Matchbox Monday collects up the rest of batch A 2026

I return to the 2026 basic range batch A this week, as I deliver my verdicts on the second half of the first Matchbox basic range batch of the year. As I went in number order, this set of 7 features all 3 of the new castings that debuted in the batch. But, before I get to those, I do have some more models that are back with new looks for 2026. So, without further ado, let's get back to my rambles. 

Now, where was I when I stopped 2 weeks ago? I had done the first 7, but that also included the Super Chase, which means I start with MB7 this time. This is the MB1287 '18 Toyota Hilux. It was not used last year, so returns this time out in blue. If you recall, Wheel Collectors did send me over both power grab boxes and long blisters, and this one shows off the box. It's a shame you can't reseal these, like the old Lesney boxes. Not that I am bothered personally, as I will pull this out and throw the box away. But, I am thinking of others. There are people who, for some strange reason, like to put them back in their boxes. Madness! Anyway, I am side-tracking. This comes in orange for 2026.

for those who do not know, the Toyota Hilux actually celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2018. The first one began production in 1968. To mark the occasion, Toyota released a special edition. It was known as Invincible X. It was full of little extras. And it was available in 2 colour options. The Nebula Blue was a colour that Toyota was already using, but Scorched Orange was a unique look for this model. And this is what Matchbox has released this time. I tell you, they do their homework. I am quite surprised with this casting. Abe Lugo was the person who created this, debuting it in the 2021 basic range. This is the model's 5th outing, and each one has been in a lovely colour and featuring front and rear tampo prints. They all follow the same pattern. And I am not going to complain about that. Especially when they look as good as this. I love the orange colour, and regular front and rear prints cannot be argued with. I think the black wheel hubs suit this as well. They could have gone with gunmetal as well. I don't think chrome would have looked as good. So, great choice here. 

In fact, I think this might be my favourite release to date. I think this one really stands out. I am giving this a 10 out of 10. And better still....

We get shades! Serious shades here. Metallic orange is often good for a shade or 2, and this one has not disappointed. The difference between lighter and darker ones is very noticeable. 

If you were trying to remember what the other 4 were, let me refresh your memory with a little dive. It debuted in 2021 in dark metallic red. 

And, as you can see, 2022 was another very good year for the shade collectors among us. 

With 2023 coming in off-white, or cream, depending on the shade you picked up. 

I even found a shade to the last release in 2024, when it was done in blue. Nebula Blue, as I alluded to earlier. 

5 bright, lively colours on this model. Not a grey in sight (I might have just jinxed it). I do like the colour spread on this one, and am eager to see what they come up with next. 

Moving on to MB8 for the 2026 model year, and a quick return for the MB1506 '21 Scania P420XT 4x2 Fire Truck. It only debuted in the last batch. Final batch of 2025, and now first batch of 2026 in a new look. Wow! I was not expecting that. It comes in white for 2026.

You could classify this as a recurring theme model. There is a little Matchbox City logo on the front corner of the side design. The Metropolitan City Fire Department design is not one I have seen used before. If there is another out there in this same design, please do let me know. But, this is a very nice look. Simple, straightforward, and no weird waves on it. This looks just like the sort of fire truck you would see on the road. I know many are red, but other colours do get used, and white is a common alternate colour for Matchbox fire vehicles. I like this. 

Plus, we get 3 passes through the tampo machine. The sides are detailed, and so is the front. I wonder if Scania are putting their foot down, as I notice that Scanias often seem to come out this way. Which cannot be a bad thing. For a core range model, I could not ask for anything more. We don't get a full tampo treatment on these. There is not enough in the budget for that. So, I am happy to also give this a 10 out of 10. 

As you can see, the last issue also saw front detailing on top of the 2 sides. 

Roll on version number 3. Hopefully it will not be too long to wait. I remember the last Scania Fire Truck saw a year out after version 2, and then a 3 year gap before getting further action. Hopefully this does not follow suit.

This is a casting that has been with us for quite a while now. The MB948 (originally MB707) Ground Breaker. Originally debuting in 2007, this model takes the MB9 slot for 2026 in red.

Believe it or not, this is a National Parks vehicle. It is not in the standard mint colour, but is bright red, as a fire vehicle. Vehicles like this are extremely useful for wildfires. You will see a number of them in action around the California area, helping to move away rubble and burnt items to allow firefighters through to tackle blazes. So, I do think this is a very thoughtful model to replicate in miniature. And I do feel that being completely red was the best option, although it does look a little unusual. 

