I lived in England from '63 to '66. My Dad was career US Air Force. Best 3 years of my life. I love the people of England and the historical places. My best friend Simon, whose father was a headmaster at a local school, collected Lesneys with his pocket money and I'd ride the double-decker bus to Bedford on Saturday with him to check out the latest ones. I quite fancied the model steam engines that really worked and still have mine after all these years in working condition. I got it for Christmas of '65. I'm certain it cost my parents a pretty penny considering my father was making about $300/month (about 110 quid). All my best to my Brit friends. You made those 3 years some wonderful memories.
@@williamjamesdeering-webb1656 As far as I understand my family came from Ireland but it is a small Europe so who's to say, it's a good strong name either way!
Michael Deering . The name is quite unusual, I believe it originated in Germany, I am aware of the Irish connections. It has strong links to the east end of London. Regards to you.
some of Tomica's mainline diecasts today, especially motorcycles, can still come with a figure to ride on the bike because the biker figure's big enough that a child wouldn't be able to swallow it the ones that come with swallowable-sized minifigures and miniprops are all from the Limited Vintage line (some of them can even form a self-contained mini diorama like the Honda truck of 2021), which are clearly labelled "ages 15+"
I recognised the artwork in the thumbnail. This was my first Matchbox catalogue. I was 5-6 years old. What a thrill to see it again. I always wanted the old fashioned cars, but I was told they cost too much. $1.25 - $1.50 looks much more reasonable now. Thank you for posting this!
Great video . Loved them growing up . Love them now . I managed to recollect almost all that era cars 1-75 just missing a few of the proper # for the era . Went to many a toy show when I was younger & Classifieds No eBay back then 😊
Only just seen this - I have an extensive collection of old Matchbox and are still collecting. Only in May 2022 did I pick up the 1966 BP gas station in mint condition for £15 U.K.- the best thing I have. Your video inspires me to do more about my collection
I was born in 1964 and I remember to have had many of these cars, and might still have some of them stashed away somewhere. But not in very good condition, far from it. And I remember these catalogues, got to choose my christmas and birthday presents from those. Of course a bit later than -66. Maybe beginning from -68/69. I had that BP petrol station. Thanks for this, brings back memories. Greetings from Finland!
Wonderful trip down memory lane. My automotive interest was evident even as a child. Owned the Ferrari, BRM and Lotus F1 cars, the green Ferrari Berlinetta, the Ford GT 40 and the race car hauler.
They were great timesfor kids in the mid 60's (I was 8 in 1966} We had quality chidren's toys like Hornby, Matchbox, Corgi, Tri-ang and Meccano - made in Britain too. All metal, nicely painted and presented, not like the gaudy plastic crap of today. We had children's TV shows like Thunderbirds, Fireball XL5, Stingray, Johnny Quest and Dr Who. Classic pop music, Beatles, Kinks, Who, Monkees. There were comics like Valiant, Lion, Eagle, TV21 and Hotspur. I think if anything it's todays kids who are living with spiritual austerity in a world of ephemeral gadgets and low quality rubbish toys.
spottydog4477 Austere except for the children of the Royal family, members of Parliament, bankers and munitions makers that profitted greatly from the war. I have great childhood memories of enjoying these cars and trucks though. Many thanks to the person who uploaded this gem.
Nice clip, takes me back to my childhood in New Zealand as a 6 yr old in 1966, I had 4 or 5 of these examples, my favourite was the yellow wreck truck (no 13) that my aunty gave me.
My mother bought me that same wrecker truck as my first Matchbox (I must have been 5 years old). She got for me at the local hardware store (Talcott Hardware) in Chicago,IL. Loved that truck as well!
I grew up within a mile of the Lesney factory and my mum even worked there for a time. Every Christmas I'd get about the entire collection. Mostly seconds that had minor imperfections. Some were grey unpainted versions. They'd be worth a fortune now. Gave them all away when I was a teenager and felt too old for toys. What a fool I was.
@@manofweed1. Close one. My mum actually grew up in Edmonton. We lived in Clapton though. Hackney marshes was five minutes from our house. Sadly I can't ask her about your dad as she passed away in the early 90s. What a wonderful way to earn a living. Making toys that children of all ages can cherish. Sad day when the factory was demolished. There's a flash apartment block on the site now. Thanks for the reply.
Another great video - very much appreciate your incredulity in the mythology and the realistic assessment of the business strategies, and the nature of collecting. Again, great editing.
I had a lot of these as a child, being born in the mid 60s - I've still got some of them. Even as a small child the scale thing really bothered me. Having a bus that was the same length as a saloon car was just plain wrong in my youthful eyes. It didn't stop me spending hours playing with them though.
Wonderful - thank you so much! I still have so many of those early Matchbox vehicles (in well-played condition) and seeing the catalog really brought back a lot of happy memories. I certainly remember the racing-car transporter, and scratching cars wasn't nearly so much of a concern as having cars get stuck inside! I hadn't thought of the 'Hoveringham' name for more than 50 years, but as soon as you showed and said it, the memory of it came right back to me! I don't recall seeing a catalog back in the 1960s, but I did have one of those BP service stations - or a similar one at least. I remember having one with an operating car elevator and a ramp at the rear so you could raise a car to the upper level then let it roll down the ramp back to the ground. Maybe that wasn't a Matchbox product though. Anyhow, thanks so much for the memories!
