08 November 2010
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Superfast Era: a look at the Matchbox Superfast range of diecast models
Mike Pigott continues his series on the popular Matchbox Superfast range. This month he looks at 1978, a year that produced a number of different and unusual models. ...
Looking at the Matchbox models released in 1978, it was quite clear that the era of the hot rod was well and truly over. Not only were there no hot rods released this year, there were no cars at all! While the 12 new releases included a couple of sport-utility vehicles, the majority were trucks and other working types. In fact, this was the first year since 1955 that there were no new car models introduced to the 1-75 range.
Also in evidence this year was the start of Matchbox’s mini containerised inter-modal transport system. A new forklift truck was introduced, which could be used in conjunction with a pair of new container trucks. These were also compatible with the existing No 13 Fork Lift Truck, and several models released over the following years, including the railway models and other items from gift sets, twin packs and the ‘Convoy’ range of trucks.
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11 -- CAR TRANSPORTER
Replaced: Flying Bug
Replaced by: Lamborghini Countach LP500S (1986)
Box type: 1977
Car transporters had always been popular models in the larger King Size range, where they could be used to transport five Matchbox cars, but this was the first time one had featured in the miniature range. The cab was based on a Bedford TM, which was quite commonly used as a car carrier at the time. However, the real trucks were articulated tractor-trailers, rather than bizarre two-axle rigids like this model. It was obviously designed to fit the box, but proved popular enough to remain in the range for eight years thanks to its novelty value.
It was first produced with an orange cab and chassis, a matt black base and grille, and the transporter frame in cream plastic. Later versions could be found with red body and silver base, or orange body with unpainted base and grey plastic frame.The windows were normally dark blue, but could also be green or purple tinted. The cars were not removable and were riveted in place. They were one-piece plastic pieces – similar to cars used on architects’ models – generic, but with a wedge-shaped profile not unlike an Austin Princess. They were moulded in three colours with one each of red, blue and yellow fitted, although occasionally examples could be found with two or three cars of the same colour.
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40 -- HORSEBOX
Replaced: Vauxhall Guildsman II
Replaced by: Rocket Launcher (1986)
Box type: 1977
Revived: 1999
Car transporters had always been popular models in the larger King Size range, where they could be used to transport five Matchbox cars, but this was the first time one had featured in the miniature range. The cab was based on a Bedford TM, which was quite commonly used as a car carrier at the time. However, the real trucks were articulated tractor-trailers, rather than bizarre two-axle rigids like this model. It was obviously designed to fit the box, but proved popular enough to remain in the range for eight years thanks to its novelty value.
It was first produced with an orange cab and chassis, a matt black base and grille, and the transporter frame in cream plastic. Later versions could be found with red body and silver base, or orange body with unpainted base and grey plastic frame.The windows were normally dark blue, but could also be green or purple tinted. The cars were not removable and were riveted in place. They were one-piece plastic pieces – similar to cars used on architects’ models – generic, but with a wedge-shaped profile not unlike an Austin Princess. They were moulded in three colours with one each of red, blue and yellow fitted, although occasionally examples could be found with two or three cars of the same colour.
*'Superfast Era' is a regular feature in Diecast Collector about the range of models produced by Matchbox. To see which issues of Diecast Collector are available to buy online, click here.