Matchbox Monday moves through Europe towards Leipzig

Yes, you may have seen a certain logo in the front page picture here. The Matchbox 2024 European convention is very close. It takes place this following weekend in Leipzig (as always), and is being run alongside the annual Modell-Hobby-Spiel as always. Modell-Hobby-Spiel takes place either in late September or early October each year. This year is one of the earlier dates (20th through 22nd of September), and this means that Dirk Schleuer has set up the Matchbox convention at the local hotel this same weekend. As you may have seen, if you were to head over to the Lamley Group webpage, this week sees Dirk running Auction A. This is a selection of 10 pre-production and prototype models donated by Mattel. The auction closes at 2pm Berlin time (GMT+2) on Saturday 21st. Literally anybody can bid. All you have to do is follow the details supplied on Lamley, and send your bids directly to Dirk. The lots are all on the Lamley page, and Dirk will be emailing bidders to keep them informed, and will also pop up the totals on his Instagram page (if you follow him).While this is going on, of course I will do another run of models. Wheel Collectors have sent over the last European Streets batch of 2024. Mind you, I have no idea whatever happened to numbers 1 through 6. We seemed to start with 7 through 12 (which I previewed before), then got numbers 13 through 18 (Wheel Collectors never got this batch, so I never looked at them) and now this. Could 1 through 6 still arrive? I have no idea. But, let's look at possibly the final batch of the year....

First up is something we have all seen before. Well, you might think that is the case here with everything, but not this time. This is the MB885 Renault Master Ambulance. It takes the number 17 slot in the series.

If you have been a collector for any of the last 4 years, you will likely have seen this. It has been produced every year since 2021. I love the design.

But, it does feel like it is getting a bit long in the tooth. It is funny, back in the older Matchbox days (before Mattel took over), models could run in the basic range for many years (some lasted 11 years unchanged as a basic range model), but since Mattel have taken over, and we see a constant rotation of looks, people are not always as keen on these "carry forward" models. Even though a regular run for a model could be 2-3 months. 11 years in the past? Yeah, fine. 2-3 months, then returning for another go at a later date? Why? How times have changed, and our thoughts and ideas with them. But, in this case, I do feel there is a bit of a point to it. Why?

It debuted in the 2021 Best of France series. It then returned in the 2022 Best of France series. Then, with Best of France only getting 1 batch in 2023 before being cancelled, it was included in it again. Yes, every year since 2021 has seen this particular look for the Renault in production. So, I appear to be adding another.

You see, when it debuted in 2021, the blue tampo printing down the side was quite light. When it returned in 2022, it was a darker shade of blue. Something it appears to have stuck with. 2023? I never saw anything at that point, but....

For this batch, the type of grey being used on the base is different. It has a sort of blueish tint to it. It is a different grey. The blue tampo still matches 2022, but I am keeping it as another shade variation. This time, the base is the keeper.

Could they have used an alternate for this carry forward? I know that there is no scope for adding exclusive items to these. So, it is purely about the carry forwards. It began in 2013 in red, and also saw a 60th Anniversary outing with higher tampo detailing (front and rear). That one would have to be cost-reduced by deleting front and rear detailing, but both of these, being in English, may not work too well as a Euro release.

2014 saw it in white with Ambulance again. Hmm! Maybe not. This was in the basic range, but also in an Rescue Duty 5-pack alongside it.

2015 saw another white Ambulance in the basic range (and EMT 5-pack). However, there was a Best of model in red. This had French detailing on it. Again, it would need a cost reduction. Front and rear tampos would not be put on, and the real riders would need substituting for plastic ones. But, that would be a popular release. Instant variation and would generate more sales. I would love to see them do that. They have carried forward premium releases in recent years into core ranges, with a little cost reduction. Why not do it here?

It went on hiatus for a while after that, returning in 2021, as the Best of France model (which is the one returning), as well as a Best of Russia release (which may not be good to carry forward at this time) and a silver 9-pack semi-exclusive. That feels too non-Euro to pop in the Euro set.

