Superfast

1E  2D  3C  4D  54B   57C

For a full index of models covered, go to the Matchbox Home page.  Click on the picture for a larger version.

The search for detail variations can make the 'hunt' that little bit more interesting!.  Most changes were made necessary to improve the manufacturing process.  Sometimes they involved adding reinforcements where the die had become or was likely to become damaged, sometimes the mould was modified to eliminate spots where the liquid metal did not flow smoothly, sometimes just to improve the 'play' value for Jack Odell always had his ear to the ground when it came to his customers.

On this page we focus on variations found on those models which spanned the transition from 'Regular' wheels to Superfast in 1969.  Follow the Superfast link at the top of this page for some later models.

1E Mercedes Truck  There appear to have been three body moulds - distinguishable by differences in the cab steps (two of them very similar - these two have the more detailed steps).  All were used throughout the model's 4-year life which spanned the transition to Superfast.  The moulds were all modified at the front end with the addition of a 'licence plate' tab to match a base plate alteration which made it possible for the vehicle to be towed by the convenient Heavy Wreck Truck (71C) issued a year after the Mercedes.

After being out of the line for about seven years, the model was re-introduced with the 2E Trailer in a Two-Pack.  Clearly the moulds had become worn and the whole thing was tidied up during the lifetime of the red 'Transcontinental' model (the modified mould is represented here by the blue 'IMS' model)..  The changes at this stage involved the front, the thickness of the mudguards, the size of the fuel tank, etc.

The 2D Mercedes Trailer never sold in the same quantity as the 1E Truck, even though the two models shared the same livery, until they were paired up in a Two Pack.  This time, the only casting changes were made before the model went Superfast.  The front panel was strengthened (the gold SF model in the picture shows the change) and braces inside the rear panel were enlarged.

The 3C Mercedes Benz 'Binz' Ambulance saw several changes during the nine years it was in production (six in the '75' line, a three year gap, then three in a Twin-Pack).

The first picture shows how the rear wheel arches were enlarged during the BPW (black plastic wheels) period.  This change was adequate for the first narrow type Superfast wheels, but when wider wheels were introduced, both front and rear wheel arches had to be made still larger as seen in the second picture.

On its re-introduction the moulds were very much simplified.  At the front the headlights, previously part of the metal base, were moulded into the body and the opening rear door was 'sealed shut'.  Further, two stretcher patients were no longer included.

Two baseplate moulds, in which the lettering ran from front to rear or rear to front, with substantial changes to the base on conversion from BPW to SF complete the casting variations on the Ambulance.

But what about the decals and labels?  The Mercedes Ambulance was introduced in 1967, two years after the 54B Cadillac Ambulance .  They ran together until after the changeover to 'superfast'.  As a result, from time to time, the small red cross matched to the Cadillac was applied to the Mercedes and vica versa.   The illustrations show the crosses applied correctly ...  and may help someone to spot the interesting cross-over when one turns up at a swapmeet!

4D, the Dodge Stake Truck shows typical changes in the base when the tow slot at the front was added.  In this case, it was necessary to reduce the size of the descriptive text found in that area.

57C, the Land Rover Fire Truck.  There are three different mouldings of the hoses at the back of the model.  The model on the the left has small hoses with nozzles - the others don't have an end!  The large hose in the middle has a different number of coils in each model - try counting them!  Well, you wouldn't expect them to be rolled up the same way every time, would you?

In the above views, we see that the roof light comes in two different shapes, with a flat top or domed.

And what about the suspension?  This is the only Matchbox with adjustable suspension.  The front of each model is at the top of the picture.  The model on the left has the adjustable suspension.  There is a tab on the plastic slide which when moved forwards gives a 'soft' suspension and back for 'hard' suspension - in the picture the tab is just below the mid position.  The second model has a clear plastic cover without a tab - you can see here what was underneath the slide.  The third model has the smooth cover made of red plastic.  The fourth is the 'superfast' model with revised base.  The picture also shows clearly the clips, as used to cover the 'superfast' axles on the first models to be converted from 'regular' wheels in 1969.

Then there are the decals and labels ...  The first Kent Fire Brigade paper labels were cut similarly to the earlier transfers (decals).  These were obviously awkward to produce and later models had square cut labels.

The last picture shows how, so often, 'superfast' models often stood further off the ground than their 'regular' wheel counterparts.  They didn't look so good!

This page updated 19 November 2004

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