Matchbox Monday elects to show Moving Parts batch E

As we often see with Moving Parts, batches of models come in boxes of 8. And the latest batch I am talking about (batch E) has 7 models in said batch. This means that there is a single model being doubled up. It would not be so bad if the "extra" was a random pick, but sadly, they have a set model that is doubled up in the assortment. This is always a big risk. What if they choose the least liked model? It would swiftly become a pegwarmer, and new boxes being put out would dry up. On the other hand, choose the most popular, and suddenly you are the hero who gave us twice as many of the coolest model. It is a risk, and I don't know why they always do it that way. Surely by putting in a random additional model, it would mean that assortments would not always look the same, and any pegwarming model is less likely to be a big stopper on pegs. That is my opinion anyway. Of course, things would be even better if Moving Parts were in larger assortments. Why are they not boxes of 12? Or even more. I think there is plenty of noise from collectors about how popular these are to justify putting out larger assortments. Stores would not be overly stocked with 12-per-box assortments. And, when you get an assortment like this, where most of the models are new castings, I think they would simply be flying off pegs anyway. Anyway, enough rambling on. I should get stuck into these lovely models. 

And, logically, with so many new castings, I am starting this week's report with one. The MB1528 '24 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T. It starts life in red in the coveted number 1 slot. 

Now, for those who live under a rock may not know, the Dodge Charger has been around since 1966. Matchbox has made a few of the classic ones in the past, and with 4 generations until 1878, a 5th generation revival from 1981 through 1987, and then a proper revival from 2006, we are now on the 8th generation. As with most things, Stellantis has been steadily moving into the electric era for vehicles, and the 8th generation Charger has debuted as an electric vehicle initially, with an ICE variant coming later this year as a 2026 model. Dodge has used the Daytona moniker to denote electric versions, and they come in the lower powered R/T (which Matchbox has produced) or a higher powered Scat Pack model. When the ICE version arrives, it will be known as the Charger Sixpack. So, obviously, Matchbox went with the electric version. They do like giving us electric vehicles. 

Garry Gopinath has been tasked with creating the castings for many of the Moving Parts series, and this is another of his creations. The side profile shows the shape of the Charger Daytona being sculpted extremely well. He has done a tremendous job with the overall shape of the car. However, I do think the doors are a little awkward. They open and close easily enough, but there is scope for a little wiggle on them. As you can see, in the closed position, it is going up a little towards the rear. For a new casting, I would expect a much tighter feature. Plus, is it me, or is the gap at the front of the door a little large? I know there would be a gap for the door to fit, but I think it did need to be a little thinner than how it came out. Again, this is a new casting. I would expect things to be tight to begin with. 

The rear of the model is extremely well done. I have no complaints over how it has been crafted.

And, the same with the front. The way the front grille section slinks inward is captured very well. However, again, there is just one minor quibble. The lower grille section should have a little rectangular piece in the middle. But, again, this is a minor quibble. It is not detracting from the casting. I think it is great.

As I said, the doors themselves open and close easily enough. I just think they could have been a little tighter to the body when closed. So that way you don't have that little wiggle where they can raise up towards the rear.

When it comes to the design, Matchbox have chosen to replicate the Redeye paint option. Sure, the metal flake does look a little large, but that is because it is not easy to make it smaller for a model. I do not mind that. 

The model is sporting front and rear tampo prints, a little R/T logo on each side, and the roof has been painted black. This is because, when you order a real one, you can have it with a full glass panoramic roof, or the roof comes in pitch black painted steel. Surprisingly (and I am very happy for it), they went with the steel roof version, and not gone with the panoramic roof. So, we get it painted black. And, well, I keep thinking about that Jaguar I-Pace last year, this one is spotless. There appears to be no rubbing or faults with the loose model with regards to the roof print. 

I mentioned about rear printing. But, did you notice that the bumper section and body section have tampo. This means, technically, there were 2 passes to create this rear look. And, I think it really adds to the overall look of the model. 

