Matchbox Monday gets going on batch G

Well, it's back to normal now. I spent the last couple of weeks on the other side of the pond, enjoying my time in the USA and Canada. But, all good things come to an end, and I am back home now. As I got in very late, it was too late to try and attempt to run through the convention models I brought back. So, I will be reviewing those properly next week. For now, I will continue with my usual routine. Batch G. We are now in the second half of the 2025 basic range, and batch G provides us with another 11 models, plus a Super Chase. So, I have split it in half. The other half will appear later this month. And the good news for me is that Wheel Collectors got the Super Chase in their assortment, and by adding it, we did not lose another model in the assortment. They did things better in the batch here, than they did with batch D, when the Super Chase replaced a 1-per-case model that didn't carry forward. So, let's got on with things. 

We begin with the MB723 VW Beetle 4x4. This casting has been around since 2007. One of Ryu Asada's creations, it is coming up for a few decades of action, and is showing no signs of slowing down. It takes the MB12 slot in blue.

I am getting a very 1970s vibe from this one. The groovy writing on the side just screams of that era. I love it. It is a very simple yellow, orange and red look, but it really works on this one. I mean, this type of model could have been modified from a regular Beetle at any time. The golden wheel hubs do not look out of place either. 

It comes with yellow windows. Very 1970s. I mean, back in the Lesney era of the 1970s, most models sported coloured windows like this. It does not look out of place. It just adds to the overall grooviness of the model. As I said, I love it. I think this is one of the best looks this model has seen. I am happy to give this a 10 out of 10. Great job from the Mattel team on this one. 

As I said, this debuted back in 2007, also in blue. Although that was a much lighter blue look. How light? Well, I found shades to that blue. No shades on the new one yet. 

In 2008, the model was given 2 outings in the basic range. Starting in orange, and many saw there was a wheel change during production. 

Although version 2, now simply switched to green with the same tampo, it did not see a wheel change. 

But, both wheels were found on the Dino Mountain 5-pack release of the model that year. 

In total, we had 5 different looks in 2008. Aside from the pair of basics and the 5-pack, we also saw a Nick Jr licensed 5-pack release in yellow and a purple Adventure 10-pack release.

2009 gave us a chocolate looking basic range release, although if you lived in LAAM markets at the time, you did not get this one. Only US and ROW markets saw it. I also noted further shading going on. 

And if you thought the wheel variations were done, the Desert Adventure 5-pack gave you different ideas. It was back. Those ovals kept popping up when the regular wheels ran out in the factory. 

Again, the model was in the Adventure 10-pack. Again, I spotted some shading to the grey look.

For 2010, the model only had the 1 outing. A basic range release in the ever-popular National Parks theme. This was another I spotted shades on. Something that LAAM markets again missed out on. 

It took 2011 off before returning in the 2012 basic range in white. This time, the shade I spotted was on the orange base. 

Again, we saw a Desert Adventure 5-pack, and this model was added to that one in green. It then took 2013 off. 

It was back in the 2014 basic range, in a different white design to the last one. 

It then saw a purple outing in the 2015 range, with a few nods to the then Matchbox team emblazoned on the side. It then went on a small hiatus. 

We saw nothing in 2016, 2017 or 2018, but 2019 gave us a new look. This was in the No Road, No Problem 5-pack in a cool Gulf livery. Again, I spotted a little shading on the model. Not as extreme as some others, but it was there. 

2020 gave us a Candy series in select stores. One of the models was the Beetle in a DOTS theme. 

In 2021, we saw 2 looks. This was in the MBX Rally 5-pack. Technically, it is a repeat of 2009, but it is now a metallic brown, not matte brown. And again, this model was good for a few shades. 

And we also had a Target Retro outing in pink. Another that is good for shades. 

The MBX Rally 5-pack was not the only carry forward the model has seen. This decade has seen a number of them. While many are almost the same as original releases, the 2022 MBX Mountain II 5-pack one is a little special. This was a repeat of the 2007 debut, but the front headlights were now white, not black. 

2023 only saw carry forwards, but 2024 gave us another new look with a retro theme in the basic range. This model had the same design as a Ford Bronco II from 1990-91. 