The year I was born. I was fortunate as a child to be allowed to play with my uncle’s 60’s pre superfast Matchbox cars whenever I visited my Grandmother. I treated them like gold, never taking them out of the house, only playing with them in the living room on the floor in front of the fireplace. A decade later, my uncle had a child of his own, and those two full cases of cars were given to him. Now they are lost forever. Thanks for sharing this fantastic informative content!
Thanks for the rememberies!! Can't remember how many of theses catalogs my brother and I had. Every time we found Matchbox cars in stores, we'd each ask for one!! And got them!!! Same with the models; we had very few autos, mostly trucks, buses, fire trucks, etc. The fire station we got was different from the 'MOD' one. Had the cardboard road play set too, but ours was a different version of the one shown here!
well done, loved the video. I had an aunt that worked in the factory that gave me one of the king size models as a gift that came directly from the factory. still have it to this day. would like to see more on the king size series.😄😄😄
I had this catalog though it's whereabouts are unknown today. I still have many of these cars in the catalog and are still cherished. Thanks for your video.
I had so many of these Matchbox cars and trucks that I stored them in an extra large Matchbox carrying case and a single carrying case. Both had a Matchbox toy on the front. This brought back a lot of memories. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks for posting this video. I was born in 1966. My mom made put my cars back in their cases after playing with them. They occasionally saw flour and some fine dry dirt outside. I had to wash them after play. Needless to say, I have many of these models in mint condition. Sorry I won't part with these. I sold all my super kings and a boat load of Corgi, Dinky and Solido. My daughter and I played with them in flour just as I did as a kid. These are meant to be played with. Just take care of 'em and they'll last decades. Many, many fond memories. Thank you.
My dad worked for Lesley, I own blue prints from yesteryear cars and even better, the original scale up wooden models that were used to make the actual moulds/ dies
There's a picture of me as a 6 yr. old on Santa's lap w/a 1969 catalog fatalg him telling which cars I wanted. Still have that catalog and all the cars I had. It's all I would think about!
thank you so much for uploading, brings back lots of memories - i owned almost all of these matchbox cars as a kid except the big ones, including the sets - i was a little entrepreneur when i was a kid and would buy cars from other kids for a quarter each and then resell them at a matchbox car store where collectors there would pay from a dollar to 25 dollars for used collectible ones, once sold a bullnose cowley for 100 dollars (from the yesteryear collection) in the 60's that was a lot of money for a kid
You brought back a lot of found memories as I was born in January of 66 and several of these my parents bought me to play with in my crib since I didn't care for any other toys.
I remember as a kid having a Matchbox "Motorway #-12" track, it had a spring that ran through the tract and "drove" the cars along. Did any one else own such a toy?
As a Brit and being of an age to remember Matchbox toys when they were originally produced, I don't remember ever playing with them. I was a Dinky lover from my earliest years and any pre-1960 Dinky still gives me pleasure. That said, I enjoyed your video and as a diecast collector, up to a point I buy any of the earlier Matchbox when I see them. FYI Hoveringham was an aggregates company, named for the village in Nottinghamshire, that went out of business in 1982. Like most words ending in -ham in this country it isn't pronounced 'ham' but 'um'. Hoveringham, Nottingham, Windlesham, Snettisham, Aldenham, Altrincham, etc., all end in the -um sound with no 'h'.
I really enjoyed your video. I was born in the mid 1960’s, so I started playing with these around ‘68. I had a few of these models as hand-me-downs, but most of my cars were from the early seventies. I also had a lot of Mattel’s Hotwheels. I remember at the time, Matchbox cars cost 50 cents, and Hotwheels cost a dollar. It’s funny because Matchbox cars were much more detailed, and lots of them had doors and hoods that opened.Those were cool features I loved. Hotwheels seemed to carry more prestige, and thinking about it now, it’s probably because of how they were marketed. My favorite Matchbox cars were the Mercedes ambulance and the Mercury station wagon with the dogs in the back. I think I’m going to start looking for the Cars of Yesteryear. Thanks again for this beautiful video.
Thanks for rekindling so many fond memories not only of the toys but also the fun had sharing and playing with them in the company of brothers, schoolmates and local kids. Also recognising many of these particular catalogue items and sets I cherished (and as you rightly identified, chewed!) The larger, King Size Matchbox series we’re in competition with such names as Corgi, Miric, Spot-on and Dinky before the joys of Hot Wheels graced us with speedy, metallic flake, surfboard carriers and detachable sub chassis track racers. Their appeal was that you had a bright, durably-painted, wheeled vehicle that could be pushed or sent rolling and that it easily fitted in your hand. As cars were not as prevalent, you could hold sway over many more model cars in your garage than were perhaps in a whole street. The articulation of say, a Hoveringham truck’s (nicely damped) tipping system also added to the thrill and fantasy factor of such toys. The appeal of the tracks and cardboard dioramas were that they stimulated the imagination rather than present a scaled down system like Scalextric or even Matchbox’s later effort with a driven wire coil track set. Also prevalent at the time were building block systems such Lego or a smaller, more apt scale from Betta-builder. So the that vital element of play was integrated into its simplicity rather than those vintage, scale model series such as early Rolls’ or Model Ts.