Oh, look. A very European looking version. 2022 saw it as a 9-pack exclusive. Sure, this is only 2 years ago, but not all markets get 9-packs (or 8-packs now), and for some, this could have been a good opportunity to get a cool Italian looking issue. I just feel it would have been the better of 2 evils as a carry forward (rather than the same one year after year). Unless of course they get that Best of model back in a cost-reduced tampo/wheel form.

Number 20 in the set is another Renault. Yes, this feels like a very French batch. This is the 2023 release of the MB1281 '22 Renault Mégane in red, coming back for another outing about a year after it initially appeared in the basic range.

However, I had a very close inspection of the model. I see no difference at all between this one and the 2023 basic. If you like card art (I admit, the artwork for these is very nice), then you will like it. If you are looking for something a little different than last year's then it is a pass.

Funnily enough, this model actually debuted in the 2022 Best of France series. It was the same as the later 2022 basic range release, but France had it a little early. It did give us a shade between production runs. Something I am keeping fingers crossed for later. I will get to that.

As we saw recently, I have not long previewed the 2024 version of the model in black. I am a little sad to not get a shade on red.  Usually I am pretty lucky with things. But, not always.

And now it is later. Ta-dah! The European Streets production run pre-dates the brand new MB1425 '23 Citroën ë-C4 casting. It is due later in the year (has already turned up in a few countries) as MB84 in the basic range, but for me, this is the first I have seen of it. So, I get to preview it a little earlier than expected. It is in the number 21 slot in this series.

Sadly, for me, this is another of those castings that Matchbox has created using the window component to form the roof. I am not a fan. I understand that this is a way of cost reducing things to avoid losing the interiors. Mattel look at the total weight of things, so a few grams here, a few there, can add up to quite a lot. I would not have a clue just how much lighter a model is by creating it this way? But, on this model, it is a bigger shame.

I like the rear spoiler design on the real model. Being included as a part of the window section, it loses some of that appeal. Had this been created with the roof being a part of the body, with this spoiler detailed, and standing out, I would have absolutely loved it.

They have captured the shape brilliantly. Those curves on the sides are expertly done, and I would have expected them to create the doors that way, with the lower base section moved up the way it is. I see a number of C4s and ë-C4s on the roads, and I was looking forward to getting this.

But, that roof does let it down. I am gutted! Oh, well. Not much I can do about that.

The final look is great. Citroën call this Iceland Blue. It is an official colour. The front and tampo printing is spot on (shame the rear spoiler could not be hit, due to being on the window section). I am going to score this (I don't with carry forwards as a rule). For inclusion, I am giving this a big fat 10. I love that they have worked hard to bring more French vehicles into the range. Casting? That is where it falls short. I am not a fan of the window/roof one-piece build. Especially when it means we lose the detailing to the rear spoiler. The shape has been captured brilliantly, though. So, I am giving it a 7. As for design, I am not knocking it down for the lack of detail to the rear spoiler. That is a casting issue, not a tampo issue. So, again, it is getting a 10 from me. What they have to tampo, they could not have done a better job. I just wish the model had a roof that was a part of the body section. Like the Moving Parts Citroën ë-C4X model.

Being a new casting, I do show off the base.

And a little reminder to myself of when this was made. As they no longer date the models, we only get the package codes. So, a quick look at the rear of the package, I see this is T23. Produced on the 23rd week of 2024. That would be early June. As happened with the Renault in Best of France, later arriving in the basic range, there was a shade. I am keeping my fingers crossed that the basic launch worldwide sees a shade. I know many don't care for that. But, I do.

Before I move on to the next model, I had to bring in the MB1379 Citroën ë-C4X. This is the 2024 Moving Parts release. From the front, both models look pretty much identical. Well, they should. The Citroën ë-C4 is a coupe SUV, where the Citroën ë-C4X is a saloon SUV (or sedan) based on the same C4 style. But, see where the C4X has the body section forming part of the roof, and down the back. That is how I wished they had done the C4. There is still a partial roof from the window, but had it been built the same way, that rear spoiler would have been able to be printed, and stood out much better.