While another retro look was in the appropriately named MBX Retro 5-pack. This yellow with side motif was on a 4x4 Chevy Van from 1993-95. I do love these retro designs. This new release may not be from a classic, but it sure feels like it should be. I wonder what they will come out with for the next release?

The second model in the batch this week is the MB1216 '18 Renault Kangoo Express. This comes in a very familiiar looking livery as MB70 for 2025. 

I have often stated how much I love a recurring theme. The City Services theme is a small, but steady theme. This is the 5th release to sport the look, and the MB992 City Bus in the MBX City Services V 5-pack also has this look. I like the little extras they add. Signs and Posts Division? I guess you would imagine the rear if full of, well, signs and posts. 

As I would expect, we only get the sides tampo printed. The simple disc wheel look really complements the model. I cannot fault this one. An easy 10 from me again. 

This livery first started on the MB943 MBX Street Cleaner back in 2016. 

Which was swiftly followed by the debut look of the MB1008 Tilt 'n Tip later that same year. 2 models with the same look in 1 year? Great. When do we get another?

2024! Yes, 8 years later we see the MB742 '08 Garbage Truck (or Garbage King as it is now known as) see the same look in the basic range. 

And the MB1189 MBX Mini Swisher was also sporting the same look in the 2024 MBX City Drivers IV 5-pack. 

This one is a slow burn, but we are starting to get a nice little group of City Services models now. As I said, a City Bus is in a 5-pack as well, which means that we have seen 3 pairs of releases. I wonder if there is a pair coming next year?

We now move on to the first of the new castings in this batch. Batch G saw 5 new castings, of which I am reviewing 2 this time, and the other 3 in a few weeks. This is the MB1497 '24 BMW 7-series. It takes the MB100 slot in a lovely dark metallic red. 

I can't believe that this is the first time that Matchbox has ever done the 7-series. It has been around since 1977! It replaced the earlier "New Six" car that has been sold from 1968. This is the G70 7th generation 7-series, which first debuted in 2022. The real vehicle was designed by Jozef Kabaň, with help from Domagoj Đukec and Sebastian Simm. And has been replicated wonderfully in miniature. 

The first thing I noticed with this was just how big it was. Which really does it justice, because this is the 7-series. The larger of the BMW vehicles. So, it really needs to feel big to justify it. And they have done wonders with that. The shape of the real vehicle has been captured very well. The side profile matches the real vehicle.

What you might notice from the rear is a lack of exhausts. Yes, they sneakily made this the electric version. That is known as the i7. The electric version comes with a smoother rear end, with less shaping required to accommodate the exhausts. So, as this is the i7, it has been captured exactly right. 

Both the regular 7-series and i7 sport the same radiator grille. As you can see, my personal example has the front tampo mis-aligned slightly. It sits fractionally low. It is not something I will score them down for. I am okay with that. I mean, you only really notice it in picture. In hand, it is not really noticeable. The tamp detail is exactly how I would expect the front to be. The only minor gripe I have is that the lower section corners don't seem to have the depth of the real vehicle. They appear to have been smoothed off a little. 

And the rear, with the i7 logo and no tail pipes, is perfectly applied. I really cannot fault this. 

This colour is called Aventurine Red. I have no idea why, as aventurine is a quartzite that usually comes in green, but can be found in orange, grey, brown, yellow or blue. Never in red. But, that is a BMW thing. Not a Matchbox thing. Matchbox have replicated the colour correctly, With a light smoke window, double 10-spoke wheels and a black interior, I really cannot fault this at all for the look. The detail is all there. Everything I would expect anyway. 

So, let's score this. Inclusion. 48 years coming? I think we are well overdue. I am giving it a 10 for inclusion. Casting. This is where it drops just a tiny bit, for the front corners being too smooth. A 9 out of 10 here. Design. Faultless (unless you count a slight mis-alignment of tampo). I am not. I am giving it a 10 here. That gives the model a 29 out of 30. A very decent start, and I hope we see many more of these over coming years. 

I wonder why they used the 7-series name, and not call it the i7 when it was created?

