Matchbox Monday excitedly moves to Moving Parts E

Before I start this week, have people paid attention to The Lamley Blog? Dirk Schleuer has set up the latest German Matchbox Convention in Leipzig, running alongside the annual Modell-Hobby-Spiel. It takes place this weekend. If you have been following for a while, you will know that he has a set of auctions running in and out of each convention. It has been a success, so it is back for another outing. And Auction A started at the weekend. There are 10 lots. All details are over on the Lamley Group blog. Go check them out. Go bid. Please try not to outbid me. Ha ha! 

So, now on to the blog in hand. There's a lot of black and white here. Aside from 2 random models, everything else followed one of the 2 ends of the colour spectrum. Not that it is a major issue. I just felt there could have been a better colour spread in the batch. However, the models in said batch are still awesome! And over half of them are new castings. We get almost as many new Moving Parts castings as basic range castings each year, yet the basic range is 2.5 times as big. I so wish that Moving Parts would be expanded. Maybe this is something they are looking at with the big push they are planning mid-way through 2027. I hope so. I am eagerly awaiting more news on Matchbox, as they couldn't divulge an awful lot more than the first half because of the planned changes. But, while we wait, I will run through what this batch has given us. Which starts with all 4 new castings. 

The first of them is the MB1569 '24 McLaren GTS. It takes the number 8 slot in the range in purple.

I still smile when I see castings like this in the Matchbox portfolio. When Mattel took over, it was not long before these fancy sports cars were phased out of the range. They belonged over on the other side of the diecast aisle within Mattel. It took a lot of work for Matchbox to get these back again. Back in 2009, they released a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. It was the closest they could get for a while. It was 2021 when we actually saw a McLaren car proper in the basic range when they launched the 720S. And now, this year has seen a classic McLaren added to basics, and another modern one in Moving Parts. The GT was launched in 2019 as a grand tourer (hence the name), and was actually based on the same underpinnings as the 720S. In 2023, they unveiled the successor, GTS. It launched in late 2023 as a 2024 model, and this is what Mattel have created here. 

I say Mattel, I should be more specific. Garry Gopinath is the one behind this. I have been cross-referencing this with pictures of the real one, and I have to say, Garry has nailed the silhouette. From the side, he has got the shape perfectly. Sure, a few details are thicker on the model, as they are very thin on the real vehicle. But, that wouldn't translate when shrunk down to this size. So, we have to have certain leeway. However, I do notice that there are no wing mirrors. I think that could have been a lovely little detail on the model. 

As many know, I am not the biggest fan of the roof being made out of the window. However, when you see the real one, you will see that it has a carbon fibre roof, which is black, and with tinted windows, it does sort of look like this. It is the most logical way of doing it. It is not that bad this time. Some vehicles do not look good with the window/roof combo, but this gets away with it. 

Now, I have mentioned that many new Moving Parts models are simply seeing the engine compartment as the opening part. And, well, this is no different. But, you don't really notice it here. That is because McLaren have the opening glass panel lifting to reveal an engine bay cover inside. The engine is under there. Could they have done the doors? This car has dihedral opening doors. They are a fairly recent innovation in unusual door openings, and McLaren has put them on the GTS. I would think that is very tough to try and do in miniature. Then there is the front end. A small opening hatch? Pointless. In this case, the rear is the best part to open. So, again, I am giving it a pass. 

There is a small gap between the roof and the opening section. I have noticed some of the gaps are fairly large, but I think it is something that doesn't translate too well in shrinking. Because they have to be so thick, I believe that the gap being too small might cause parts to rub against each other. So, yet again, another pass. This model is getting a few of them. 

When it comes to the design, well, I cannot complain. I do love the realistic looks. This model has debuted in purple. McLaren does a Lantana Purple, but it appears to be a brighter hue. This is quite a dark shade. Not that it matters. I always say having a real colour is not the most important thing. We see realistic tampo on the front depicting the lights. 

With the rear also seeing a lovely set of details. We also have the end of the opening piece coloured purple, and it is a very good match to the metal paint. I am impressed. Sure, that is not a lot of tampo. But, this model doesn't need it. I am more than happy with it. 

If you had said 10 years ago that Matchbox would be releasing 2 different McLarens in 1 year, I would have said no chance that would happen. But, here we are. Which is why, when I think of inclusion, I have to give this a perfect 10. I am so happy to see vehicles like this being given the Matchbox treatment again. Sure, we may not see a Ferrari due to certain legalities, but I will take all of their competitors. Thank you very much. Casting. I cannot complain. Seriously, I kept giving it passes. Everything I would normally complain about, I didn't. It is not just because it is such a cool model. Another 10. Design. I don't see any way of improving the look of this one. Perhaps a brighter colour, but that is not important. It is not going to drop points for it. Another 10. Whoa! A perfect 30 out of 30. 