And with the added playability of the front blade moving up and down, I think this is a pretty cool model. I think it may be just about the best Ground Breaker they have done. Jeez! I am really not finding anything to complain about. Another 10. Way to go Matchbox. 

Now, let's scroll back through its long history to see if we have seen a model like this before. It debuted under the MB707 MAN number back in 2007. Regular yellow. 

For 2008, it was now found in orange in the basic range (worldwide, as the range split into 3 that year). I also noted a small shade to the orange. 

But, that was not all. 2008 was a highly productive year for the casting. It saw 4 further outings that year. Back left is a pale yellow Euro Edition issues, exclusive to the German market. Back right in yellow is from a Construction Kings DVD set. Front left in teal is a Construction 5-pack issue and front right in orange is a Construction Kings Hitch 'n Haul set model. 

With a 6th 2008 release coming in the Action 10-pack. This was red, but was not a fire themed model. 

In 2009, we saw 2 colours on the basic range release. The yellow was followed swiftly by orange, as a number of models were given 2 outings in the range. 

While this year only saw 1 further outing, again in the Construction 5-pack. This time in grey.

2010 saw 3 outings in the year. That year also saw a red basic range issue. Again, this does not appear fire related. 

The 5-pack release was Construction Trucks, and came in orange. Again, we saw an Action 10-pack outing, and this was in the Forest Service recurring theme. 

2011 saw it in blue in the basic range. 

While the Construction 5-pack issue in green varied in shade from quite a bright lime green to a more dull medium green.

While this Dino themed outing was the sole 2012 release, again in the basic range. 

While 2013 saw another sole release for the model. Again it was a basic range release, this time in yellow. However, this was an important model to check closely.

As it was during the run of this model that they switched from the MB707 casting to the updated MB948 casting, with a revised way of building up the model. It was changed to the drop method by having the blade dropped in, and the base section, with a piece sticking up the side, holding it in place. 

This new model then appeared in 2014 in both basics and in the Construction Zone 5-pack in white. 

For 2015, we finally get it. An orange model appeared in the basic range, but a red Mission Force: Fire Commanders model appeared with a fire themed livery. So, this is not the first time we have had a fire look. The earlier one was not a National Parks themed model, though. 

2016 only saw the 1 outing. Another Construction Zone 5-pack was released, with this in white.

In 2017, they carried forward the 2010 basic range model into another basic outing. Except this time it was on the updated casting. So, an instant variation. 

In 2018, it was a part of the Ocean Works 5-pack in orange, which I did see a little shading on. 

In 2019, it saw another carry forward in the MBX Construction 5-pack, which again meant an instant casting variation, as this was a repeat of the 2009 basic range model. 

While the basic range finally saw an INC liveried release. 

The model took a few years off after this. It returned in the 2022 MBX Road Crew II 5-pack in pale lemon. 

And after another few years off, it was back in the basic range last year, in the recent recurring Matchbox Construction theme. 

And it is not the only 2026 release. A Construction Crew 5-pack finally gave us a Ranec themed model. 

Which does mean it has run the gauntlet on all the recurring construction themed (and adjacent) themes. Can we get another themed outing for it? Maybe they should look at doing a retro theme, by giving it a look like the old MB029 Tractor Shovel. Maybe yellow with black chevrons (like the 1982 release). Or, better still, bring back the MB029. It was last used in 2014, so it should still be knocking about in the factory. 

Phew! That was a big one. Now, the last of the models in new colours, and the 4th I am looking at is the MB1363 '22 Ford Bronco Sport. It takes the MB10 slot in the 2026 range in blue. 

Finally, a reason for the unique roof element. Until now, every one had been black, pairing with a smoke window, making them almost unnoticed. But, now, we have the Heritage Edition version. The white roof is part of the distinctive look for these, and gives them a retro vibe. Yes, brilliant. It can be found with this darker blue body, although I think I would have preferred for them to have gone with the robin's egg blue (which is much paler). However, sadly, they did not give the model the retro white grille. That is a bit of a shame. They got so far and fell short. This would have been so much cooler had they added the white grille. A finishing touch that was omitted gives this model my first points dropping outlook. 

And just when they give us the white roof as well. Typical. I have been patiently waiting for a brighter roof offering ever since it debuted. Now I have it, I feel sad. Not good. This is the lowest score I am giving so far in this report. A 7. 1 off for not going with the Robin's Egg Blue. 1 off for not putting the retro white grille print on the front. And 1 off for making me feel sad! Ha ha! Although there is a little bonus Easter Egg. 

A variation. Okay, who immediately looked at the body, looking for a shade of blue? I'm rubbing off on you, if you did. Nope. This one is a window variation. Early runs came with a different window tint to later ones. You can see the point at the front where the roof piece is attached, and is more visible on the left. 