Number 4 on my list today is the MB755 Pierce Dash Fire Engine. Wait, people may not have noticed that the model was re-engraved a short while ago. It is now being referred to as the Pierce Arrow XT Fire Engine. I have no idea why it was changed? It comes in white in the MB104 slot for 2025.

This is another in a line of recurring themes. The Matchbox County X design has been used on a number of vehicles in the last year or so, so this does mean that this joins the recurring theme club. For those who may remember me from back in the 2000s and 2010s on message boards, I used to refer to this model as the fire thingy. I was never a fan. I don't know why. It didn't gel with me. I always thought the real one was pretty ugly, so as the model was replicated so well, it too became ugly. However, as the Dash CF was discontinued in 2020 and the Arrow XT discontinued in 2023, I wonder how much longer we will see this model. I mean, they have the Voltare now (among other models). The Voltare is their electric fire truck. Just saying. 

I can't believe this has also been with a long time. 2008 to be exact. I cannot fault the look as it is exactly the sort of look I desire. Recurring! So, of all things, I may not be a fan of the model, but looks-wise, I have to give it a 10. Could the front roof section have looked better in black? Possibly. It had a lot of chrome, which does help with the look. Especially as it forms that middle section. 

You know what? I am going to dive back again. There are quite a few. The 2008 debut, or should I say debuts. It came in 2 looks in the debut year. Red/white (El Segundo) was followed by yellow/white (Dallas Fort Worth) in the basic range. 

Towards the end of the year, the model was chosen to be the 2009 Toy Fair promotional release. The Real, Action, Adventure tagline was on the side of the model. 

2009 saw an all-red look in the basic range featuring a San Diego Fire Department livery. 

While a Texas themed red and white 5-pack model also appeared, as did a black and red Bernalillo Fire Department Superfast release. 

And it was also chosen to be the 2007 Dinner model for the Albuquerque Gathering. The first 75 saw a different roof/window set-up to the rest of the models. 

In 2010, we saw 2 basic range releases again. Neither were real fire departments this time. A white was followed by a black/yellow release. 

Another white was in the Blaze Busters 5-pack that year, and the Lesney Edition series with a metal base saw the Pasadena Fire Department on the red model. 

For 2011, the model was a mustard yellow in the basic range. Plus, we also saw a Fire Station playset featuring a China made red and white model. Every other release is from Thailand. 

For 2012, it had another all-red outing in the basic range, and the EMT 5-pack saw a green and black model. 

In 2013, we had another red release (with a white roof) in the basic range. This featured the Pierce logo in large font on the sides. We also had a black and white model in the Mission Force: Fire Rescue Crew multipack. 

While 2014 only saw a basic range outing. Another red and white model, this time with MFD in large letters down the side. 

In 2015, the model was a part of the basic range and in the Fire 5-pack in the same design. Again, red and white, now with a winged MBX logo on the side. For variation enthusiasts, it could be found with either tri-spoke or disc wheels. 

And it was also given a premium outing as part of the Supreme Heroes series. This features an Aurora design on the red model. 

And in 2016, it was gold over black in the basic range. Again, wheel variations were found, as the disc wheels were either chrome or gold. 

In 2017, it was part of a Hazardous Materials Team 5-pack in black over green. 

It took 2018 off before returning in the 2019 MBX To The Rescue 5-pack. This was black over grey, and featured a South Australia Fire Service design. 

After 2019, the model went on hiatus. When it returned in 2023, it was first seen in the MBX City Drivers III 5-pack, which was a carry -forward pack. This featured the same 2014 basic range look, except for one major change. 

During the hiatus, this was when the base name was changed. Instant variation. 

And it also was given a retro looking design in the MBX City Drivers II 5-pack, which featured nods to the classic 1993 5-pack debut. It was a part of the 70th Anniversary celebrations, so the main model was platinum. It was not used in 2024, and I wonder if it will continue much longer. 

Which brings us to the 5th and final "regular" release of the assortment. The other new casting I am looking at. The MB1492 '66 Chevelle Wagon. I don;t know why they didn't put Chevy in there. Was there not enough space? The card art, easily. All they put on for that Pierce, they could have easily put in Chevy. The Chevy bowtie is at the top of the package. 

