Matchbox Monday is back to basics already with batch G

It barely feels like any time has passed since I last did a basic range batch of Matchbox. Well, it has barely passed. I ran through batch F, then did some Moving Parts, and am now running through batch G. For some reason, the USA (and the UK where I am) stalled with basic range models. We both stopped at batch E, and then things went dry in the US, but where I am in the UK, we somehow managed to jump back into early 2023. Or mid-2023, depending on store. Which is very depressing. Sadly, the UK is still stuck, but luckily, the US is now moving forward again and playing catch up. Other countries have already had batches H & J, but we will get there. Wheel Collectors got batch G shortly after getting batch F in a flurry of new activity. Sadly, they missed getting a chase, so you may notice mine is a little different. But, for now, let's take a dive in.

There are 8 castings in the regular batch. Sadly, none are brand-new castings. All of them are castings that have been seen already. A couple, we have not seen much of for a while. So, that is nice. However, the first of them is the MB1353 '16 Nissan Sentra is recent. It only debuted last year, and this is the second outing for it. It takes the MB9 slot in the basic range, and comes in a lovely metallic burgundy.

I am still unsure as to why they went with the 7th generation and not the current 8th generation that has been around since 2020. But, it is still a nice vehicle, and this is from the 2016 facelifted design. I believe this closely resembles the Carnelian Red Tri-coat colour option for the Sentra, although it is not an exact match. But, I have to admit, I really like this colour.

It sports a lovely front and rear tampo design, and a realistic clear window and grey interior. I cannot fault this. I am giving it a 10 out of 10 for this version, and I have to say, it is an improvement over the debut look.

Although that one did give me a lot of fun. I might have some fun if the new one appears in the UK and I can do some comparisons. However, as it stands, some stores have actually jumped back to this blue batch again. I don't really need more. I found a nice shade already.

And I was lucky, in that I was in a Dollar store in the US around the time that a small batch was found with 5-spoke wheels instead of 6-spokes. I don't expect to find a shade to that one, as it was a tiny single run of models. No big-box stores appeared to get any, and I never heard of any other country finding them.

I am sure they would sell more if they would do more wheel variations. They rarely appear in Matchbox nowadays. I don't expect to see anything but 6-spokes on the red. But, I hold out hope that we will get some in the UK at some point, and I can have a nose through looking for a shade.  

The MB1363 '22 Ford Bronco Sport is also a 2023 new casting, getting a sophomore outing for 2024. Taking the MB44 slot in the range, this one comes in a lovely dark metallic green.

This is known in Ford circles as Eruption Green. It is a very nice shade. Very deep. I love it. The gold wheels are not exactly standard in real life, but here, I think they really suit the model. The front and rear detailing is again just as I would expect.

However, the one thing that bugged me a little with this is the window component. I am not a fan of models that form the roof from the window component, as this means that the window often turns out very dark. However, this is rather unique (in modern construction), as this has a separate plastic piece for the roof on top, which means that the window is not needed to be as dark. Yet this one is still very dark. The debut was a lighter smoke colour, which I thought worked quite well, but this time, I am not as happy with that. A lighter smoke in my eyes would still have been a better option, as it is wasting this 5th element. I don't know why it has this 5th element, as with all the cost reductions, things tend to get cut out rather than added, but I am happy with the 5th part. Just not happy that it is not being utilized here. So, because of that, I can't give it a top score. So, it gets a 9 from me.

This is the 2023 debut with the lighter window section. A better window, but I do prefer the new Eruption Green to last year's Robin's Egg Blue.

One thing I am really hoping that they do in the future is to take advantage of this unique roof element. The Bronco Sport has an option called the "Heritage" option. For that, you get a white roof, white front grille and white wheel hubs. Sort of a throwback to the early Broncos. This model is absolutely perfect in its build to be given the Heritage look. Maybe with a Shadow Black body? That would be perfect!

Hmm! The MB1230 '20 Tesla Roadster. It's funny.The real vehicle is still to begin production (any time now), and Matchbox have already been through all the Tesla colour options. Red? Check. Blue? Check. Dark grey? Check. Silver? Check. Black? Check. Now, the red was a little unusual in its shade, but apart from that, I see that they are now trying their best to try and do something a little different.

The 2024 MB48 is in matte black. It is not a glossy finish like we have seen before. Does it work? Well, sort of. It is different. It is very dark and menacing in a way. Should they have kept the wheels black? Perhaps. I think black wheels might have given it an even more menacing stance. Perhaps it's just me.