That's a plain base. Is this how the real vehicle looks? I have no idea. I have never been underneath a McLaren. Normally we see exhausts, and a few other things. This is not an electric vehicle, but the style of vehicle may mean that they did put a smooth cover over everything for aerodynamic purposes. Or they refused to pass on that information, so Matchbox left it plain. As I said, I have no idea. But, I do not worry too much about bases. It tells you what the model is and who made it. I am fine. 

This is the 2nd of the new castings for the batch. The MB1576 '24 Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series. It debuts in white in the number 16 slot with an Ambulance design. 

Garry spoke about this particular model at the 2025 Convention in Albuquerque. He took some personal pride in creating this one. The 70-series, or J70 as it is sometimes known, has been with us since 1984. This is a model of a 2024 model year, which means it is part of the, err, 1st generation. What's the saying, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Toyota has been making the 70-series for over 40 years now, and all they have done is given it a few facelifts. It works. Why try something new, and possibly fail. This is why it looks like a classic vehicle, even though it is modern. 

In all honesty, I can't believe it has been over 40 years before Matchbox made this. And Garry has done wonder with the shape. He has captured the iconic style perfectly. It has an external air intake snorkel, which can be found on these vehicles. Of course, the debut is an ambulance style, but it has no light bars. I have seen a number of models receive a police, ambulance etc livery without a light bar. I don't think it was overly important. The only thing I am not quite so keen on. 

It's an opening hood again. Yes, it has an engine. It is very well detailed, and the tampo just enhances that a lot. But, am I the only one who finds all these opening engine bays getting ridiculous now? It is very well crafted as well, as it is easy to open, and stays open with no effort. I know some engine bay hoods fall down as soon as you open them. So, it is well done, but I am just tired of seeing opening hood after opening hood. 

Especially when this comes with really cool offset opening rear doors. I would have loved for Garry to have had those opening. Just imagine one door being larger than the other. It would have been brilliant. That would have been quite unique. Have we ever had offset rear opening doors before? Such a wasted opportunity. 

When it comes to the tampo printing, the front end looks awesome. As we know, the engine is detailed under there.  

However, you may notice that the snorkel is only printed on the edge as the front of it is still plain. Which is a bit of a problem with these snorkels. They simply detail the side of them. And, then, you look at the wrong angle, and they look weird.

Then we get the awesome rear tampo print. I love the classic Ambulance and cross livery, and Garry was very proud to have Matchbox written in Arabic on there as well. Even the upper brake light is very well done.  

So, times to put some scores to this one. Inclusion. I have noticed a few of the 70-series, as we have a pickup in the basic range. Now the SUV.  It is about time the model was given some love. I am giving it a 10 for inclusion. Casting. Garry did a wonderful job. But, I am tired of seeing so many opening hoods. He should have done those rear doors. A 9. Design. It looks amazing, as long as you look at the right angle. I don't know if I think the snorkel could have been left blank rather than attempt to detail just the edge of it. The wrong angle ruins it. But, being a minor quibble, I am only shaving a half point off. 9.5. Which is still a decent showing. A 28.5 out of 30. Not quite the McLaren, but still a very good debut. I look forward to seeing more of these in the future.

Ah, look, details on the base. I am guessing it is just the McLaren that was left plain. 

The third new casting out of 4 is the MB1577 '24 Toyota Yaris GR Rally2. A second Toyota in the batch, and just like the 70-Series, this one also debuts in white, in the number 23 slot.

So, this model is an early arrival in the rally theme that Matchbox is starting to embrace. As we saw at the 2027 line preview in July, 2027 will see a number of rally vehicles appearing. And this is obviously one. The Yaris nameplate has been with us since 1999, replacing the Starlet and Tercel. Toyota are now on the 4th generation Yaris, but it only this generation that has seen the Yaris name used worldwide. Early generations were known as Echo or Vitz. However, this is not a 4th generation Yaris. GR stands for Gazoo Racing, and this is a special homolgated vehicle for use in rally. In particular Rally2. While the front resembles the Yaris, the rear is actually closer to a Corolla. Gazoo Racing created 2 different Yaris rally vehicles. You might have guessed, Rally1 and Rally2. These are different categories within the rallying field, as the levels go from Rally1 through to Rally5. 