Great video. Makes me regret not buying all those beaten up matchbox cars in carbootsales of the early 90's. They were readily available in varying conditions at that time.
My brother has the complete collection in the original boxes never taken out. He also has all the catalogs in brand new condition. Also has all major size and all king size. Started collecting when we were kids, now in our late 60's. I still have a few out of that catalog in fair condition because we played with mine and kept his in the boxes. Used to spend our allowance every week on those Matchbox toys.
When I was a child in Melilla those were the toys they offer me, I did have quite a few, regretfully I gave to other boys so they’ll be my friends... but seeing your video I remember some of the cars and trucks I did own , a souvenir from 50 years in the past , thanks for that!
Thank you so much for posting this. Loved the commentary too. Just wanted to point out for others that the Bedford newspaper delivery van shown at around 16 min 48 sec is former Model # 42, which last appeared in the 1964 Matchbox catalog, & then was replaced in the 1965 catalog with the Studebaker station wagon. Again, thanks for the wonderful video & commentary.
4:30 I'm pretty sure I've seen that ambulance at my grandparents'. IIRC it's missing at least one rear door though. I also remember they have a lot of other familiar cars from this catalogue. Bedford tipper truck, Cadillac ambulance, the yellow Impala taxi, the police car, Studebaker station wagon, Ford Anglia, military scout car, BP tanker, Lincoln Continental (missing the boot lid), long distance removal truck, blue version of the Land Rover Might've been even more. I'll need to make an inventory of that car collection when I visit next time.
Seeing that busy London street scene with a Ford Galaxie fire chief's car conspicuously right in the center makes me think of the old Sesame Street song; "One of these things is not like the others One of these things just doesn't belong..."
@@grobbler1 I have mine in cases in my basement. I miss setting them up with my trains. Only have so much room under the tree. No platform since I had to cut it in half and store in my basement. Haven't had the time to fix it. (
I miss my mach 1 mustang it was yellow black hood it was from early 70's it had motor sticking out of the hood i had it up to the 1980's but sold all my toy cars to buy my first real car i babied my cares never took them outside im 52yrs old now such good memories i still miss that car so much
I'd love to see a 1960 Catalog. I have a lot of the Lesney Matchbox toys from the '50s and early '60s, and those are of particular interest to me. The Evening News Van is one of my absolute favorites. It doesn't even have an interior, but it's just a cute little thing. There's just something about the early vehicles I suppose. I have some of the Major packs stuff like the BP Autotanker, but I don't actually have any of the King-size toys as of yet. In regards to Matchbox people and the scale of the cars: That ice cream guy would have to be 10' tall! lol. Hard to find him with the ice cream cone still intact, but these little figures are a lot of fun, and add extra interest. Thanks for sharing this catalog and the information in this video!
Thanks for the exceptionally well produced video. One of the best I’ve seen in a long time. I owned a lot of these cars as a kid. Get nostalgia. As a side note, your voice-over was AMAZING! Perfect annunciation, clarity, and pace...and oddly soothing 😁
Nice nostalgic video on Matchbox vehicles! Thanks for sharing. It is my understanding that the reason older Matchbox vehicles have their tires come loose is due to the plastic resin wheels shrinking, not the tires expanding (note that Matchbox vehicles with diecast metal wheels don't suffer from this issue of loose tires). There are dealers that sell replacement tires on-line that have a narrower center to fit the shrunken wheels, but they're pricey.
Back in the day you didn’t really care about the artwork on the box most of your toys had very 1d colourful and artistic boxes they would inspire your imagination and play, the garage would become home for matchbox corgi and Dinky cars and was wonderful . Interesting video 👍👍👍
I want that catalog I been picking up most those cars at antique stores and flea markets here recently. I'll be doing a video of them once I get time. Thanks for the video.
The 3 publications I looked MOST forward to as a kid in the 1960s......the Fall TV Guide ( new shows ) edition.....the Sears Christmas catalog....& that annual Matchbox catalog.
I have a spare vehicle transporter in need of restoration, it's literally in front of me right now. Shipping from the UK could be a problem, you are welcome to it if something can be figured out. I have another in much better condition and you're right, it does make a fantastic display when filled with cars.
Fascinating to see a London County Council ambulance helping out a Denver fire truck in what is clearly an American scene. I wonder how bothered US kids were at seeing something as Anglo-centric as a newspaper van with the football pools results, or a "Lyons Maid" ice cream van? While American cars were far from common on British roads in the 1960s, TV and movies had familiarised the locals with Detroit products, so they weren't entirely alien. Around airbases in the east of England there was a lot of US influence. The type and origin of the vehicles was just another trigger for the story world in their heads, so a road roller and a race car had no trouble interacting.