I like it. I do notice that it attracts dust very easily. Ha ha! Seriously, I wipe it, and the dust just clings to somewhere else. But, that is not a point deducting issue.  The wheels? Hmm! It is not a bad thing. I just think a black wheel might have looked cooler. So, I am deducting a half point. 9.5 out of 10. That's pretty good.

You see, for comparison, I bring in the 2023 Moving Parts debut of the MB1370 Tesla Roadster (still the only one to have been released there). This was also in black, albeit a metallic gloss black. However, that did have black wheels.

And earlier this year, the MBX Electric Drivers 5-pack saw a gloss black as well, with gunmetal grey wheels.

So, the more black releases we get, the brighter the wheels become. Next black one gets fluorescent yellow wheels! Ha ha!

Hmm! Wait, I said that in my first talk of the Tesla. Contemplating! No, that doesn't sound right. I am sticking with hmm for a second time. The MB1207 '41 Cadillac Series 62 is next up in the MB59 position in blue.

I had mentioned in my Bronco section about not being a fan of roof elements that are made out of the window element. But, this is a bit of an exception. You see, this is a Convertible. Therefore, the roof is a foldable vinyl type piece in real life. So, having it in the window element is more acceptable. So, here, I like it. In fact, I actually prefer the casting when the roof is up compared to when it is down. I think it looks really cool.

Sure, it means that because the roof is black, it also means the window is black. But, what they have cleverly done is make the window parts in the middle very thin. So, they are more like a dark smoke than a black. In fact, I think the roof being so thick is more like it is dark smoke, but thick enough it gives the illusion of being black. A clever way of doing things, and in the case of a convertible, it works. So, I do not mind it at all. Coupled with the usual tampo detailing that every single release of this casting has had (if it ain't broke, don't fix it), I cannot argue that this is a stunning little model. I am giving it a 10.

This model has been with us since 2020. It debuted with the top down in metallic green.

It was in cream for the 2021 basic range, still with the top down.

However, 2021 also gave us a Walmart exclusive Cadillac series. The model appeared twice. First up was our first look at a top up model, as a black version appeared with the top up. Must have been raining when they made it. Ha ha! Then the second batch saw a metallic blue, but the top was back down again.

2022 was the last basic range outing before the current one, and again, the red model had the top down. This means that this is the first basic range model with the top up.

It is the third top up model, though. Last year, we had a Coffee Cruisers IV 5-pack release in grey with the top up.

This means that there have been 7 releases of the model. 4 of them have seen the top down, and now we have had 3 with the top up. I wonder what will be the next one?

Excellent. This was something I was hoping to have debuted last year. I mean, a police version was nice, and very Australian, but when Matchbox announced that the MB1342 '16 Holden VF Commodore SSV was coming in 2023, I was expecting a civilian version. I do feel they should have reversed the order for these. Release a civilian to start, then do the police one. Although, at the end of the day, we have both now, so I am satisfied. This takes the MB68 slot in the basic range for 2024, and comes in a lovely metallic terracotta look.

Now I get to see what this model looks like as a civiilan model. It looks stunning. I love the shade of colour used here. I am not sure if it is a real one from the timeframe. I thought at first if it was the "Light My Fire" colour option, but that is more of a golden hue. Whether this is a real hue of not, it looks amazing. The front end was detailed last year, even though they had side markings.

But now, as a civilian model, we also get the rear detailed. As expected, we have the lights depicted. But, in this case, we had a lovely little extra. The tiny rear spoiler gets a black detail to enhance it. Lovely. Coupled with the 5-spoke wheels and clear windows, I think this is a fantastic model. Definitely one of the highlights of the batch, and another easy 10 from me. I am seriously hoping for more like this in the future.

As I said, last year it debuted with a police look. It was nice, and I loved that it was a real livery, but I much prefer the new one.

I am definitely looking forward to seeing what they come up with next on this one.

Wow! I am powering through these. We are already on model number 6 in the batch. Out of the 5 reviewed so far, I have only dropped 1.5 points. However, this is the one non-car/SUV in the batch. What do I make of this? The MB1003 Freightliner Business Class M2 106. Taking the MB76 slot in the range for 2024, this model comes in red, with a little yellow detailing.

And that little detailing is the El Segundo CA Matchbox Fire Dept livery. A recurring theme.  Yes! I love it! I have often made a note of being a fan of recurring themes. This is one that debuted in 2023, so is a new one, but has been used on a few vehicles already. However, this is the first time that it has been seen in the basic range. However, I wonder if this was originally scheduled to be in last year's range. Why? Well, I will have to pull them all out to showcase. The Freightliner was not in the basic range last year, but was a part of a Walmart Exclusive 70th Anniversary set in platinum. In fact, it hasn't been in the basic range since 2020. It had a 5-year run from 2016 (with 2019 being a repeat of the 2016), and since then, that 2016 issue keeps popping up in 5-pack carry forwards, Walmart carry forwards, and thrown in 9-packs as well. I was getting rather tired of that one. So, this is a real pleaser for me.