So, what do I score this? Inclusion. Well, the Charger has been a big part of the Matchbox brand. From the old Lesney days when they had some modified Chargers in the range (Big Banger, Pi-Eyed Piper, Dodge Dragster), to when the 6th generation debuted, and we have had castings of each generation since. Plus, Mattel also gave us a classic 1st generation a few years back. So, giving us the 8th generation was pretty much a no-brainer. I am giving that a perfect 10. Can I also suggest something? I mentioned new Chargers, and the classic. But, how about they bring us a 1983 Dodge Shelby Charger? I think that would be awesome. I think it would make for an awesome addition. Plus, if they had it with an opening hood, it would look great next to the Daytona big brother that Matchbox had in the mid-1980s. Casting. As I noted, there was a couple of minor quibbles. The doors can be moved upwards too easily. You can see in this shot, they line up with the rear of the body. That front missing rectangle, is also a minor quibble. But, quibbles they are, so I am scoring it a 9 here. Design. I cannot complain about the design. I am loving the red, and the tampo printing is spot on all over. I can't think of much more that they could even print. It doesn't need any more. So, a perfect 10. This gives it a final score of 29 out of 30. That is pretty good. I have to admit though, I really do like this one. Sure, the casting may not be 10% perfect, but I don't mind. I am loving this, and very much looking forward to future releases.

Being a new casting, this does mean I show a base shot. 

Next up, we have the MB1223 Lamborghini Centenario making a return to Moving Parts after a 3-year hiatus. It takes the number 5 slot in metallic golden yellow.

Again, this is a model with a painted roof. And it is spotless. I feel so sorry for that Jag last year. This is in fact a carbon look top effect, with a thin Italian flag and name along the edges. It looks stunning. As to the golden yellow, this is a very nice colour. Although, I don't think it is a standard Lamborghini colour. I did wonder if it was supposed to be Giallo Orion, which is a paint option that Lamborghini has. But, that does appear to be more yellow than this. Is it a bad thing? No. Not every release of a vehicle has to be a factory colour. So, that doesn't bother me. But, I have to admit, I think a brighter yellow might have been a little better. I think bright yellow suits Lamborghinis well. 

The metallic gold is along the edges of the rear air funnels, or whatever you call those airflow parts that stick out the rear. And, as we have seen in previous releases, they have done well in ensuring that the thin edges are being tampo printed neatly. It would not have taken much for them to miss. 

I have to say as well, just like with the Dodge previously, the paint between doors and body are spot on here. We see quite a few castings where the parts that are painted separately before assembly can sometimes be a little off. They have ensured that everything about this is about as perfect as it can be. So, scoring this? You can not fault the work that has gone into it, but as I said, I think this could have been more yellow than gold. So, I will give it a 9. But, do you notice anything about those doors?

Let's bring in the classics and show this off. It debuted in the 2020 Moving Parts series in the launch vehicle's gunmetal grey with yellow skirts. It looked really good like that. 

However, the casting was modified for a 2023 Mattel Creations outing. I thought it was perhaps an upgrade just for that. But, no, it appears that this upgrade is sticking around. Originally, the doors were a single piece of plastic, which they tried to match with the metal body. But, now it is a metal door, with a plastic inner section that is riveted to it. 

In 2021, the model saw 2 outings. Both were in black. A Collectors release was a glossy black with red skirts. 

And the Moving Parts series release was more of a satin black, this time with blue skirts. Both models still sported the plastic door.

Then, after taking 2022 off, the model returned as a Mattel Creations exclusive in 2023. This was in a lovely red look, but was when the doors had a makeover. 

And, because these doors do slide off, you can have a little fun mixing and matching things. Well, I do. 

So, while I was a little surprised to see this one again (I was expecting another outing for the MB1385 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster that debuted in 2024), I am happy to see that they have not forgotten about the older Lambo casting. I am guessing the SVJ will be back next year. And this one should continue as well. 