When I was 8 years old I didn't care if the cars and trucks were not of the USA streets . If they fit in the carry case they were cool We have Mr Softee, and no one cared the toy was Lyons Maid. Yes we had the play layout with the London bus on the same streets as the Greyhound bus , and the Denver pumper was parked in the fire station with the Kent fire truck and air port crash tender. Cars sales at the BP station ? Would have been a blue moon to see 2 cars of the same year and make on the upper level display . We also had Husky and few off brands like Impy . For out door play we had Tonka , Structo and Buddy L
@@ogarnogin5160 Husky will be forever synonymous with Woolworth's stores. Sold in little blister packs so you could see the contents, unlike Matchbox. As a kid I was a diecast nut. One thing I wish I still had is the Hot Wheels garage that powered the cars round another lap with two high speed foam rollers.
15:12 I have one of these fire stations in just about perfect shape and it looks like the artist rendering. Mine is missing doors sadly. Nabbed it for $2 at a yard sale over the summer.
What a great video. I have never seen the '66 catalog. I have from childhood the '69 catalog, it looks much the same. Also many of the cars from it as well. I should make a video of all the cars and shots from the catalog
This educational video has revamped; the memory of when I used to have, a Wrigley's spearmint chewing gum factory. This place also used to be a Lipton tea factory, on Mission Street, Santa Cruz CA.! 🏭 😳 😀 🤔
Thanks for this video. Looking forward to seeing more catalogs. I have the Dodge twin tipper as well: a superb model. The prime mover cab is very accurate representation of the Dodge 700 series. If you plan on restoring yours, it breaks down into something like 80 or more parts. Probably the most of any Matchbox.
Thanks for the video. I have a lot of those, including Yesteryear and King Size. The ambulance in King Size has a patient with a plastic red blanket. The patient's head is bandaged, his arm is in a sling and one leg is splinted. (Maybe he was in the Fiat when my older brother left it in the driveway and Dad ran over it with his real car) I have lost the blanket, though.
Matchbox collector adding my two cents. British Petroleum paid Lesney to advertise their brand. This did give BP the ability to choose paint design. The ultra rare 13D reverse color wrecker is rare because BP had Lesney change the color scheme. According to Jack O'Dell of Lesney the 41D Ford GT was the best selling Matchbox product ever. Unfortunately Lesney did not keep production records so it all goes as hearsay.
It really bummed me out when Matchbox went to the "Superfast" wheels after Hot Wheels began digging into their sales. It also bugged me that renditions of bigger vehicles werent to scale: compare the doubledecker bus along side, say, the VW beetle. Perhaps I was too finicky as a child?
Well,this makes me feel old! I'm watching this saying ,'had that one!' 'my friend had that Studebaker!' You'd need a metal detector to find them now! Thanks for saving what's left.
I lived in England from '63 to '66. My Dad was career US Air Force. Best 3 years of my life. I love the people of England and the historical places. My best friend Simon, whose father was a headmaster at a local school, collected Lesneys with his pocket money and I'd ride the double-decker bus to Bedford on Saturday with him to check out the latest ones. I quite fancied the model steam engines that really worked and still have mine after all these years in working condition. I got it for Christmas of '65. I'm certain it cost my parents a pretty penny considering my father was making about $300/month (about 110 quid). All my best to my Brit friends. You made those 3 years some wonderful memories.
My dad used to work for them in Hackney. He used to bring one home every Friday I have a large tea chest full of them lol
8:10
"the child would have to remove the sprus before eating them" You got me laughing loud enough to wake the wife!
Michael Deering . Hi Michael I see we share the same surname. Mine comes from my grandfather who came from Kent England. Any connection?
@@williamjamesdeering-webb1656 As far as I understand my family came from Ireland but it is a small Europe so who's to say, it's a good strong name either way!
Michael Deering . The name is quite unusual, I believe it originated in Germany, I am aware of the Irish connections. It has strong links to the east end of London. Regards to you.
some of Tomica's mainline diecasts today, especially motorcycles, can still come with a figure to ride on the bike because the biker figure's big enough that a child wouldn't be able to swallow it
the ones that come with swallowable-sized minifigures and miniprops are all from the Limited Vintage line (some of them can even form a self-contained mini diorama like the Honda truck of 2021), which are clearly labelled "ages 15+"
BP wasn't a private company at the time, it was the state petrol company, so, there would be no charge for using the logo.
"Remove the cows from the sprue before eating them". LoL
I recognised the artwork in the thumbnail. This was my first Matchbox catalogue. I was 5-6 years old. What a thrill to see it again. I always wanted the old fashioned cars, but I was told they cost too much. $1.25 - $1.50 looks much more reasonable now. Thank you for posting this!
Thanks for the video! From a Matchbox fan born in 1961 ❤️🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Thank you. Marvelous time travel back 58 years! I recognize so many i had! All arranged in the Matchbox carrying case. I can still smell the plastic.
Great video . Loved them growing up . Love them now . I managed to recollect almost all that era cars 1-75 just missing a few of the proper # for the era .
Went to many a toy show when I was younger & Classifieds
No eBay back then 😊
A real nostalgia trip, remembering the models I used to own.