Garry Gopinath is behind this one as well. The Yaris rally vehicle is quite stocky. And the casting represents this very well. The small model is also stocky. It has the shape down perfectly. I cannot argue with the detailing that has gone into it. 

And we see a roof vent, which is something you see on the real vehicle. Plus, look at the extra piece on the back. The spoiler is a plastic piece attached to the back. I do love seeing those. We used to get them a lot. Nowadays, not so much. So, I am very happy seeing it again. 

I am sorry, but yawn! Honestly, it feels like Moving Parts should be just renamed Matchbox with engines. Yes, the engine is well detailed again, and they do well with the detailing on the tampo as well. And the hood stays up solidly. 

That is once you get the thing open. It is cut inside the rim of the bodywork, so you have to try and dig your nails in to get it open. But, if you have just had your nails cut, you are screwed. There is nothing to hook under, unless you use external items. And those lovely large doors were right there! Now, I am not 100% sure if opening the doors might have interfered with the flared arches they would open into. I am sure they could have figured it out. 

So, design. This is the second white Toyota in the batch. Really? 2 white ones together. And this is a rally car. Why is it plain? Yes, I know, homologated means that there are a number of road going versions, so this is a real look. In fact, if you were to Google the car, you would see this exact white look. But, with it being a rally vehicle, I would have expected a rally debut. It just feels a little wrong to make it the road vehicle. In fact, I would have much preferred them to make the concept look from 2023. Well, something based on it. Black with Gazoo Racing and Rally2 livery with red stripes. Give it a jazzy debut. Hopefully come up with a Castrol look for the future as well. It has potential. Sure, somewhere down the line, we could have done this one as a random side venture. But, not as the debut. Sure, the front detail is spot on. 

As is the rear. And there is a little Gazoo Racing logo at the bottom. 

It is very well done, except for the boring opening part. It is very well detailed. I just feel that it has debuted wrong. We should be looking at a rally car. Not the homologated road vehicle. 

So, as a pre-cursor to all of the rally vehicles arriving next year, this one gets the jump start, which is awesome. For that, I am giving it a 10 for inclusion. Brilliant. Casting. Ditch opening every single engine bay. There are other things that can open on a model. So, again, 2 Toyotas in a row get a 9 for casting. Design. Yes, it is real. But it is not rally. White? Just like the last one? Had it been in a different batch, I would not have been so annoyed by that. But 2 brand new Toyotas in 1 batch, and both in white, I just feel it was a little boring. I love the ambulance look of the last one, but we should be seeing something rally inspired here. And for that, it could have been a different colour. black or red, due to being the Gazoo Racing logo colours are my personal preference. So, for this one, I am scoring it a 5. If this were to be the 4th release of the casting, I would be praising them for thinking outside the box and giving us the homologated road vehicle in lieu of more rally ones. But, as the debut? Boring. Nope. A wasted opportunity. I tell you, the next release had better be a rally liveried one. Especially with all the other rally vehicles debuting in 2027. So, we get a score of 24 out of 30. Not the best. Timing is everything, and this was not the look to release at this particular time. Such a shame. I had high hopes. Hopefully 2027 sees it get a better look. 

Being a new casting does leave me to finish with a base shot. 

Good grief. It's white again. This is the 4th new casting in the batch, and it is the MB1574 '93 Subaru Legacy RS. It takes the number 24 slot in the series. 

So, we have a Subaru Legacy RS in a rally livery. Back in 1989, Subaru debuted the Legacy to compete with the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Stanza and Mazda 626. It was their largest car, and flagship for the brand. 1993 saw the debut of the 2nd generation, and the RS was the most sporty of them. It was a regular road vehicle, but Prodrive took over the Subaru racing team in 1989, and started using the Legacy RS as a rally vehicle. 1993 was a breakthrough year for the rally team, and the 555 logo blue vehicles were some of the most victorious. Colin McRae was one of the biggest stars in rally, and I remember when I was younger playing against my mother at Colin McRae rally video games. Those were the days. However, this one does look more road going than rally going. 

I do think they did things wrong with this batch. The Yaris should have debuted in a rally look. This should have debuted as a road going vehicle. The Yaris is rally, with road going as an afterthought. The Legacy is a road car, with rally as an afterthought. That is how I see it. Both should have been future releases, with the alternates being the debuts. At least, that is my opinion. I imagine others will think differently. 

Oh, no. Garry is again the person behind this one. But, he has gone and made it with a roof made from the window section. Many who have read these blogs will know I am not a fan of this construction method. Especially on the older vehicles. 

