Invacar, a specially adapted vehicle for the disabled, that was created in the late 1940s, and made until 1976. Many were in bright blue, and I remember as a child occasionally seeing one slowly crawling along the road. They were not fast. However, in 1953, they created the AC Ace. A lovely little sports car. It was sold until 1963. However, as this was nearing the end, they created an off-shoot. The Cobra. Debuting in 1962, they had some help from Carroll Shelby in the USA to create this larger vehicle which could accommodate larger Ford engines, and Shelby built them under licence in the USA as well as the original still being made in the UK by AC. It had officially 3 different generations. The Mk1 was created in 1962, and the Mk2 replaced it in 1963. The Mk3 was the last official release in 1965, being sold until 1967. Since then, there have been countless "continuation" models and kit cars featuring the iconic look but with more modern features. Matchbox created the original Mk3 back in 2002, and we last saw it in 2010. But, 15 years later, it has returned! A continuation, so to speak. Sorry, I had to. 

The model has been painted a shiny pink colour, which I think may be referred to as spectraflame, based on some older Mattel based paint of the 1960s/70s. The model features dual white stripes going over the top, and the 23rd Gathering logo across the rear.

The rear licence plate has Vicki on it, denoting Vicki Gallegos, the wife of Jim, who runs the Gathering. It is a stunning model. 

Checking the "new" base, we see that it is now copyrighted 2024, but still sports the older MB587 MAN number. So, the model has been tinkered with. Let's get into the history of the model, shall we.

We have Elvis Presley to thank for seeing a Cobra in the Matchbox portfolio. Elvis? Uh-huh! Back in 2001, when Matchbox was already under the Mattel umbrella, but were still based out of the old Mount Laurel NJ offices from Tyco's era, they had a different way of looking at Matchbox than what we have currently. Their idea was to separate the core and premium models. Core models were being specifically aimed at children, ages 3-6. Designs were a little outlandish, childish, and the idea was lots of generic castings and modern looking vehicles. Hardly any classics. Period! On the flipside, they also had the Matchbox Collectables side of things. Aimed more at the collector, these were very realistic vehicles, with a large array of classic castings included, with just a select few modern vehicles. There were a few crossover castings, but for the most part, the "classic collectable" and "modern child" castings were different. In 2001, they secured a license to sell models under the Collectables banner for Elvis Presely. In 2001, they released a set of 5 vehicles that he had owned in real life. All 5 were in his museum at Graceland, and a diorama of Graceland was included with each vehicle. For 2002, they went with a different plan, and created another set of 5 castings that were all of vehicles that he had used in a movie role, known as the Drive-In Collection. Each model was placed on a diorama that had a billboard for the film, and a snaphot of the film on a screen. Well, in 1966, he starred in a film called Spinout. It was a musical comedy where he was a lead singer of a band, but also a part time racing driver. Guess what he drove? A 1965 Shelby Cobra 427! It was white. It had 11 roundels on it. 

However, you may notice that the casting has a small visor. Not a full window. Yes, when it debuted in 2002, it was MB557. However, the visor was more for the racier vehicles, and they felt that a full window would be better, so later created the MB587 offshoot. However....

The MB557 visor casting did see 2 further outings. In 2003, it was a part of "My Classic Car". This was a Collectibles series that was used with the licence from the US TV show of the same name, which was hosted by Dennis Gage. It started in 1997, and the last episode, still with Dennis and his trademark handlebar moustache, was aired in June 2025! Wow! The 2003 issue was red with a 13 roundel.

After the failure of the Matchbox Mount Laurel system, with core vehicles moving into Hero City and Ultra Heroes, and Collectables running out of steam, the offices were closed down and R&D was moved in-house at El Segundo. One of the first things they did was scrap the entire core vs premium split. Models could appear both ways. Premium issues were changed to Superfast, and the Shelby was given 1 more outing in the 2004 Superfast range, also in red, but with a 65 roundel. However, with that front visor being so fiddly to attach, they decided to just stick with the window variant. The original MB557 casting was retired at that point. 

But, MB587 had debuted in 2003. It was given 2 outings in the Barrett Jackson series. One in red (not shown) and the other in blue. Not being racing versions, these had stripes going over them instead. But, how much have they tinkered with the casting?

The truth was, it was still quite a fiddly model to construct. For starters, the front window was not the easiest to slot in. We can see that the side visors have now been removed from the updated casting. The window itself is a little thicker than it was. The original plastic used was very thin. 

But, what originally happened was, the window was slotted into the body. You can see here that the bonnet (or hood) actually extended beyond the window. As part of the rebuild, they have altered this so that the window is a separator between the body and interior sections. This means it can be constructed very fast. 

The other very awkward part was that driver's side roll cage element. It would appear behind the driver's seat, but was constructed using a very thin piece of plastic (usually chrome plated), and each of the 3 points would need to be slotted into the body, and then it would need to be fixed in place under it, so it did not fall back out. Fiddly and time-consuming. Something they just cannot afford to take when making thousands of an item very fast. So this has been completely changed to be a part of the interior section, with the body part cut away around it. You may think it loses a bit of realism doing this. It does, but it doesn't look bad for it. I bet some didn't even clock that part until I pointed it out. The interior has therefore been rebuilt, and the steering wheel is also a little plain now. That is usual for models nowadays. It also added foot pedals into the base section that can be seen under the steering wheel. 