Only just seen this - I have an extensive collection of old Matchbox and are still collecting. Only in May 2022 did I pick up the 1966 BP gas station in mint condition for £15 U.K.- the best thing I have. Your video inspires me to do more about my collection
Many of these models were part of my childhood. Now I see 31 persons dislike it. Poor them!
Magnificent! Thank you for a look at the cars & such an excellent history capsule.
I was born in 1964 and I remember to have had many of these cars, and might still have some of them stashed away somewhere. But not in very good condition, far from it. And I remember these catalogues, got to choose my christmas and birthday presents from those. Of course a bit later than -66. Maybe beginning from -68/69. I had that BP petrol station. Thanks for this, brings back memories. Greetings from Finland!
Wonderful trip down memory lane. My automotive interest was evident even as a child. Owned the Ferrari, BRM and Lotus F1 cars, the green Ferrari Berlinetta, the Ford GT 40 and the race car hauler.
I have the Ford GT40 in my collection.
Nice video. 👏
In an austere post war Britain, kids were grateful for anything they got - even cardboard roads!!
Now a days kids still get cheap toys and cardboard roads
They were great timesfor kids in the mid 60's (I was 8 in 1966} We had quality chidren's toys like Hornby, Matchbox, Corgi, Tri-ang and Meccano - made in Britain too. All metal, nicely painted and presented, not like the gaudy plastic crap of today. We had children's TV shows like Thunderbirds, Fireball XL5, Stingray, Johnny Quest and Dr Who. Classic pop music, Beatles, Kinks, Who, Monkees. There were comics like Valiant, Lion, Eagle, TV21 and Hotspur.
I think if anything it's todays kids who are living with spiritual austerity in a world of ephemeral gadgets and low quality rubbish toys.
spottydog4477 Austere except for the children of the Royal family, members of Parliament, bankers and munitions makers that profitted greatly from the war. I have great childhood memories of enjoying these cars and trucks though. Many thanks to the person who uploaded this gem.
Nice clip, takes me back to my childhood in New Zealand as a 6 yr old in 1966, I had 4 or 5 of these examples, my favourite was the yellow wreck truck (no 13) that my aunty gave me.
My mother bought me that same wrecker truck as my first Matchbox (I must have been 5 years old). She got for me at the local hardware store (Talcott Hardware) in Chicago,IL. Loved that truck as well!
I miss the hand drawn artwork of things from back then.
I grew up within a mile of the Lesney factory and my mum even worked there for a time. Every Christmas I'd get about the entire collection. Mostly seconds that had minor imperfections. Some were grey unpainted versions. They'd be worth a fortune now. Gave them all away when I was a teenager and felt too old for toys. What a fool I was.
Was that in Edmonton UK ? She might have known my father. He was a manager there around 1970 -72
@@manofweed1. Close one. My mum actually grew up in Edmonton. We lived in Clapton though. Hackney marshes was five minutes from our house. Sadly I can't ask her about your dad as she passed away in the early 90s. What a wonderful way to earn a living. Making toys that children of all ages can cherish. Sad day when the factory was demolished. There's a flash apartment block on the site now. Thanks for the reply.
Another great video - very much appreciate your incredulity in the mythology and the realistic assessment of the business strategies, and the nature of collecting. Again, great editing.
I had a lot of these as a child, being born in the mid 60s - I've still got some of them.
Even as a small child the scale thing really bothered me. Having a bus that was the same length as a saloon car was just plain wrong in my youthful eyes. It didn't stop me spending hours playing with them though.
Awesome videos, big fan of your work and cars .
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL.
Mike Espo ...
Wonderful - thank you so much! I still have so many of those early Matchbox vehicles (in well-played condition) and seeing the catalog really brought back a lot of happy memories. I certainly remember the racing-car transporter, and scratching cars wasn't nearly so much of a concern as having cars get stuck inside! I hadn't thought of the 'Hoveringham' name for more than 50 years, but as soon as you showed and said it, the memory of it came right back to me!
I don't recall seeing a catalog back in the 1960s, but I did have one of those BP service stations - or a similar one at least. I remember having one with an operating car elevator and a ramp at the rear so you could raise a car to the upper level then let it roll down the ramp back to the ground. Maybe that wasn't a Matchbox product though.
Anyhow, thanks so much for the memories!
what a treat from the early morning !
Love looking at these old catalogues especially the playset as I never had any of these as a kid.
The year I was born.
I was fortunate as a child to be allowed to play with my uncle’s 60’s pre superfast Matchbox cars whenever I visited my Grandmother. I treated them like gold, never taking them out of the house, only playing with them in the living room on the floor in front of the fireplace.
A decade later, my uncle had a child of his own, and those two full cases of cars were given to him. Now they are lost forever.
Thanks for sharing this fantastic informative content!
Thanks for the rememberies!! Can't remember how many of theses catalogs my brother and I had. Every time we found Matchbox cars in stores, we'd each ask for one!! And got them!!! Same with the models; we had very few autos, mostly trucks, buses, fire trucks, etc. The fire station we got was different from the 'MOD' one. Had the cardboard road play set too, but ours was a different version of the one shown here!
well done, loved the video. I had an aunt that worked in the factory that gave me one of the king size models as a gift that came directly from the factory. still have it to this day. would like to see more on the king size series.😄😄😄
I had this catalog though it's whereabouts are unknown today. I still have many of these cars in the catalog and are still cherished. Thanks for your video.