The C4X is longer in real life, which is captured brilliantly between the 2 models. They do look like they are the same at the front, but changing the roof like this does make the difference seem much bigger than it really is. Had the C4 been built the exact same way as the C4X, I would have been so happy.

Whoa! It's not French. Can you believe that this is the only model in this batch that isn't? Yes, it stated European Streets, yet all but one of the models were French. The daft thing about the MB1299 Audi e-Tron is that it carried forward from the 2022 debut into the 2023 Best of France series. So, it still had a French connection. It takes the number 22 slot in this set, and as noted, is a carry forward of the 2022 debut.

I do feel that Matchbox really should look further back when making these carry forwards. I have said that numerous times. But, when you think of it, many models have been around for a number of years, and can still work. We know the Porsche 911GT3 does. It was in the last batch, and being an altered casting, many earlier issues can be repeated not. The same with the Porsche 911 Carrera Convertible. It saw a casting change, so many older ones can come back for instant variations. Okay, enough Porsches. Repeat the debut BMW 1M, as the base had to updated after it. Bring back the early runs of the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA. Timeless classic. Even some earlier Audi RS6 Avants. Ones that still work now, but have been around for well over a decade.

So, we have all seen this one. Light blue, with front and rear detailing.

And when I say light blue, I really mean that. The new one is a lighter shade of blue than it was when it debuted in the 2022 basic range. So, yeah, I did get a shade. But, I still would have preferred some older models that are not as current being brought back for another go.

And, now I have 2 of the 2022, it adds to my 2 of the 2023 basic range issues. The grey one did vary a little (although if you were in a short card country, you might have missed it).

I don't expect much in the way of variants to the 2024 Toy Fair model. Arriving in late September 2023, this is a single run promotional issue, so all of them should be about the same.

2024 has been a bit of a busy year for the model. I mean, aside from the carry forward, the basic range saw a red one and 9-packs saw a purple one. Neither I have seen (or heard) of a variation on.

Although, it was also seen in an Autobahn Express V 5-pack, and I did see a little bit of shading to the grey used there.

Model number 5 (or 23 of 24) in the set is the MB1211 '18 Bugatti Divo. Again, a French car (even though they are owned by VW). This is a carry forward of the 2020 debut model.

Again, this model was a part of the 2023 Best of France series. Yes, this means that out of the set of 6 (they only did one set of 6 in 2023 before cancelling it), 3 of them (the Renault Master, Audi and this) have simply rolled over into the 2024 European Streets series here. The other 3? Rolled over into the first batch released of 2024 European Street. So, for those who like packaging, they do not care, and will have all of them. For those who did attempt to get all of the 2023 Best of France, they could have just waited and got all 6 this year. This is because they seem to be carrying things forward from a very small pool. My argument is that if they are carrying things forward all the time, think bigger. Check more of the castings, and delve deeper into the past. Having an entire set of 6 carry forward from 2023 carrying forward again in 2024 is just not fun.

Of course, if you did not get the 2023 carry forward, is this worth a punt? Well, barely.

It is a slightly lighter charcoal. It is not a big shade, but it is enough that I am going to keep the new one.

The 2021 basic range in black was carried forward to the 2022 Best of France series. So, it does make sense to carry forward the other.

But, with 2022 seeing nothing new, it fell on 2023 to go nuts. A Walmart exclusive 70th Anniversary in platinum. That can't go forward. A Target Red Edition? Hmm! I don't think it could, although it doesn't say Target on it. The yellow? That was in a 9-pack, so yes, this can see a carry forward. Although, I hope, not for many years.

2024 only saw the one look. It was in the Collectors series. This is a premium level, although, can they cost reduce to core level and carry forward? I don't know if they can, but I would love to see many premiums return in a cost-reduced core way. It reminds me of a classic Elvis series, that saw 4 of 5 models cost-reduced to core level and sold at Avon in the early 2000s. When I say cost reduce here, I am talking about limiting tampo passes and switching real riders to plastic wheels. Not the other type of cost reducing.

