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About This Quiz
Can you tell a Model T from a Ford A line, or an MGA from a Mercedes-Benz. If you love cars, this might seem like a snap, but what if these models were in miniature? Think you could still identify them then? Take our quiz to see how many classic Matchbox cars you can name using only a single image!
In 1953, a British die-casting company called Lesney Products -- which is now owned by Mattel -- produced a model replica of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation carriage. The product was a hit with collectors, and inspired Lesney to pursue the idea of metal die-cast vehicles. They chose to make the cars tiny enough to fit in a cardboard box -- similar to the ones used for selling matches at the time -- and Matchbox cars were born.ÂÂ
The very first Matchbox vehicle was a simple road roller, followed by other utility vehicles, including a dump truck. Over the years, the company copied many top cars of the past and present. Most models were British at first, but later Matchbox cars were also inspired by American models and other imports. Stiff competition from Hot Wheels starting in 1968 forced Matchbox to innovate, resulting in a move toward sports and muscle cars.
Today, many classic Matchbox models are highly prized collector's items. Think you can name some of the coolest ones ever made? Prove it with this quiz!
Youtube via Toy Cars, Trucks and Planes
Remember what this toy car is called?
1954 Horse Drawn Milk Float
1971 Ford Pickup
1963 Commer Ice Cream Truck
1964 Model T (1911 Model)
In the 1950s, Matchbox introduced its Models of Yesteryear Series to honor real classics. This 1964 Ford Model T, which was based on the classic 1911 Model T design, was a beloved part of this iconic line of cars.
Youtube via Stu's Hobby Box
What is the name of this Matchbox classic?
1959 Merryweather Fire Engine
1965 BP Dodge Wrecker
1958 MGA Sports Car
The 1958 MGA sports car was a cool white roadster with a cherry red interior. Like many early Matchbox cars, it came equipped with a tiny driver to put the pedal to the metal.
1966 Dodge Twin Tipper
Youtube via ToyzNWheelz
What is the name of this Matchbox classic?
1958 Vauxhall Victor
That beautiful piece of toy nostalgia is the 1958 Vauxhall Victor. Produced between 1958 and 1965, most units were yellow. If you can get your hands on a red one from the earlier production runs, you could probably sell it for enough to buy a real car.
1968 Esso Heavy Wreck Truck
1961 Muir Hill Dumper
1953 Aveling Barford Road Roller
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Think you can name this Matchbox car?
1957 London Bus
1968 Girder Truck
1965 Range Rover
1976 Shovel Nose Tractor
Tractors have always been a big hit with Matchbox fans, which is probably why the company almost always includes a tractor of some kind in each year's production run. the 1976 Shovel Nose was a classic, equipped with a yellow metal body and a cool red scoop.
Youtube via Toy Cars, Trucks and Planes
What's the model name of this miniature?
1966 Opel Diplomat
1965 Range Rover
1971 Ford Pickup
Superfast 1982 Dodge Challenger
Matchbox was basically the only name in the toy car game until the 1980s, when Hot Wheels hit toy stores. To compete with the new upstart, Matchbox introduced some flashier models, like this Superfast 1982 Dodge Challenger.
Youtube via ToyzNWheelz
Can you name this old-school toy?
1967 Mercedes-Benz 230SL
1961 Muir Hill Dumper
What's more fun than rolling toy cars around as a kid? How about loading them up with gravel and dirt like real rigs? the 1961 Muir Hill Dumper came equipped with a big green bed for easy hauling.
1962 Harley Davidson and Sidecar
1968 Girder Truck
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Can you name this classic toy?
1968 Esso Heavy Wreck Truck
The 1968 Esso Heavy Wreck Truck was pretty cool on its own, but some models are so rare that they are unbelievably valuable. While most of these toy wreckers came with green windows, early ones had amber windows, and if you can find one, you can sell it for a small fortune.