Alpha Wolf. This is something completely new. No, it is not a metalcore band from Australia. And no, it is not a luchador wrestler from Mexico. No, this MB1539 Alpha Wolf Electric Truck is a brand new electric pickup truck that is due to be launched by the Alpha Motor Corporation any time soon. It debuts in the number 7 in the 2025 series in red.

Alpha Motors is a new company. They only started in 2020 in California, USA. To date, they have not begun production on any of their vehicles. They have shown prototypes of 6 different electric vehicles. We have the Wolf pickup which Matchbox have chosen to create in miniature, as well as a small coupe (Ace), large coupe (Montage), sedan/wagon (Saga), crossover (Jax) and SUV (Rex). I think all of the others have potential to become a Matchbox model. I would not be surprised to see another (possibly Rex or Saga) as a model in the future. Saga Estate in particular, as this can be made with a surfboard on the roof. Alpha were previewing the model with one. 

Anyway, this is their first Alpha vehicle. They went with the pickup for a first stab from this company. And, again, Garry Gopinath is the person behind creating the model. This time, the doors are a much better fit. No wiggle room. They open and close smoothly, and the gaps between door and body are less noticeable. Remember when you are looking at these pictures, they do enhance things a little, as they are larger than the actual model. I am much more impressed with the casting here. Although this is a modern pickup truck, it definitely feels quite retro. In fact, if you were to peruse all of the Alpha models I noted, you will think they all have a bit of a retro quality to them, but brought right up to date with an electric powertrain. It even comes with a roll bar and spots in the rear bed. A definite throwback to models we have from Matchbox in the 1980s and 1990s. I am loving this one. The rool bar is a part of the interior, and this also forms the wheel arches. It gives the model a chunky stance. I am liking this one.

The front end has a slot in piece of plastic behind the front push bars, which is where the front end detailing is for the grille and lights, although the push bar section gets it as well. I can see why Garry opted to create this model this way, as the real vehicle has a special front end that is in a contrasting colour to the rest of the body. So kudos for going down this route. It does mean an extra piece in the construction. This is correct. For those who wonder why it was done like that, you should check out pictures of the real one. 

And those doors are very smooth to open and close. I cannot fault this casting at all. This is top notch work by Garry. 

You can see how the front end is tightly fit to the rest of the body. There was a worry that there could have been too large a gap. That is not the case. I hope it doesn't start opening up as the casting gets older.

Tampo printing is simply across the front (twice) and at the rear. There is not much else they could have added, to be honest. 

But, I do notice that the rear print is simply flat against the rear. No sneaky little corners being detailed. Which is a bit of a shame. I know the vehicle is quite angular, so it may be tougher than on some others, but I am not the biggest fan of this style of tampo. But, then, the side is not very large in real life. I suppose they can sort of get away with it here. But, do you notice the base section at the rear has also been detailed. This does mean that technically this has 4 passes through the tampo machine. Just to get the front and rear properly detailed. Often, people don't notice these things. 

I do like this model. As I said, it has a retro charm to it, and although it is modern (and electric), I do like that it feels like a classic from the 1980s. 

Scoring. Inclusion. Well, I am a big fan of not always doing the most common vehicles. I do enjoy seeing something a little out of the ordinary. Something that people have not heard much about. As a kid, Lesney used to create some models that I did not know, and I would visit a library to research them (Monterverdi Hai, Iso Grifo, Siva Spider). Nowadays, we do have the internet, so researching things is a lot easier, and can be done from the comfort of the couch. But, I like when we get models like this. So, I am giving it a 10. Casting. Garry did wonders here. I cannot fault it. 10 again. Design. That rear light not eking around the corner is a minor bug bear. So, I am knocking a half point off. 9.5 out of 10. Which gives it a total of 29.5 out of 30. That is a stellar debut. I look forward to seeing some really cool alternate colours in future years. 

Being a new casting we do get the obligatory base shot. 