I checked some pictures of real ones. It appears that the norm for these is for the pillars to be in black. But, the roof will normally match the body. I much prefer a proper roof, even if it means the pillars are body coloured, not in black. This method really does detract from the overall look. Especially as this means that the window/roof section is a very dark smoke colour. I know basic range models have a narrow margin for profit, but Moving Parts has that small extra margin, which means we should not be seeing this style builds on them. I am very disappointed in this.

Sigh. I know these are only so many options on a standard vehicle. Open the front, open the rear or open the doors. Personally, I would have wanted this with the roof made from the body section. And then, why not mix things up. Have they ever thought of opening the rear, and just the driver's door? Yes, don't open both doors, but just one and open the rear instead. We have a few where they opened the rear doors a few years ago. It was something a little out of the ordinary. How about 1 door and rear? That is really unusual. And it would make for a great talking point. But, in any case, anything except the engine bay yet again. I am not really enjoying this one. 

When it comes to the design, it is good. Don't get me wrong. The front end is expertly detailed. 

And I do love the rear detailing as well. From the front and rear, this looks just like a regular road vehicle. I also like that they added the Japanese writing to the license plate area. 

But, I didn't want to see a rally design as the debut. This is something that could have been brought in for a future release. Debut it stock. Debut the Yaris in rally mode. It was the wrong way round. And, why white again? 4 new castings, and 3 of them are white. This should have debuted in a stock colour. Perhaps Dark Ruby, which is a lovely dark metallic red option for the real vehicle that year. Keep the front and rear tampo. They were perfect. Oh, and ditch those gold wheels. Too blingy. They don't suit this one. Blue? Now that would work. 

So, time for a set of scores again. Inclusion. Wow! All 4 models get a perfect 10 for inclusion. They are making some great choices for new vehicles. There is no denying that. But. Casting. The same old same old opening feature. I am not happy to see it yet again. And the roof? No, it completely spoils it. I am scoring this a 4. Yeah, I am not happy with it. Design. White was a bad choice for a debut, especially alongside so many other whites in this batch alone. Giving us a rally look on a more stock looking vehicle, while giving us a stock look to a more rally looking vehicle? It's back to front world. Gold wheels? Not feeling them here. But, the front and rear were spot on. I am giving it a 6. Which gives us a grand total of 20 out of 30. That's not great. I expect a stock look next time. 

Last new casting so a last base. The only 1 that is not black. The McLaren was the only 1 with no exhaust detail. Is that book ending the new stuff with 2 unique bases. 

So, now we move on to the older vehicles coming back in new looks. The MB1465 Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo returns for year 3 in green in the number 38 slot.

I am a bit of a fan of this one. Nothing to do with it being a Porsche. Ha ha! And this is the model's 3rd outing. This green does not seem to match the regular Paint to Sample colour options on the real vehicle. About the closest I could see was Ashley. However, that is a solid green, and this is metallic. But, they have paint to sample+, which is basically the "we can paint it any colour you want" option. So, if you wanted Porsche to make one in this exact shade of green, they will do it. So, it is perfectly fine. And it stands out. Especially against so much white. We see the regular tampo print that has been added to both the previous issues. Simple front.

And a lovely rear that curves around the sides. Perfect. And, look at this....

The doors open! Woohoo! They used to do it. I think we have 1 model debuting in Moving Parts this year with opening doors. And all the rest with an opening engine cover. I really hope that next year sees more in the way of different opening parts. Please stop showing off engines! Scoring this is easy. 10. Are you surprised?

It goes wonderfully with the 2024 debut in red.

Grigiocampovolo. Say what? That is the shade of solid grey used for the 2025 release. It is the only official colour. The red is similar to GTS Red, but again, that was a solid red, compared to the metallic red debut.

But, as I always say, being official colours does not matter. Red, grey and green. All 3 look fabulous. I hope we get another one next year. Mind you, I also wish that Moving Part would expand. When are we going to get Moving Parts multipacks? A 3-pack, themed! Porsche set with this, '80 911 Turbo and 718 Spyder. Then a camper van set with Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, VW Vanagon and Land Rover Forward Control. Jeep Willys Station Wagon, Jeep Wrangler with surfboards and Jeep Grand Cherokee as a Jeep set. '63 Ford F-100, '94 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning and '23 Ford Maverick in a Ford Pick-up pack. '88 Chevy Monte Carlo SS, '95 Chevy C1500, '20 Chevy Tahoe in a Chevy pack. Oh, the list goes on. Talking over Chevy.

