Matchbox, the tiny model car brand of giant toymaker Mattel, Inc., first began in 1952 when Jack Odell created a tiny, brass road roller and put it in a matchbox-sized container so his daughter could take it to school.
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On the eve of the brand’s 50th birthday, about to be celebrated in some style, Matchbox model vehicles are still popular with kids around the world and have a dedicated following among collectors.
Matchbox, is planning a year-long celebration of its first half-century which includes an array of new commemorative model vehicles expected to appeal to collectors of all ages — from the “Matchbox Across America” collection of 50 state cars to the “ultimate” Matchbox Collectible crafted in gold and other precious metals.
In the USA, a mobile birthday party will bring the celebration coast-to-coast, culminating with an International Matchbox Toy Show in New York City on August 24 and 25, 2002.
To mark the brand’s 50th birthday, Mattell is introducing “Matchbox Across America”, a special collection of model cars, each representing one of the 50 United States.
Each vehicle will be indicative of its state (for example, the vehicle for South Carolina will be a golf cart) and will have decoration commemorating a key state feature or fact. Each state vehicle will also be sold with a miniature replica of the state’s licence plate. The state vehicles will be rolled out nationally throughout the year, at about $US1.50 each.
Six of the state vehicles will also be featured in a spring promotion with the McDonald’s hamburger chain.
Adult collectors will be offered a ‘one-of-a-kind’ model of the Seagrave “Meanstick” fire engine in gold and platinum with a working ladder and lights made of precious gems. The vehicle will be sold at auction to the highest bidder, is expected to make at lest $10,000, and sale profits will go to charity.
Cheaper reproductions will also be offered for sale at approximately $8.00. Burgundy-colored “Anniversary” replicas will be widely available, but a special 5000-piece limited-edition version in gold paint will be randomly assorted and distributed to retailers as well.
The Matchbox Collectibles line will include a complete 50th anniversary collection of vehicles representing the best of the line’s design and detail over the years. The collection will include miniature (approx. 1:64 scale), traditional (approx. 1:43 scale) and large-scale (approx. 1:18 scale) vehicles, each painted a classic burgundy color and decorated with a Matchbox 50th Anniversary commemorative seal. U.S. prices will range from about $4.00 to $25.00.
During 2002, Mattell will also host a Matchbox Across America mobile tour that will make stops in store car parks in more than 20 U.S. cities between April and August.
