07 September 2011
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Superfast 1980: Collectable model releases in the Matchbox Superfast line
Mike Pigott continues his in-depth series on the Matchbox Superfast line of collectable models. This month he moves in to a new decade, with a look at the models from 1980. ...
As the Matchbox range entered the 1980s, it was clear that the age of wild custom hot rods was truly over. Of the nine new releases this year, there was a definite move towards realistic vehicles, with an emphasis on large saloons and American cars.
10 – PLYMOUTH GRAN FURY POLICE CAR
Replaced: Piston Popper
Replaced by: Buick Le Sabre (1988)
Box type: 1979
The Gran Fury was the largest saloon car made by Plymouth, and was a popular choice as a police patrol car across the USA. Although based on a 1977 version of a Gran Fury, the Matchbox model proved a good seller. Not only was it popular in the American market, it sold well in Britain and Europe where kids were familiar with ‘black and whites’ from TV cop shows.
The Matchbox version was a very accurate replica, and was the first model in the regular series (apart from the Streakers sub-series and the American limited editions) to feature extensive tampo printing. The body was painted white and all four fenders were black, with the word ‘Police’ and a shield printed along the doors. The base and grille were bare metal, plus there was a detailed white plastic interior. A nice touch was the clear blue light bar being a different component from the amber windows.
Unfortunately, this must have been either very fiddly or expensive to do, because the mould was soon modified so that the glazing and roof lights were moulded as one part all in blue. While this modification was being carried out, Lesney did something very unusual; it substituted a completely different model in place of the Plymouth. The old Mercury Fire Chief Car – a casting that dated back to 1969 but was still being used in the Two-Pack range – was painted white, given the same tampo printing job as the Gran Fury and packed in Plymouth Police Car boxes. If I was a kid expecting a model of the latest cop car, I would have been pretty disappointed to open the box and find an obsolete one!
Fortunately, this only happened for a short time until the modification was done. The tampo printing was later improved, with ‘Police’ signs on the bonnet and boot and the number ‘012’ on the roof. In 1984, the colour scheme was changed to white with a blue boot, bonnet and side stripes.
Other models released this year:
10 – PLYMOUTH GRAN FURY POLICE CAR
28 – LINCOLN CONTINENTAL MK V
39 – ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER SHADOW II
47 – PANNIER TANK LOCOMOTIVE
55 – FORD CORTINA
56 – MERCEDES 450 SEL
62 – CHEVROLET CORVETTE
68 – CHEVROLET VAN
72 – BOMAG ROAD ROLLER