The next model is the MB1387 '24 Chevy Blazer. It takes the number 39 slot for 2026 in black.

Personally, on this particular vehicle, I think black was not a good choice. This is another of those models that was formed by creating the roof out of the window section, which means that the window section is a very dark smoke. On a black model, that is giving this the look of being a black blob. They even made the wheels black. And then we get the tampo printing. Which is very minimal. 

Which looks even worse on the rear. There are no red lights in the tampo mix. We know it is not a mistake. 

Because the SS badge is there. In red. Then there is the other side. The blue blob? That is the "E" in Blazer. You can see it on the license plate, where they put it in blue, and wrote the rest in silver, so it stands out. But, in general, the Blazer badge is black and blue. Which means only the blue shows. They should have either ignored the blue bit, or done the whole lot like the license plate so it stands out. It looks, to be honest, stupid. 

And, as we know, this one had an opening hood. Exposing a black engine cover, because it is electric and doesn't have an engine. Sure, the clips and the Chevy bow tie have been detailed, but again, a mild silver print which barely stands out. Oh, and this opening hood is failing. I opened it up, and one side goes up higher than the other. I have no idea if it is just mine, or if the mold for the casting is starting to wear out. 

It's dull, boring, wonky, and definitely not in a good colour. Habenero Orange or White Sands are much nicer looks for the vehicle. And both would stand out. Habanero Orange even comes with a black roof as standard. Which would fit with the model. This was really not a good look for this one. Which is why I am giving it a 3. Yeah, it was not a great release.  

That is not to say that black is not a great colour option. Because, this particular black model is freaking awesome! This is the new look for the MB1544 '94 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning. It takes the number 42 slot for 2026.

While that other thing just looked like a black blob, this one is proof that black is an awesome look. When Ford sold the F-150 SVT Lightning between 1993 and 1995, it initially came in 2 colours. Red and black. For 1994, the red changed to a different shade, and white was introduced. For 1995, red reverted to the 1993 shade. Which means there are only 3 options for colours on this before they have to come up with something unique. Raven Black, as it was known, made up 1,382 of the models produced that year. It has been replicated perfectly here. Thankfully, they didn't go with Oxford White, which sold 1,460 in 1994, and was just about the biggest selling colour. I don't think I could cope with 4 white cars out of 7. Still, 3 white, 2 black, a purple and a green. Not a massive colour spread. While I think the Blazer in black was a bad colour choice, it is completely overshadowed by this cool truck. With a perfect look front end. 

We also see a perfect looking print on the tailgate and rear. Remember, these are 2 different parts, so technically, that is 2 passes through the tampo machine. However, I did notice one small thing. Check those red lights at the back (see they can put red on a black vehicle, and it stand out).

It hasn't eked around the corner. Which is a shame. It is the one tiny thing I can find that could have been improved. Everything else was perfect. This looks utterly fantastic. Had the rear lights crept around the corner, this would have scored top marks. 

But, it is a minor thing, so I am nudging a half point off again. Which leaves this at 9.5 out of 10. So close. But, still freaking awesome!

With ultra Red, sold in 1994 in 1,165 examples, being the 2025 release, this does leave Oxford White as the last of the trio of paint options on the real vehicle to be replicated in miniature. 

I hope that one appears next year, as this is a very popular model. I also hope that the white one is not in a batch full of white vehicles. But, I am keeping fingers crossed for a 2027 release. 

So many new castings in white. 3 out of 4. Perhaps a little too much for a single batch. They should have been mixed up in different assortments. Although, I still believe the Subi and Yaris should have been in each other's design style. 

And then we had 3 other vehicles, 2 of which were in black. 

And because the McLaren was so dark, it does give it quite a bland colour spread. Still, not every batch can get a full range of colours. So, next week will be another slightly different report. As I mentioned at the start, the Leipzig Auction A lots are up on the Lamley Group webpage, They will finish on Saturday at the convention itself. And guess who will be there? That's right, me! All being well, next Monday will see my rundown of the events of the convention, with a few shots inside Modell-Hobby-Spiel. Plus, I will also be showing off the convention exclusives that Dirk Schleuer has for the event. And, as the convention will be over, and I will be heading home, Auction C, which comes out of the auction, will be up then as well, over on Lamley. Lots to keep the Matchbox collector interested, as we await the movie to arrive on the Friday after Leipzig as well. This is a busy few weeks for the Matchbox brand. And me. So, I am saying this for me as well as everybody, I hope you all have a safe and happy week.