The 4th model is one that looks very familiar. It is a bit of an oddity. This is the MB1452 '62 Ford Anglia from the Harry Potter film series. Yes, the same Anglia that debuted last year in the number 13 slot. It has been thrown in this assortment again. It even still has the same number 13 package that it had in 2024. As we know, number 13 this year is the MB1540 '23 Ford Maverick. It already debuted. 

I know, I know, they got a license, they want to run with it. I notice the Indiana Jones stuff that came out last year is returning for further outings as well. I can'[t really complain. Back in the old days before Mattel took over, a model would run for years in the basic range. So, seeing a model return for a second outing is not awful. But, you sort of get used to the new stuff each year, and seeing one return does seem a little naff. I wish they could have made it a little different.

Perhaps a little different level of rust. Just a little change to make it interesting. Or, why not make the Aviatomobile? These are small Ford Anglias sold in Diagon Alley that are bewitched to fly. They are burgundy with a white roof. 

I do think it is a great casting. I see nothing unusual about the casting. It looks like a regular Ford Anglia to me, which makes me ask the question, can this be used outside of the Harry Potter license? After all, the Universal copyrights are printed on the side on this one. The basic has it on the base and wands in the rear. But, this one has nothing like that. 

The only difference I can see between this production run and the one last year is the roof being just a tad duller. 

Everything else is identical. I would score this a 5. Last year it was awesome. This year it is meh! Give us a sneaky variation. Alter the rust levels. Paint it burgundy and put it in a box with artwork depicting the Aviatomobile. After all, there are not a lot of vehicles that you can get out of the Harry Potter films. About the next best is the silver Vauxhall Vectra Estate that was on the driveway in Privet Drive. 

But, enough Harry Potter talk, let's get back to the new stuff. As every other vehicle is a new casting now. This is the MB1548 '87 VW Golf Mk1 Cabriolet. It debuts as number 30 in the range in white.

This was a rather unusual vehicle. When VW launched the Golf in 1974, it was simply a hatchback. They did not get around to launching the convertible until 1979. However, when the Mk1 was changed for a Mk2 in 1983, it never saw a convertible version. The Mk1 continued on throughout the Mk2's hatchback years. in fact, it was still going when the Mk3 debuted in 1991! They did not replace the convertible until 1994, with an off-shoot of the Mk3 hatchback. 

When it comes to the casting, this is another that is beautifully done. Again, this is sporting those opening doors. And these are very smooth. They fit snugly, and don't appear to be wobbling or moving out of line as you open and close. The casting line are very sharp. Just look at the door handles. This is a fantastic rendition. 

And, again, we appear to have an extra element, as the roll bar and rear tonneau are a different piece to the rest of the interior. It really makes them stand out. I love this attention to detail. We used to see this back in the 1970s with convertibles, but with all the cost-cutting, they eventually faded away.  This is one of the things I love about the moving parts models is that they are able to create an additional piece alongside the opening parts. It shows. 

And just look at the detailing to the inside of the doors. I am honestly blown away by the details on this. It is almost like a work of art.

The model sees a simple front tampo print depicting the lights, badge and grille. 

We also get the rear detailed, but also the fuel filler cap is highlighted on the side. Now, there are a few things I do want to point out. I have been doing a little picture surfing. Firstly, the front grille often has a red edge to it. However, not always, so this is something I am happy to leave off, although it could have been cool to add it. But, the one thing I notice that is missing is the side stripe. From what I can tell, the real white Golf always appeared to have a little black pin stripe down the side. We got the fuel cap. It is a shame we didn't get the black stripe as well. I am not sure if the white wheel hubs really suited it. Perhaps it is more to do with the wheel hub design. It feels too "modern" for this vehicle. I have said it before. We need a more 1980s/1990s style wheel hub. The 1960s/1970s had disc wheels, and modern is spoked like this. However, many 1980s/1990s models were somewhere in between. Like a central disc, with a number of smaller openings going around the outside of it. I think creating a new wheel hub design could benefit models like this (and the Volvo 240). 