When it comes to the model? Well, maybe not. Maybe if they used a smaller font? Anyway, I digress. This is MB124 in the 2025 range and debuts in cream.

As much as I love a wagon, and am happy to see more being added, I do wonder if they went the right direction with this? To date, Matchbox has made 1 Chevelle. A 1971 Convertible. The Chevelle was produced between 1964 and 1977 in 3 generations. The first generation was 1964-67, 2nd was 1968-72 and the 3rd was 1973-77. So, their last Chevelle was a 2nd gen. To be honest, I think they should have hopped forward into the 3rd gen. Why? The MB1133 '64 Ford Fairlane. This looks fairly similar to that one. Had they hopped forward to the 3rd generation and given us a 1973 Chevelle SS Wagon, I think it would have stood out much more. That one has a very rounded rear end, and the headlights are notable as well. It does look notably different to the MB777 '71 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. That is just my opinion. 

But, we have the '66. This was the "new look" for the Chevelle, as they altered the 1st gen in this year with a new front end. And, I have to say, they have done the model justics. The wing mirrors are in the correct spot. They may be slightly large on the model, but I think that is to stop them breaking off. The curvature of the side is captured very well. The real one does go like that, slanting up on the rear door, then dropping back down again. And the positioning of the base section to form front and rear bumpers is spot on. 

The casting details are incredible. I love the front window grille and wipers. Such attention to detail. When it comes to the casting, I really cannot fault it. 

The front end is made up of the bumper section, so we get a chrome effect here. 

And look at the perfect detailing to the rear tampo. The end result is incredible. But, do you wonder why the rear window is down? I haven't mentioned this until now. 

There's a dog sleeping inside. Awwww! I love it. A nod to the classic Mercury Commuter (and the Vista Cruiser). I love these little Easter Eggs. 

With the silver pin striping down the sides, tan interior and tri-spoke wheels, I cannot fault the look. Especially as Cameo Beige was a traditional Chevelle colour option that year. So, yeah, it might not have been my first choice for inclusion, as I score it a 7 here. Harsh, I know, but I think they went the wrong direction when adding a second Chevelle. The rest? Casting. A perfect 10. Design, again, a perfect 10. A total of 27 out of 30. And, to be honest, the model is growing on me. Purely down to the fact that they made such a phenomenal job with it. Well done guys. Plus....

It comes in shades! Yes, I have spotted brighter and duller shades of beige on this one. I do really like it. It wasn't what I hoped for, but now we have it, I want to see it used for many years. Perhaps we can add the '73 as well?

I did say I was doing 6. This is the 3rd Super Chase of the 2025 basic range. Numbered 4 out of 4. Yes, they have gone out of order with these as well. The Target Reds never seem to stick to their number order. This is the MB1293 '21 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. Although they didn't put that last name on the package. 

For a Super Chase, this has to be about the most under-stated release to date. It comes in orange, and features tampo printing all round. Aside from the front and rear, which is the sort of print we usually have, the side feature a little extra. The CT5 name, a little black edging around the windows and....

The SC logo on the rear corner. Nothing fancy. Nothing special. I like it like this. 

This also has the upgraded real rider wheels. It's exactly what I would want from a Super Chase. So, I am giving this a perfect 10. Awesome. Plus, you are not going to believe this. 

This sports a massive shade variation. Both dated the same time. That is a huge difference between light and dark orange. 

I am over the moon with that. A Super Chase with a massive shade. Well, it sort of fits the theme of this model. 

After all, when it debuted in 2022, I did find a small shade to the red. 

Although I couldn't find any shading to the 2023 black release. 

But 2024? Yes! Look at the shade between dark blue and very dark blue. 

I have been doing pretty well in finding shades on this casting. I hope to find one on the next release. 

And, on that note, I am done. Phew! Do I get blog-lag as well? You know, like jet-lag? Ha ha! Anyway, I hope you enjoyed my latest ramblings. This batch of 2 new castings. 

And 4 more that have been around already. Two of them for quite along time. 

As these head off, my attention turns to next week, and all being well, I will have got over my jet lag and taken photos of the convention models. Until then, I hope everybody has a safe and happy week.