Now, this is what I am talking about. More of this please. The final model (number 24 of 24 in the series) is the MB735 '68 Citroën DS. Oops! Sorry. The '68 DS 21 Pallas. Don't you love it when something is known as something, then gets retroactively changed to another name? Well, you should. I mean, Matchbox regular wheels? Until the Superfast era in late 1969, they were just Matchbox. They later became know as regular wheels, and it stuck. The original Land Rover was just Land Rover until they came out with more vehicles, and needed to come up with something. Defender. The VW Beetle was not a Beetle for a long time. Retroactively changed. As Citroën recently launched their upscale luxury brand, DS Automobiles (well, 2014), and this classic has retroactively been changed by Citroën to be known as the DS 21 Pallas. Therefore, when Matchbox makes a model of it, they have to alter it from the original. This means, lots of fun!

You see, this was originally the 2009 basic range in olive green. DS Automobiles launched in 2014? Hmm! 5 years later. That means that the licence plate would never have said that before.

The rear as well? Oh, yes. Instant variation. I love it!

This also applies to the base. Matchbox had to change things, at Citroën's request. So, we know instantly that the model is a variation. Updated casting with new details.

So, let's bring in the 2009, with what is now the wrong name. It was correct at the time. Although, regardless of what Citroën say, everyone will still actually call this a Citroën DS. I bet if you go to the owner's club, they will still say the same. They own real ones, and will likely refuse to retroactively change it.

Yep, the back is different.

As is the base.

Of course, if you were paying attention at the time, you might have found a small batch of error models. Some of the rears were accidentally printed with the 1968 DS of the Best of International 2008 release. This is because it was printed on to the interior, which forms the rear. And they got a little mixed up. Although, the alternate was never found, so I think it was some leftover prints on interiors simply put in the new model. The olive green was an early 2009 release, just as the late 2008 Best of International was finishing up.

With a 15 year gap between production runs, look at the shade! Wow! That is huge. This is proof of why they should look at some older stuff that can still work now. Small changes can make a huge difference. This is a massive variation for me. Base, tampos and colour all different.

It is not the first carry forward of recent times. The 2008 debut in black saw a 2022 Best of France carry forward, which saw the updates.

And the 2008 Best of International also saw this update when it carried forward to the 2023 MBX European Highways 5-pack.

Which means, we have many more that can be brought forward for fun. Like the 2008 version 2 basic range in metallic green, or the 2008 dark metallic purple 10-pack 1st Editions model.

Or the 2009 Classic Cars 5-pack issue in metallic tan.

It did also appear in the 2009 Superfast series, with a cool "Bonjour" coded plate. If this was to be brought forward, I think the whole roof and pillars printing would have to go. You know, cost reducing from premium to core.

Then there were the 2010 (blue) and 2011 (yellow) basics, with just front tampo and white roof printing. Both can be brought back easily with the update. Of course, that was all there was for quite a while. Until 2021, when Best of France first brought the black one back, but still with the old name. It was adjusted after that.

That was a thrilling end to my report. They may all be models that are not exclusive, but 2 Citroëns made it a lot of fun. One being out before the regular basic run, and the other being altered quite significantly between runs, that it almost feels new again.

Of course, if you are anything like me, you would have managed to eke out 3 further shades.

One solitary Renault didn't make the cut for me. Not bad going, to be honest.

Next week will see me doing a little diving again. I will be having a little fun with some classics, as I take things out of Leipzig. Don't forget, Audtion A is now live, and will be on the Lamley Group page (and Dirk's Instagram) for people to check out, and if you like Auction A, make sure to return for Auction C leading out of Leipzig. Some real stunners in that batch. I may be going broke! Auction A finishes on Saturday 21st at 2pm Berlin time (GMT +2) and Auction C will be up on Lamley on Sunday 22nd, for a 2pm start, again running for 1 week until Sunday 29th at 2pm (GMT +2). I always like to remind people of the time differences. With Leipzig, it is always Berlin time, so make sure you know the time difference from wherever you are in the world. Until next week, I hope everybody has a safe and happy week.