Before I get to the scoring, I want to bring in the MB1200 '76 VW Golf Mk1 GTi for a quick comparison. I'm using the 2021 release, as it is also white. 

This is something that I think is quite important. The model appears to have been cast with the other one in mind. The scale of the 2 is just about identical. Same length, same width. I applaud their efforts on making these 2 match so well. I am still a little upset over the Mk3 being so large in comparison. 

There will be differences, as they are different model years. 1976 vs 1987. A lot happened in the interim to tweak things on the real vehicle. But, I am satisfied that they kept the size in ratio. 

So, let's get to those scores. Inclusion. I have to be honest, when I was younger, I wanted them to make one of these. I liked the original Golf LS, and then the Mk2 GTi. But, I always wanted that convertible that spanned both generations. So, getting it now has definitely put a smile on my face. Obviously, that translates to a perfect 10. Casting. Again, as I noted, they have done wonders with this casting. I am loving it, and cannot see anything that could have been done differently or better. Another 10. Design. The one thing that drops it. The lack of that black pin stripe down the side loses a little, and those wheels really do not suit it. But, that is tougher, as they currently have no wheels that would. So, I am giving it a 9 for design. Note to Mattel, give us a new 1980s/1990s era wheel hub. 

Base shot. New casting, after all. 

Hubba hubba! Porsche! I am not going to be biased. I am not going to be biased. This absolutely awesome model is the lovely new MB1547 '24 Porsche 718 Spyder RS. So awesome it deserves to be doubled up in cases. Oh, wait, it was! Ha ha! Yes, this is the model that they chose to be doubled up in the box of 8 models. Was it the right choice? To me, yes. But, I am not seeing them on pegs to see if it is selling well enough (thanks to the UK not wanting to sell Matchbox much). So, I don't know if it was the right choice or not. It debuts as number 31 in blue.

Porsche debuted the Boxster back in 1996, and Matchbox created a model of it. In 2005, a second generation arrived, and a Cayman hardtop variation was introduced. A third generation followed in 2011, and in 2016, we had the current 4th generation arrive. At this time, they decided to pre-name the model as 718. The 718 is due to finish production in October this year, and plans are underway for a replacement, but they are flip-flopping a little on whether to stick with their electric plans or whether to stick with ICE (or do both). So in a sense, we have the starter Boxster, and the finish one. Even thought it is not technically a Boxster. The top of the range goes by Spyder RS. No Boxster name in there. 

Garry has created another masterpiece here. He has captured the look of the model extremely well. And it has a lovely feel to it. Being the Spyder RS, we get the curvy rear section behind the seats that a regular Boxster doesn't have. I am loving this. 

And those doors open and close effortlessly. No wiggle room in there either. They are a nice, tight fit when closed. And the casting details have been etched in very well. I remember on the Mercedes-Benz EQB I talked about recently, over how the deep detailing works really well. It does here as well. 

It is solidly built, and I just have to say, look at the steering wheel. No thick post coming out of the bottom. And the wheel itself has some detailing to it. I know that many models have not had too much attention paid to the steering wheel. In fact, you can see more of the dashboard detailed in the casting. As I said, Garry has gone nuts with this, and it is showing. 

Even the way that the rear corners of the seats sit back into the body section like that. I am seriously impressed with this model. And let's get on with the design. I would say that they have replicated the Nogaro Blue Metallic that is one of many, MANY colour options from Porsche. And, if you don't like what they offer, you can just tell them your own colour and they will make it in that colour for you. They call it Paint to Sample. You name it, you can have it painted that way.

And the tampo detailing is spot on. As well as the front, we get the air intakes on the hood and wings in matte black. The side scoop behind the doors is also matte black. 

And look at how those rear lights wrap around like that. Sure, this is a very curvaceous rear, which does help. But, they have absolutely nailed the design. It is just beautiful. 