Great video. Very nostalgic to a simpler time
I had so many of these Matchbox cars and trucks that I stored them in an extra large Matchbox carrying case and a single carrying case. Both had a Matchbox toy on the front. This brought back a lot of memories. Thanks for sharing this.
Great video! So much information and wonderful art! Thank you!
Thanks for posting this video. I was born in 1966. My mom made put my cars back in their cases after playing with them. They occasionally saw flour and some fine dry dirt outside. I had to wash them after play. Needless to say, I have many of these models in mint condition. Sorry I won't part with these. I sold all my super kings and a boat load of Corgi, Dinky and Solido. My daughter and I played with them in flour just as I did as a kid. These are meant to be played with. Just take care of 'em and they'll last decades. Many, many fond memories. Thank you.
My dad worked for Lesley, I own blue prints from yesteryear cars and even better, the original scale up wooden models that were used to make the actual moulds/ dies
In Edmonton UK ? My father was a manager there around 70-72.
manofweed1 it was around that time, he worked at airfix aswell, he died in 2003 aged 67, so unable to clarify
I really enjoy this updated format with the scanned images and voice-over. Looking forward to the next one!
There's a picture of me as a 6 yr. old on Santa's lap w/a 1969 catalog fatalg him telling which cars I wanted.
Still have that catalog and all the cars I had. It's all I would think about!
thank you so much for uploading, brings back lots of memories - i owned almost all of these matchbox cars as a kid except the big ones, including the sets - i was a little entrepreneur when i was a kid and would buy cars from other kids for a quarter each and then resell them at a matchbox car store where collectors there would pay from a dollar to 25 dollars for used collectible ones, once sold a bullnose cowley for 100 dollars (from the yesteryear collection) in the 60's that was a lot of money for a kid
Very informative video and a lovely review of past times. Thanks for sharing, Mate and best regards from Cuxhaven at the northsea-shore. 😁👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you, well done. Much help to my understanding of what I am finding that I like very much!
Hindsight is a wonderful thing! I only wish I still had my childhood "MB" collection. Thank you for these memories indeed!!
You brought back a lot of found memories as I was born in January of 66 and several of these my parents bought me to play with in my crib since I didn't care for any other toys.
I remember as a kid having a Matchbox "Motorway #-12" track, it had a spring that ran through the tract and "drove" the cars along. Did any one else own such a toy?
Great video, very interesting to watch. Had and destroyed most of the cars in the catalog when I was a kid so im trying to make up for it now.
Where would I find replacement tracks for the original Yellow Bulldozer??
@@eamondunne8325 depends on which country your in? and if anyone is making them.
Same here. They'd be worth a small fortune if I still had them with their boxes.
As a Brit and being of an age to remember Matchbox toys when they were originally produced, I don't remember ever playing with them. I was a Dinky lover from my earliest years and any pre-1960 Dinky still gives me pleasure. That said, I enjoyed your video and as a diecast collector, up to a point I buy any of the earlier Matchbox when I see them. FYI Hoveringham was an aggregates company, named for the village in Nottinghamshire, that went out of business in 1982. Like most words ending in -ham in this country it isn't pronounced 'ham' but 'um'. Hoveringham, Nottingham, Windlesham, Snettisham, Aldenham, Altrincham, etc., all end in the -um sound with no 'h'.
I really enjoyed your video. I was born in the mid 1960’s, so I started playing with these around ‘68. I had a few of these models as hand-me-downs, but most of my cars were from the early seventies. I also had a lot of Mattel’s Hotwheels. I remember at the time, Matchbox cars cost 50 cents, and Hotwheels cost a dollar. It’s funny because Matchbox cars were much more detailed, and lots of them had doors and hoods that opened.Those were cool features I loved. Hotwheels seemed to carry more prestige, and thinking about it now, it’s probably because of how they were marketed. My favorite Matchbox cars were the Mercedes ambulance and the Mercury station wagon with the dogs in the back. I think I’m going to start looking for the Cars of Yesteryear. Thanks again for this beautiful video.
Thanks for rekindling so many fond memories not only of the toys but also the fun had sharing and playing with them in the company of brothers, schoolmates and local kids. Also recognising many of these particular catalogue items and sets I cherished (and as you rightly identified, chewed!) The larger, King Size Matchbox series we’re in competition with such names as Corgi, Miric, Spot-on and Dinky before the joys of Hot Wheels graced us with speedy, metallic flake, surfboard carriers and detachable sub chassis track racers. Their appeal was that you had a bright, durably-painted, wheeled vehicle that could be pushed or sent rolling and that it easily fitted in your hand. As cars were not as prevalent, you could hold sway over many more model cars in your garage than were perhaps in a whole street. The articulation of say, a Hoveringham truck’s (nicely damped) tipping system also added to the thrill and fantasy factor of such toys. The appeal of the tracks and cardboard dioramas were that they stimulated the imagination rather than present a scaled down system like Scalextric or even Matchbox’s later effort with a driven wire coil track set. Also prevalent at the time were building block systems such Lego or a smaller, more apt scale from Betta-builder. So the that vital element of play was integrated into its simplicity rather than those vintage, scale model series such as early Rolls’ or Model Ts.
