January 1998 Matchbox Releases

The new year is here and the new owner of Matchbox Toys is here also. Let us see what Mattel does to the Matchbox name. There are a lot of new models scheduled including promotional models and short runs. Although Mattel would not give any permission for the short runs, they may show up here and there. The biggest difference is the elimination of White Rose contract. Yes guys! There will be no White Rose Matchbox models from this year. White Rose will be releasing the sports models but under their own name. Anyway, here is a list and a small description (my own) of all the Matchbox models that are released so far in this month. Remember I update this list only when I get the model in my collection. This list will be updated as I get new models until then Happy Collecting. Also, please remember, Mattel has changed the numbering system. I will Still be using the same old numbers from TYCO because that is how I am maintaining my database. You can choose to follow whichever system suites you the best.

Standard MB1-75 Models

01-G- .... Dodge Viper .... White body, blue stripes on hood
02-G- .... Corvette Grand Sport .... Dark blue, white stripe, "Corvette"
03-D- .... Hummer .... Sand body, Black star on hood/sides
04-F- .... 1997 Corvette .... Blue body
07-G- .... Ford Thunderbird .... Blue body, pink stripes, "Peterson/17"
10-F- .... Dodge Viper RT/10 .... Yellow body
13-F- .... The Buster .... Metallic green, yellow stripes
15-J- .... Mustang Mach III .... White body, red hood with stars, blue stripes
18-C- .... Extending Ladder Fire Engine .... White body, Red ladder
19-D- .... Peterbilt Tanker .... Metallic red, black barrel, "Peterbilt"
24-H- .... Ferrari F-40 .... White body, red stripes
25-J- .... BMW Z3 .... Dark blue body, white/red flame design
38-I- .... Corvette Sting Ray .... Red body, blue / white stripes on the sides
45-E- .... Highway Maintenance Truck .... Red body, "Road Crew/Matchbox Unit 45"
46-F- .... Mission Chopper .... Sand body, "AT-7521"
49-I- .... V.W. Concept Car .... Orange body, upside down VW logo
50-E- .... Chevy Blazer .... White body, "Off Road Patrol"
57-H- .... Auxiliary Truck .... Red, "Bridge & Highway dept."
62-J- .... Street Streak .... Bluish green and silver gray body
68-I- .... Stinger .... Black and green body, orange eyes
70-H- .... Pontiac GTO Judge .... Yellow body
73-H- .... Rotwheeler .... Red body
75-G- .... Ferrari F-50 .... Black body, red interior

75 Challenge Cars

24-H- .... Ferrari F-40 .... Gold body
26-H- .... 4x4 Chevy Van .... Gold body
55-J- .... Flareside Ford Truck .... Gold body

Promotional Models

07-G- .... Ford Thunderbird .... Green body, "BP Car Care" -- (Australian Release)

Caterpillar Construction Models

Caterpillar Road Roller .... Yellow body, "CAT" -- From Wrecking Zone Playset
Caterpillar Dump Truck .... Yellow body, black/red stripes, "CAT" -- From Quarry Playset

Premiere Collection / Gold Premiere / Ultra Class / First Edition

PREMIERE COLLECTION
Nothing to report yet.

GOLD PREMIERE COLLECTION
28-L- .... Mitsubishi Spyder .... Metallic Blue
59-F- .... T-Bird Turbo Coupe .... White Body

FIRST EDITION
These are the similar models as Inaugural Collection from 1997 Except that the name has changed to First Edition. Nothing to Report For the month yet.

Convoy/Riggs

CY40- .... Mack Trailer Truck .... Blue body, "Planter/TM"

White Rose Collectibles

Some late December releases from White Rose. These are the last sets of models with Matchbox name.
268-B- .... Ford Thunderbird .... Dark Red, "Circuit City"
268-B- .... Ford Thunderbird .... Purple, "Stern Fishing Line" -- in Shell
268-B- .... Ford Thunderbird .... Olive camo, "Stern Fishing" -- in Shell
269-B- .... Pontiac Grand Prix .... Red, "White Rose Collectibles / Merry Christmas 1997"
287-A- .... Ford Delivery Van .... White, "American Lung Association"

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