You know what? I am giving it a 10! Yes, I cannot fault a recurring theme like this. So, why do I think this was originally planned for last year? Let's look at the evidence. I did say I was going to run through this set when the last one appeared. So, if you have a good memory, you will be expecting this.

As I said, this is a new theme. It debuted in 2023 with the MB1310 '19 Ram Ambulance in the Moving Parts series. Do you notice that it has Unit 23 on the side? Something that the new one also has. The series debuted in 2023? Unit 23? Connection?

Because this was swiftly followed by a Convoy release of the MBX Mega Ton Fire Truck, paired with the MB1178 International TerraStar Ambulance. Both were in the red and yellow design, and again, both sported Unit 23 on the side.

And then it was rounded out by the Hitch & Haul MBX Fire Rescue set. The MB996 Hazard Squad and MB1398 MBX Mobile Light Truck combo also sported Unit 23 on the side. Everything released in 2023 had Unit 23 on the side.

And what have we seen this year? The MB1315 Seagrave Fire Truck in Moving Parts. Hmm! What is that on the side? Unit 24? Released in 2024? Coincidence? I think there was a plan to use the year as the unit number on models, but the Freightliner got delayed, and they forgot to change it.  That is my opinion. I might be totally wrong. We will see as more arrive. I can see a number of releases that can be brought in. The International Brush Fire Truck? The new '23 Ford Utility Interceptor? The Ram 1500 Police? There are plenty of other offerings that can be brought in here as well. I will be keeping an eye on their unit numbers as they arrive.

Because this theme is still in its infancy. I think it has plenty of legs on it, and I hope we get a new Action Drivers playset with this theme sprawled over it.

Model number 7 of 8. And I still have only dropped 1.5 points. This is the MB1287 VW ID4. Yes, it is officially the ID4 now. Legal issues from the first 2 years that caused it to be known as VW Electric Vehicle 4 are now gone, Base updated (if you saw my report on European Streets you will have seen that), and I wonder if anything else has? It takes the MB90 slot in the range in white.

Ah! This is where the issue of having a roof formed from the window piece is showing the model up. There are options. Make the window really dark, and in turn, the roof piece is also very dark, and it doesn't look nice. The other option? Make the window light, and you can see inside. But, this exposes further issues. 4 rings in the almost clear roof are visible. I guess these are likely from the manufacturing process, and are likely part of the production and then snapped off before the build. They look a little weird. As does the roof, being basically see-through. Plus, with this particular model, it has a rather unusual build. For some reason, the body section had a bar running through the middle, just behind the rear seats. I have no idea why? But, seeing this painted white, easily visible through the model, makes it weird. They have taken too much of a tint off this. I am not impressed.

The front is clearly tampo printed correctly, giving it a very realistic impression. However, the rear is still missing the ID4 logo that is under the VW logo. I assumed, at first, that this was due to the whole issue with getting the model marked down as an ID4. So, they didn't put the detail in the tampo. But, now that it is sorted, I would have thought they would have added that little ID4 logo into the rear tampo. It is a little thing, but, you know me. I often notice the little things. But, to make it worse, previous releases had a black tampo lower section to help break up the large area of white. It is sort of reminiscent of the plastic on the real vehicle that goes up from the bumper. And, that's gone. So, it really opens up the blandness of the rear. So, yeah, as you are probably guessing by now, this is not going to get a good score from me. I am giving it a 6. I like the white. From the front and side, it is not bad. But the rear is a little bland, and the top view ruins it. It is my least liked version of this casting.

Which is only a small group. It debuted at the end of 2022 in dark blue. This is the one that carried forward to European Streets this year.

And then we saw a red version for 2023. The window started getting lighter, although the body section running through the back was not as "in your face" as it is with a white model. I think they should do the window in a darker tint, but perhaps not quite as dark as the blue one. It is a shame that the roof isn't thicker, like how they did that Caddy earlier in the report. Thin windows with a thicker roof, so when you have a fairly dark tint, the thickness of the roof sort of makes it appear black.

I hope for a better one next time.

Oh my! The MB761 '72 Lotus Europa Special is back. That was not expected. And I love it! This is the second random basic range return since the model was dropped after 2013. Exactly! A little shocked, but in a very happy way. I am a big fan of this casting, and always wanted more. It takes the MB93 slot in the range, and comes in pink.