Lovely illustrations in this catalogue.
Great video. Makes me regret not buying all those beaten up matchbox cars in carbootsales of the early 90's. They were readily available in varying conditions at that time.
My brother has the complete collection in the original boxes never taken out. He also has all the catalogs in brand new condition. Also has all major size and all king size. Started collecting when we were kids, now in our late 60's. I still have a few out of that catalog in fair condition because we played with mine and kept his in the boxes. Used to spend our allowance every week on those Matchbox toys.
When I was a child in Melilla those were the toys they offer me, I did have quite a few, regretfully I gave to other boys so they’ll be my friends... but seeing your video I remember some of the cars and trucks I did own , a souvenir from 50 years in the past , thanks for that!
Thank you so much for posting this. Loved the commentary too. Just wanted to point out for others that the Bedford newspaper delivery van shown at around 16 min 48 sec is former Model # 42, which last appeared in the 1964 Matchbox catalog, & then was replaced in the 1965 catalog with the Studebaker station wagon. Again, thanks for the wonderful video & commentary.
Great video! Love the historic aspect of this. Props for your dedication to your hobby and sharing with you friends and fans!!!
4:30 I'm pretty sure I've seen that ambulance at my grandparents'. IIRC it's missing at least one rear door though. I also remember they have a lot of other familiar cars from this catalogue. Bedford tipper truck, Cadillac ambulance, the yellow Impala taxi, the police car, Studebaker station wagon, Ford Anglia, military scout car, BP tanker, Lincoln Continental (missing the boot lid), long distance removal truck, blue version of the Land Rover Might've been even more. I'll need to make an inventory of that car collection when I visit next time.
That was awesome my friend, I really enjoy looking at the old catalogs. I'm going to re-watch this video tomorrow
Seeing that busy London street scene with a Ford Galaxie fire chief's car conspicuously right in the center makes me think of the old Sesame Street song;
"One of these things is not like the others
One of these things just doesn't belong..."
still collecting at 60 years old
I'm 55 and still keeping an eye out for die-cast treasures. I think I'm 'rescuing' them, as all my childhood ones were lost.
@@grobbler1 I have mine in cases in my basement. I miss setting them up with my trains. Only have so much room under the tree. No platform since I had to cut it in half and store in my basement. Haven't had the time to fix it. (
Delightful video. Pure nostalgia, presented in a soothing voice. Great channel.
I miss my mach 1 mustang it was yellow black hood it was from early 70's it had motor sticking out of the hood i had it up to the 1980's but sold all my toy cars to buy my first real car i babied my cares never took them outside im 52yrs old now such good memories i still miss that car so much
I'd love to see a 1960 Catalog. I have a lot of the Lesney Matchbox toys from the '50s and early '60s, and those are of particular interest to me. The Evening News Van is one of my absolute favorites. It doesn't even have an interior, but it's just a cute little thing. There's just something about the early vehicles I suppose. I have some of the Major packs stuff like the BP Autotanker, but I don't actually have any of the King-size toys as of yet.
In regards to Matchbox people and the scale of the cars: That ice cream guy would have to be 10' tall! lol. Hard to find him with the ice cream cone still intact, but these little figures are a lot of fun, and add extra interest.
Thanks for sharing this catalog and the information in this video!
I happen to have a mint Evening News Van in the original box. The very crown jewel in my Matchbox Treasure Chest!
@@yukimikasaki9705 Very sweet!
Wonderful Matchbox toys from 1969-1972.Ricardo
Thank you for an amazing video and trip down memory lane!
One of your best videos! Never got into matchbox (I was an Airplane freak when I was a kid),,but the catalog is awesome.
Thanks for the exceptionally well produced video. One of the best I’ve seen in a long time. I owned a lot of these cars as a kid. Get nostalgia.
As a side note, your voice-over was AMAZING! Perfect annunciation, clarity, and pace...and oddly soothing 😁
Very good video friend, very cool vehicles, greetings
Good content. It was a very nice presentation of the history of matchbox
Very interesting!
I had very few Matchbox as a child- my brother and I had mostly Husky and later on Hot Wheels!
Nice nostalgic video on Matchbox vehicles! Thanks for sharing. It is my understanding that the reason older Matchbox vehicles have their tires come loose is due to the plastic resin wheels shrinking, not the tires expanding (note that Matchbox vehicles with diecast metal wheels don't suffer from this issue of loose tires). There are dealers that sell replacement tires on-line that have a narrower center to fit the shrunken wheels, but they're pricey.
Back in the day you didn’t really care about the artwork on the box most of your toys had very 1d colourful and artistic boxes they would inspire your imagination and play, the garage would become home for matchbox corgi and Dinky cars and was wonderful . Interesting video 👍👍👍
Great video, thank you my Car Love'n friend!