And is even more visible at the rear, as the white goes right down. 

So, let's run through all the black roofed models that appeared before this attempt at a retro release. The model debuted in the 2023 basic range in mint. This model did sport a body shade. 

The 2024 green issue also found a little bit of shading to the body colour. 

As did the 2025 red issue. Not as much as previous ones. It appears that with every release, the variation in shade got reduced. Now it is down to nothing, they went with something different. Try a window tint shade. Ha ha!

This is the model's 4th year in the basic range, and (aside from being thrown in 8-packs as filler) has not seen an alternative release to date. I wonder if we will get another basic, or a move to a multipack next? Time will tell. 

After the 4 older castings in new looks, I finish off by reviewing the 3 new castings. First up, taking the MB11 slot in the 2026 basic range, is the MB1583 '24 Honda Civic Type R. It debuts in a lovely blue.

Honda has been making the Civic since 1972. It took Matchbox until 2008 to finally release a casting of one. The name Civic comes from the Latin 'Civicus', which basically means from the city. Honda was after a general vehicle for cities around the world, beyond their Kei car status. They wanted the car to get around. And, when it comes to the Matchbox castings, they get around as well. The first Civic was also a Type R (8th generation), created by Ryu Asada back in 2008. After this, was a 2017 10th generation Civic, created by Howard Sung. After that, Abe Lugo went back to the beginning and gave us a 1st generation, with the CVCC engine in 2020. And now we get an 11th generation, and Tyler Charest is the person who created this one. I think that is pretty cool as each Civic has been created by a different person. 

Now, I am very happy that they have done the Type R again. Now, I did say this was an 11th generation Civic, but technically, if you were being specific, this is a 6th generation Type R. They never created a Type R variant until the 6th generation of Civic, back in 1997. And each Type R does get a unique internal code. This one is known as FL5. I have no idea on where they get their codes from. The first Type R was EK9, followed by EP3, FD2 (Japan) or FN2 (other markets), FK2, FK8 and now FL5. They make no sense. But, having the model in the basic range does. This is further proof of Matchbox being allowed to spread their wings more. Something I do believe is because of Abe Lugo's tireless work over the past years, pushing for Matchbox to have a wider array of vehicles. Yes, road vehicles are the bread and butter of the Matchbox brand. Making realistic creations of vehicles you see on the street. Well, we do see top of the range sporty versions of vehicles. So, I am very happy to see a Type R again. And it appears that Tyler has done tremendous work with this. I cross-referenced this model with pictures of real ones, and I am extremely impressed. The way the front end spoiler edges sit is just how the real one is. The shape of the doors has been captured effortlessly. The little part of the base, where it pops up a bit just before the rear wheel mirrors how the real one looks. The only minor thing he had to compromise was the rear spoiler. 

Being a basic range model, they are somewhat limited with parts. Making this a unique element would have added an extra part, and we know they don't tend to do that on basic range models. So, this is about as good as I could have expected it to be. I don't think he could have done any better. 

And he has nailed the current front end of the Civic. I cannot argue the detailing to the casting. And when it comes to the final look, I also could not ask for more. 

Honda calls this colour Boost Blue. It is a real Honda option. And these do come with a red and black suede interior. The seats are red, and so Matchbox went with a red interior piece. A perfect choice again. 

Completed with front and rear detailing and black wheels, this is ticking all of the right boxes. I am very impressed with this. Time for some scores. Inclusion. A new Type R? Yes please. A perfect 10. Casting. Tyler nailed it. Another 10. Design. Faultless. A perfect 10. Wow! Top marks. A seriously good entrance. 30 out of 30. I hope we get some seriously cool issues over coming years. 

In the meantime, if you look, you might find a shade to the blue. I did. 

Oh, as a new model, we finish with a base shot. Next!

More Japanese goodness. Finally, a third of a century or so late. We get the MB243 Toyota Celica GT-4. No, it's not that one. It was going to appear in 1993, but was cancelled last minute along with the MB241 Toyota MR2 and MB242 Chevy Camaro RS Convertible. We have already seen the 2nd generation MR2 arrive. All that is left is a certain 3rd generation Camaro RS Convertible to enter production and we will finally have that trio of gaps filled. This particular model is the MB1599 '93 Toyota Celica. It takes the MB12 slot in the 2026 range in red. 