1982 Red Rider
1965 Range Rover
1964 Snow Trac Tractor
Youtube via Retro Seller
Can you name this classic toy?
1965 BP Dodge Wrecker
1966 Opel Diplomat
1962 Harley Davidson and Sidecar
1960 Cadillac Sixty Special
Check out those classic 1960 tail fins! Matchbox produced the Cadillac Sixty Special from 1960 to 1965. Some versions were green with a cream-colored roof, while later versions were silver or pale purple.
Youtube via Dalvir Kiranjay
Name this Matchbox model.
Superfast 1982 Dodge Challenger
1961 Magirus-Deutz
The 1961 Magirus-Deutz was a car for kids who liked to get the job done. Thanks to a moving crane and tow hook, kids could use this hardcore wrecker to clean up crashed cars.
1967 Mercedes-Benz 230SL
1954 Horse Drawn Milk Float
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Remember what this Matchbox car is called?
1961 Caterpillar Tractor
Many early Matchbox offerings were inspired by America's agricultural roots, including this 1961 Caterpillar tractor. Made of metal, it was painted yellow with green rubber treads. Like many other early cars from the company, this one had a tiny built-in driver.
1953 Aveling Barford Road Roller
1961 Muir Hill Dumper
1966 Opel Diplomat
Youtube via MatchWheels Diecast
Identify this old-school Matchbox car.
1959 Merryweather Fire Engine
1965 Ford GT
This cool car is a 1:64 scale of the classic '65 Ford GT. Produced by Matchbox between 1965 and 1970, the earlier versions were painted white with a pair of blue racing stripes down the hood.
1964 Model T (1911 Model)
1965 Fiat 1500
Youtube via Cinemania Vlog
Can you name this classic Matchbox toy?
1965 Range Rover
1953 Aveling Barford Road Roller
1966 Dodge Twin Tipper
The 1966 Dodge Twin Tipper was part of the Matchbox King Size Series. This giant green truck came equipped with a generous yellow bed that was perfect for hauling rocks -- or other toys.
1971 Ford Pickup
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What is this car called?
1967 Mercedes-Benz 230SL
1965 BP Dodge Wrecker
1965 Fiat 1500
1963 Hoveringham Tipper
Need a Matchbox vehicle that can do some hauling? Look no further than the 1963 Hoveringham Tipper. Named for the iconic Hoveringham Gravel Company in England, it was perfect for kids who wanted to move some dirt or gravel.
Youtube via Chris M Collecting
What is the model of this Matchbox car?
1957 London Bus
1982 Red Rider
1962 Harley Davidson and Sidecar
1963 Ford Fairlane Police Car
Produced between 1963 and 1965, the Ford Fairlane Police Car was the ultimate in cool. It came with a smooth blue paint job, a red light on the roof and police logos on the doors and hood.
Youtube via TheDenProductions
Think you can identify this classic Matchbox car?
1961 Muir Hill Dumper
1968 Mercedes-Benz Ambulance
Not only did this 1968 Ambulance have an opening back hatch, but it was also a Mercedes-Benz -- what could be cooler? This car was perfect for hauling away victims of violent Matchbox car crashes.
1965 Fiat 1500
Superfast 1982 Dodge Challenger
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Youtube via Toy Cars, Trucks and Planes
Choose the correct name for this miniature ride.
1971 Ford Pickup
Ford pickups have always been top sellers, so it's no surprise that Matchbox made their own version. This 1971 Ford pickup comes with a cool red paint job and a white cap for extra storage and seating.
1964 Model T (1911 Model)
1962 Harley Davidson and Sidecar
1965 Range Rover
Youtube via WheelsNThangs
Remember the name of this old-school toy?
1966 Opel Diplomat
1954 Horse Drawn Milk Float
1953 Aveling Barford Road Roller
1961 Aston-Martin Race Car
Aston Martin is one of the biggest names in racing, so of course Matchbox made their own scale model version back in the '60s. The 1961 version usually came with the number 19 on the side -- but the few painted with a number 52 are ultra-rare and valuable.