I want that catalog I been picking up most those cars at antique stores and flea markets here recently. I'll be doing a video of them once I get time. Thanks for the video.
Its ironic how all the new casts run rings around the originals but the originals sell for so much more. Amazing people's love for the nostalgic.
Thanks for sharing these catalogs.
The old match box factory was near my house in the east end of London.
The 3 publications I looked MOST forward to as a kid in the 1960s......the Fall TV Guide ( new shows ) edition.....the Sears Christmas catalog....& that annual Matchbox catalog.
OMG... this brings back so many memories.
I have a spare vehicle transporter in need of restoration, it's literally in front of me right now.
Shipping from the UK could be a problem, you are welcome to it if something can be figured out.
I have another in much better condition and you're right, it does make a fantastic display when filled with cars.
Very interesting and informative!!!
Had the Triumph motorcycle and side car as a kid. Also #46, 47 and 48 too. Great memories.
Got the M4 in 67 for Christmas.
Very nice clip, amazing fotage and informations of that time.
Great stuff. My brother and I had many of these models.
Thank you for the amazing videos. Hope you and your family have a good Thanksgiving!
Fascinating to see a London County Council ambulance helping out a Denver fire truck in what is clearly an American scene. I wonder how bothered US kids were at seeing something as Anglo-centric as a newspaper van with the football pools results, or a "Lyons Maid" ice cream van? While American cars were far from common on British roads in the 1960s, TV and movies had familiarised the locals with Detroit products, so they weren't entirely alien. Around airbases in the east of England there was a lot of US influence.
The type and origin of the vehicles was just another trigger for the story world in their heads, so a road roller and a race car had no trouble interacting.
When I was 8 years old I didn't care if the cars and trucks were not of the USA streets . If they fit in the carry case they were cool We have Mr Softee, and no one cared the toy was Lyons Maid. Yes we had the play layout with the London bus on the same streets as the Greyhound bus , and the Denver pumper was parked in the fire station with the Kent fire truck and air port crash tender. Cars sales at the BP station ? Would have been a blue moon to see 2 cars of the same year and make on the upper level display . We also had Husky and few off brands like Impy . For out door play we had Tonka , Structo and Buddy L
@@ogarnogin5160 Husky will be forever synonymous with Woolworth's stores. Sold in little blister packs so you could see the contents, unlike Matchbox. As a kid I was a diecast nut. One thing I wish I still had is the Hot Wheels garage that powered the cars round another lap with two high speed foam rollers.
Awesome video! I look forward to the 70s.
15:12 I have one of these fire stations in just about perfect shape and it looks like the artist rendering. Mine is missing doors sadly. Nabbed it for $2 at a yard sale over the summer.
I still have my catalogs from when I was a kid. 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, and 3 1969, just looking at them the other day.
Wow, wish i had these all back, had so many including the G-2 set car hauler
thank you. i did not know that about the silver ghosts and front wheel drive mg. i missed two. very well done my friend.
What a great video. I have never seen the '66 catalog. I have from childhood the '69 catalog, it looks much the same. Also many of the cars from it as well. I should make a video of all the cars and shots from the catalog
This educational video has revamped; the memory of when I used to have, a Wrigley's spearmint chewing gum factory. This place also used to be a Lipton tea factory, on Mission Street, Santa Cruz CA.! 🏭 😳 😀 🤔
Thanks for this video. Looking forward to seeing more catalogs. I have the Dodge twin tipper as well: a superb model. The prime mover cab is very accurate representation of the Dodge 700 series. If you plan on restoring yours, it breaks down into something like 80 or more parts. Probably the most of any Matchbox.
Thanks for the video. I have a lot of those, including Yesteryear and King Size. The ambulance in King Size has a patient with a plastic red blanket. The patient's head is bandaged, his arm is in a sling and one leg is splinted. (Maybe he was in the Fiat when my older brother left it in the driveway and Dad ran over it with his real car) I have lost the blanket, though.
Thank you for all of the information
Matchbox collector adding my two cents. British Petroleum paid Lesney to advertise their brand. This did give BP the ability to choose paint design. The ultra rare 13D reverse color wrecker is rare because BP had Lesney change the color scheme. According to Jack O'Dell of Lesney the 41D Ford GT was the best selling Matchbox product ever. Unfortunately Lesney did not keep production records so it all goes as hearsay.
Matchbox model from 1969 to 1972 smells fruit candy wonders.Ricardo
Very interesting and informative about Matchboxes history..
It really bummed me out when Matchbox went to the "Superfast" wheels after Hot Wheels began digging into their sales. It also bugged me that renditions of bigger vehicles werent to scale: compare the doubledecker bus along side, say, the VW beetle. Perhaps I was too finicky as a child?
Well,this makes me feel old! I'm watching this saying ,'had that one!' 'my friend had that Studebaker!' You'd need a metal detector to find them now! Thanks for saving what's left.
Funny to know is, that especially the model M9, is frequently seen in some episodes of the Thunderbirds, made by Gerry Anderson.
The Interstate double freighter? Seen it on nearly every airport scene in Thunderbirds. Alot of other Matchbox cars used in the series as well.
Cool, thanks for sharing that with me!