I wish I knew the reason for cancelling the model back in the 1990s. It appeared that when Tyco took over the Matchbox brand after Universal went bust, we lost a few choice castings that were in development. I was really sad about them, but one by one, they are finally arriving. As I said, I want that Camaro. But, for now, Abe Lugo created this gorgeous rendition of the 1993 Celica. Much like the Civic, the name Celica has a Latin origin. Coelica is Latin for heavenly. The Celica first appeared in 1970, and I think we may have been denied this originally, as when they were planning on launching it in 1993, Toyota announced it was being replaced for 1994. I guess they stopped development as it was going to be dated the minute it was finished. But, now, it works very well as a classic. This is how the 5th generation Celica finished, as October 1993, they launched the 6th gen as a 1994. 

I instantly recognized this one as soon as I saw it. I could tell that Abe did a wonderful job before even cross-referencing it with pictures of real ones. Now I have, all I can say is, nailed it! Being a vehicle from the late 1980s/early 1990s, it did come with quite a smooth and rounded front end. 

We do get a bonnet hump on the GT-4. You know, the one they specified back in 1993 that they were doing. I think he only went and did the exact model that was being planned a third of a century ago. Way to go Abe. 

The rear wing is quite low to the car in real life, and Abe did a great job in replicating it. I like the flared wheel arches that we get as well. It is a sporty little number. I love it!

When it comes to the design, they went with red for the debut. Toyota called it Super Red. Obviously a real colour option. The black interior works very well in contrast, and this time, white wheel hubs do work. 

Now, unfortunately, mine did get a minor tampo error. Due to the way that the front end wraps around the curves, it appears that they smudged it a little. I am not knocking off points for a 1-off error. 

Especially as I did get a second one for a minor shade. That had a decent tampo hit. I should have used that for the photoshoot. Is it too late to go back and redo them? Err, yes! 

So, scoring this is another easy task. Inclusion. A huge, gigantic 10. Finally! Casting. Abe did wonders. Another 10. Design. Beautiful. Another 10. Well, 2 new Japanese cars, and 2 perfect 30 out of 30s. Well, this is proving to be quite a fantastic start to the year. 

And, before I get on with the final model, a quick base shot. 

I finish with the MB1617 MBX Gritter King. It debuts in the 2026 basic range in the MB13 slot, and features the recurring Matchbox Construction theme. 

We have seen a number of "King" models in the Matchbox basic range (and a few in Working Rigs). I love that we have a number that seem to follow a similar design aesthetic. 

Pit King, Road Stripe King, Glass King, Poop King etc. This is the latest in a line of recurring "King" models with a similar front end look. Honestly, I do not mind the Matchbox Originals models if they are like this. I would not be able to name a real gritter vehicle by name. And having ones that look similar in cab design brings them together in one big group. I am all for it. 

Obviously, there is some scope for creating a unique look. Different companies make gritter vehicles for different needs. This is a decent example of the type that would be seen on many European or UK roads. The sides have been built in 3 sections. The upper part is metal and is the orangey yellow section. Under this we get a darker grey section that also forms the windows and plough. Then we have the lower section which is a lighter grey, formed from the base section. Which means, I think this may be a simple 3-part build. However, it is still quite heavy. It does not feel light. 

Considering there is a big gaping hole in the middle. Fun for people who may want to fill it with sand and create a line in the road below. Mind you, I think you will not get much larger particles than sand in there. 

The rear end does simulate the gritting spreader unit, but obviously if you did fill it with sand, you will not get it coming out of there. But, I don't think that matters. I think this has a lot of play value to it. 

And debuting it in a recurring theme? Master stroke. You can't go wrong with a recurring theme. 

So, how do I score this? Inclusion. Well, it may be an original casting, but it is following a similar cab style to others that they have done, which gives it a very familiar feel, and it looks realistic. A 10. Casting. I can't think of anything that could have been improved. They could have made the plough at the front a movable piece, but we know that the MB222 Highway Maintenance Truck started with one, but was cost reduced later. I would not have expected it. So, again a 10. Design. Recurring theme. Yes, there is a lot of plastic there, and therefore, quite a lot of grey. But, it still feels solid, and I like the look. 10. Well, there you go. Another perfect outing. 3 new castings, and all get top marks from me.

And each one I have more than 1 of, because, shades! Ha! 

I must say, this was a tremendous batch in general. 3 new castings, all scoring top marks from me. 

And out of the other 4, only 1 didn't get a perfect outing. So close to a perfect batch.

Maybe next week will see a perfect outing. As these head off, my thoughts turn to a Christmas present that Tayla got me. She knows what I like. Well, she does accompany me to the Matchbox Gatherings in the USA, so she knows what I am like. And what I want. Until then, I hope everybody has a safe and happy week.