April 1996 Matchbox Releases

Here is a list and small description (my own) of all the Matchbox models that are released so far in the Month of April 1996. I will keep updating this list as more and more models show up. In the mean time Happy Hunting to all collectors.

Standard MB1-75 Models

13-F- .... The Buster .... Met blue body, yellow & pink sides (NEW MODEL)
16-E- .... Ford LTD .... Met blue body, white interior, "State Police"
40-I- .... Ford Mondeo .... Blue body, tan interior, Red lettered tempo, w/o scale cast on the base
52-F- .... Escort Cosworth .... Met red body, yellow and white side tempo
57-H- .... Auxiliary Truck .... White body, cherry window, "Bridge & Highway Dept/57"
77- ...... Weasel ..... Olive body. (There is nothing exciting about this model except that the blister card reads "77" instead of its actual catalog number of "70." Please note that this model is available with both numbered (70 & 77) blister cards at Toys R US. This information is for those collectors who are into packaging variation.)

Promotional Models

38-E- .... Model A Ford .... Dk blue, "Kellogg's Corn Flakes"
(This is a Swedish promotional originally released in October 1995; but it was not until Mar 1996 that Matchbox collectors discovered it)
44-H- .... Model T Ford .... White body, "Farnham Maltings/1 -- 7/10/96"
44-H- .... Model T Ford .... White Body, "Farnham Maltings/2 -- 3/10/96"
The above two Farnham models are from the Farnham Maltings Toy Show that is held 4 times a year in Surrey, England. The next show is on 5/26/96 and the following sometimes in July or August. MICA magazine (3/96 issue) confirms that there would be 2 more models in this series.

Premiere Collection (Series 1)

These are not major variations but for variation fanatics (like me) they are extra models to look for. Originally these models came with mag design wheels and now they are available with other design wheels as listed below. Also, in NYC Toys R Us raised the price on Premium Collection from $2.99 to $3.29.

PC-04 .... Toyota Supra .... Iridescent white body, detailed trim, chrome disc w/dot design wheels and rubber tires
PC-05 .... Audi Avus .... Chrome body, detailed trim, chrome disc w/spiral design wheels and rubber tires
PC-05 .... Audi Avus .... Chrome body, detailed trim, chrome disc w/dot design wheels and rubber tires
PC-05 .... Audi Avus .... Chrome body, detailed trim, chrome disc w/sprial design front and dot design rare wheels and rubber tires

White Rose Collectibles

268-A- .... Ford Thunderbird .... Blue, black interior, "klenex/40"
283-A- .... Monte Carlo .... Blue & White body, red interior, "Lance Snacks/43"
283-A- .... Monte Carlo .... Gold body, gray interior, "Lipton Tea/1995 Champion/74" --- This is a limited edition model comes in a special box
283-A- .... Monte Carlo .... Gold Body, black interior, "1995 Rookie of the year/41" --- This model is a limited edition model comes in a special box
287-A- .... Ford Delivery Van .... White, silver interior, "UGI Gas Service"

Action System Play Sets

So far 8 of the 10 (?) play sets have been released by Matchbox. On every play set it says, "$5.00 in coupons inside". Matchbox have included a US Pocket Catalog in every set that has $5.00 worth of coupons and a mail order form that will entitle the person to order a set of 3 action system models exclusively available through this offer. These models are free with any two proof of purchases and a $1.00 check (for shipping). There is a limit of one set per house hold.

Action System # 1 ..... Police Chase
Action System # 2 ..... Car Wash
Action System # 3 ..... Service Station
Action System # 4 ..... Lift Bridge
Action System # 5 ..... Police Station
Action System # 6 ..... Hospital
Action System # 7 ..... Super Spin Car Wash
Action System # 9 ..... Road Track Set