Okay, I tried an unbiased review, but Garry has given us perfection here. I cannot help it. Scoring is easy. Inclusion. As I said, this is the swansong for what started as a Boxster, so it deserves a spot. A perfect 10. Casting. I would score higher if I could, but we will have to live with a 10 here. Design. I could not ask for more. Honestly, if this was released as a premium model, the only thing that could change would be real riders. There is nothing more that could be added tampo-wise. A perfect 10. Which gives us a perfect 30 out of 30 for this gorgeous new casting. I am definitely going to be wanting many more of these over coming years. 

And, as with the others, I finish with a base shot for the new casting.

And this brings me to the last model to review in the batch, and the final new casting. The MB1541 '91 Mitsubishi Pajero. It takes the number 40 slot in the range, and debuts in Nares Blue (as Mitsubishi call it). 

Matchbox has not done a lot of Mitsubishis so far. So, it is nice to see them tackle another. We have had some sporty ones (including a concept), some rally inspired models, and a pickup truck. This is the first time for an SUV. The Pajero has been around since 1981, although after the 4th generation finished in 2021, it never saw a new model. In fact, the US market did not get the 4th generation and finished after the 3rd. If you are like me, you might not be in a market that used that name. In the UK, it was named Shogun. Some European and Latin American markets called it Montero. 

Garry has created a lovely model of the 1991 2nd generation debut release, in the smaller 3-door SWB mode. Again, the model is coming with opening doors. Which was even more difficult to do, as the lower interior section stretches around the lower half of the body, and he has had to incorporate a tampo printed door section to blend it in. 

You can see it when you open the doors. Talking of which, these are more smooth opening doors. 

Yes, there is a little bit of a gap there, which is enhanced by the blown up picture, but they are very well done. I don't think they look too bad. The gap is not as extreme as the picture makes it out to be. 

As you can see, the interior also forms the spare wheel at the rear. Being such a light interior section does make the spare wheel look funny. I am surprised he didn't make that out of the base section. With it being black, it would have helped it to stand out better from the rest of the rear. 

He also added some roof spots to the casting. I am not bothered by those. If it didn't have them, I don't think it would have made any difference for me. 

But, as they are there, I am sad to see they were not tampo printed. The front end got some tampo, although a lot is hidden behind the push bars. And I don't know why those end lights are white. They look a little weird. They should have been orange. 

The rear lights, on the other hand, look fantastic. Along with the name and license plate area being fully detailed, the rear looks awesome. Well, the REAR rear does.

Because, again, they stop at the corner. No wrapping around for this model. Which is a huge shame. I was really liking this one. I am impressed with how well the doors match. Both with the paint for the body section and how close the tampo on metal matches the plastic that forms the rest of the lower half. 

So, how do I score this? Inclusion. I think this deserves a spot. I am giving it a 10. I am surprised it took this long to give us a Mitsubishi SUV. Casting. Spare wheel being interior, not base, that is the one thing I would have changed. A 9 out of 10. Design. White side lights, no wraparound rear lights. It was so close to being awesome. No spots on the roof print. I am scoring it an 8 here. Decent. A total of 27 out of 30. 

But, before I finish, I had to show this off. I got this lovely prepro at the Albuquerque Convention in the auction. Yes, I might not have scored it full marks, but I still think it is a great casting, and I am really looking forward to seeing more of them over coming years. Perhaps this could get a premium outing with full tampo printing. 

I am very happy with the prepro. It shows a plain door, which does show how tampo printing it makes such a difference. 

So, as I finish this week, I do one last base shot. 

I don't know if you noticed. Every single model in this batch had opening doors. The Anglia had an opening rear on top, but it still had the doors that opened. Is it important to try and get a mix of different opening parts in an assortment? I don'w mind personally, but I don't know if others think they should have tried to include other opening part vehicles in the batch.

So, with 5 new castings.

And only 2 older ones, this was new model heavy. Which is good. I am loving all the new stuff, and they have so many Moving Parts tooling now to increase the range beyond the 50 we have now. Come on. 75, at least. 

As these head off, I do think I need to get going with more premium stuff. Until next week, I hope everybody has a safe and happy week.