This is because the base has been reworked as well. Every part of this car has had some level of surgery to make it compatible with the current way of production. I have often mentioned the "drop" method, where a model is constructed upside down, and each part dropped into the previous part, and riveted at the end. With this getting the tinkering done, I can see it now being given a new lease of life. We know there is a chase model coming. I hope more are scheduled for coming years. 

But, before I get into the last model, I should finish off the rundown of previous Shelby Cobras. After the 2x 2003 Barrett Jackson releases, it was also a part of the 2004 Superfast series in white, with dual blue stripes. 

It was also a part of the 2005 Superfast series. This year saw both an ROW (7,500 in dark green) and USA (15,000 in silver) both sporting the same tampo. Dual white stripes and a 3 roundel.

And, if you were to go in Target in the USA, you might have been able to find an exclusive tin, that featured 5 of the models in alternate colours, as well as an exclusive 6th model that was not part of the Superfast range. The Shelby was 1 of the 5, now in blue.

In 2006, the model was given its first core outing. It was featured in the Vintage Classics 5-pack. During production, they went a little nuts with wheels. Earlier runs could be found with either flower or lace wheels, and at the end of production, the new double 10-spoke wheel had just debuted, and this was added as well. So, you could get 3 wheel variants of this one. 

It was also in the 2006 Superfast range as well. It was now in red, but Superfast was given chase vehicles, and a black model was also found as a chase. 

2007 saw Superfast being reduced in size. This was partly down to becoming a Walmart exclusive in the USA, but also because when it had launched, it was summer 2004, and the 2004 series actually ended in mid 2005, 2005 in mid 2006, and 2006 in mid 2007. This aligned it back up with regular model years, as the reduced Superfast America series was simply released over the remainder of 2007. It was in light blue in this series. 

In 2008, it was a part of the Best of International series. This was in grey with a 98 roundel.

2009 saw another 5-pack outing. And again, the Modern Classics 5-pack gave us a wheel variation. Only 1 this time. It could be found with either tri-spoke wheels or the double 10-spokes again. 

And, would you believe, the next outing was the first time it appeared in the basic range? Yes, 2010 saw the basic range debut in zamac with dual blue stripes. This also proved to be a swansong for the original casting. After a 15 year hiatus, it is finally back. And what a way to re-debut it!

Which brings us to the last model. The MB1538 Land Rover Defender 130. This is a new for 2025 casting which we saw debut in the Moving Parts series a few months ago. And this one correctly states it is the Dealer Model. 

Again, the side of the plexicase has the logos. 

Now, I have to admit, when I saw the debut a few months ago, I was not overly thrilled. When I did my review, I did remark how it was well suited to be the bigger brother of the 90 from the basic range, It was crafted in a similar vein. However, I have often stated I am not a fan of a roof that is formed from a window section. Plus, the removable roof item didn't have the same slots as previous models that had sported removable roof items. So you couldn't have fun mixing and matching. However, there is an expression about putting lipstick on a pig. That does not apply here. I am in awe of how good this looks. Sure, we still have a black window, due to the way it is constructed. But, I hardly notice it due to how much detail has been added. 

And with detailing being applied to the side window section, it takes away some of that blandness of the upper half. We also see the rear door receiving additional nods to other members of the Gallegos clan who help with the activities surrounding the Gathering (Steve, Renee, Claire, Ron, Pordja and Shaun). Hence the front doors stating the 23 XXV crew. 23 for the 23rd Gathering, and XXV denoting 25, as it is 2025. Michael Heralda is the wizard behind this one, and yet again, he has gone incredibly overboard with details, and I am lapping it up. Well done Michael! When you look closer, you actually realise there are only 4 major colours in play. White and black (body parts and tampo) with orange and grey also included with the printing. 

Except at the rear, where a little red is added as well (logically). I love that they tampo printed the spare wheel. I also note the 23 above the right rear lights. Little touches everywhere. 

I also like the opening bonnet (or hood) is in black, which I think helps to distract from the black window a little more. However, that does bring me to my 1 little annoyance. 

Why no engine detailing? I remember when the Moving Parts model debuted, I questioned about why they tampo printed the front of the roof element in white, but left the engine blank. But, this is a promotional, and gets a premium treatment. I would have thought the engine would be detailed. 

However, can I point out just how cool this roof element looks here? Removing it shows that they have detailed not just the lights at the front, but also the drone is really well depicted, and the luggage (a little more red here) is so well detailed. The grey straps going over the red luggage looks amazing. 

And if that was not enough, just look at what they managed to achieve going down the narrow sides! Yes, it even managed an orange stripe down that edge. That is detailing to the max. It is incredibly well done. I was not overly fussed with the Moving Parts debut, but this release has really upped the game on this casting. 

Talking of the debut, it pops back up here. 

A quick view of the blank engine bays. I hope they do attempt to detail that at some point in the future. 

The good news is I now have a model to switch roof elements with. But, while the simpler grey roof element suits the promotional model, the highly detailed roof element doesn's suit the original release. 

So, I switch them back. You may have noticed, I didn't bother scoring these as I went along. It is tougher being promotional models. Of course, I could give them all a 10, except the Landie getting a 9 because of the engine bay. But, when it comes to promotional models, I just marvel at all the detailing they add to them and enjoy them. I hope you enjoyed my little article on them as well. 

Because, I am done for another week. I should get back to my regular rundowns again. I am thinking to stay in the premium game for next week. Until then, I hope everybody has a safe and happy week.