Now, what made the surprise even bigger was that I was completely unaware that there was gold pin striping on the model until I had it in hand. Early pictures did not show that detail up. Either that, or I just was not paying enough attention. I mean, once in hand is when I really take a long hard look at a model. Was it needed? Maybe not. Does it stand out? No. Do I like it? Yes!

I know recent releases no longer chrome the interior. But, that does not bother me. It is not a massive area of chrome. A pair of thin bumpers getting chromed, meaning the seats inside are chrome as well. I think it is actually better in grey. I do. Not all models have to get that chrome. Only ones, particularly classic Americana, that have a large chromed area in real life, really work better with the chrome. So, I am giving this a 10. If I was to list my favourite models in order from this batch, this would be number 1, followed by the Holden, Nissan, Caddy, Freightliner, Tesla, Bronco and the VW ID4 dragging its heels at the end. I am very happy with this one. Can you tell? Well, as I have not done a dive back on this for, well, I don't think I ever have on blogs, I guess I should.

Well, any excuse to pull out my prepro again. Being a big fan of this, I was very keen to get a prepro of it.

It then debuted in the 2009 basic range in blue, and was also chosen to be the show model at the 2009 Matchbox Gathering in 2009. Remember when we used to get a show model for the Sunday toy fair? I miss those.

It was also chosen to be one of the models in the First Editions 10-pack at the end of the year. It came in yellow, or in greeny yellow. Yes, it saw quite a noticeable change during production.

2010 was another busy year, as the basic range came in a dark yellow, and we also saw a dark green Classic Rides 5-pack release and a purple model in the Lesney Edition series, with a metal base.

2011 was a quieter year. It came in pink then for the basic range. But, as you can see, the type of pink is completely different. Plus, this one had a stripe and 6 roundel. You know, this does remind me of...

The classic Lesney MB5-A Lotus Europa. This was sold between 1971 and 1974 in pink, so you know that the pink would never be consistent there. Totally different shades exist. Ah, yes, bonus point for the latest Europa for getting me all nostalgic.

And if I am digging the old Lesneys out, why not show off the G-4 Gift Set model and the JPS Japanese issue from the late 1970s. I mean, they do sort of go with the 2 pinks.

Where was I? Oh, yes, going through the current Lotus Europa casting. After 2011, we just saw 1 per year. 2012 was in orange in the basic range, and then 2013 was in a very dark purple. After this, the model went on hiatus for a while.

Returning, for what was its last basic range outing before this one in metallic charcoal. This also had gold pin striping, and this also included the roof.

Since then, we saw just 2021 action. Aside from a Best of UK, which was a repeat of the 2010 basic, we also saw the Coffee Cruisers II 5-pack sport another yellow. This one with a 6 roundel on the side. Since then, this is the first new one we have seen.

And, for those who like this sort of thing, the base has seen a second update to the wording. It was altered for 2021, and again has had a small adjustment.

It is so nice seeing this one again. I hope we still see further outings. Classics are forever classics. They can come and go at will, and never feel old.

Finally, you may notice that this is an ROW short card. Batch G contained a Super Chase. Sadly, Wheel Collectors never got any in their allotment of cases, so I had to look elsewhere (Europe in this case). The third of 4 Super Chases in the basic range for 2024 is the MB1174 '35 Ford Pickup.

Metallic orange has been a bit of a common look for Super Chase models. This one does feel very familiar, which I like. I also note the use of the Superfast logo in the design, which I guess is a way of keeping that trademark active. Plus, a little Matchbox Speed Shop note at the back of the side design.

I had to do a double check with those wheels. They looked very slick, and I thought they were simply plastic ones. But, no, they are real riders. It is still a significant upgrade to a regular model in the batch. I like this, and I am going to score this a 10 as well. Why?

Because this is like a recurring theme, within the Super Chase realm. It is just too cool. I love it!

So, with the MB1234 '32 Ford Coupe Model B being a Super Chase like this in 2023, and this in 2024, I wonder if we might see the MB327 '33 Ford Coupe in a subsequent year looking very similar to this? Or perhaps the MB1402 '53 Ford COE? Both would make fine Super Chases in orange.

On that note, I think I am done for another week. 8 models in the batch, plus a Super Chase if you are lucky. 4 of the models are modern cars.

With only 2 being classics.

Plus, 3 other vehicles. Mind you, is the Bronco a car? Is the Ford Pickup a type of car? At least I know the fire engine is a fire engine. Definitely not a car.

As these head off, it is time to start thinking more about where that Ford Pickup came from. Europe. Yes, I will be getting very European for a short while. Until then, I hope everybody has a safe and happy week.