Youtube via Marty's Matchbox Makeovers
What's the model name of this miniature?
1964 Model T (1911 Model)
1959 Merryweather Fire Engine
This 1959 Merryweather Fire Engine is cool enough just because it's a fire truck. What makes it even more fun for kids, however, is its bright red paint job and working ladder.
1971 Ford Pickup
Superfast 1982 Dodge Challenger
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Youtube via Toy Cars, Trucks and Planes
Can you name this classic Matchbox toy?
1965 Jumbo Crane
Need to lift totaled toy cars? Look no further than this 1965 Jumbo Crane, which came with a safety yellow paint job and a big red hook.
1966 Opel Diplomat
1961 Muir Hill Dumper
1967 Mercedes-Benz 230SL
Youtube via Toy Cars, Trucks and Planes
What is the name of this Matchbox model?
1957 London Bus
1968 Girder Truck
In 1968, Matchbox released a white metal Girder Truck, which came with a frame designed to carry plastic red girders. Many of these girders were lost to the ages over the years, so it's the rare version of this toy that comes fully loaded these days.
1962 Harley Davidson and Sidecar
1964 Snow Trac Tractor
Youtube via Carl Hicks
Think you can identify this toy car?
1953 Aveling Barford Road Roller
1962 Harley Davidson and Sidecar
1976 Hovercraft
1961 Commer Milk Truck
Commer was a famous British milk company. Back in 1961 when home milk delivery was still a common practice, Matchbox produced this Commer Milk Truck, complete with tiny bottles lined up in rows.
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Youtube via iLuvToyCars
Can you name this classic toy?
1966 Dodge Twin Tipper
1965 BP Dodge Wrecker
1965 Range Rover
1965 Impala Taxi
Matchbox produced this Impala Taxi between 1965 and 1968. It had a cool yellow paint job and the word "Taxi" etched across the hood in bright red lettering.
Youtube via Toy Cars, Trucks and Planes
Think you can identify this toy car?
1968 Esso Heavy Wreck Truck
1966 Opel Diplomat
1964 Model T (1911 Model)
1965 Fiat 1500
The 1965 Fiat 1500 was one of the coolest Matchbox cars ever produced thanks to its unique turquoise paint job. This was no sports car, however; the luggage strapped to the roof made it clear that this was a family ride,
Youtube via MrLEDiecast
Think you can name this Matchbox car?
1961 Muir Hill Dumper
1982 Red Rider
Kids with a need for speed were crazy for this 1982 Red Rider. Equipped with big rear wheels and white painted flames, its most striking feature was the giant engine mounted on the hood.
1963 Commer Ice Cream Truck
1953 Aveling Barford Road Roller
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Youtube via Dutchtenfor
Remember what this Matchbox car is called?
1971 Ford Pickup
1957 London Bus
1976 Hovercraft
A hovercraft is cool no matter the size. This 1976 Matchbox version was lime green with a brown base and amber windows.
Superfast 1982 Dodge Challenger
Youtube via ToyzNWheelz
What is the name of this Matchbox model?
1967 Mercedes-Benz 230SL
1960 Coca-Cola Lorry
When you're a kid, there's not much better than combining cool cars and sweet soda. This 1961 Coca-Cola truck was the first Matchbox vehicle to use gray plastic wheels, and also came with yellow open-sided shelving.
1965 Fiat 1500
1966 Dodge Twin Tipper
Youtube via UKMatchbox 1-75 Restoration & Code 3
Choose the correct name for this classic toy.
Superfast 1982 Dodge Challenger
1954 Massey Harris Tractor
There's nothing like a kid and his tractor. This 1954 Massey Harris Tractor sported red paint and a tiny tan driver to plow the fields.
1968 Esso Heavy Wreck Truck
1961 Muir Hill Dumper
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Youtube via Marty's Matchbox Makeovers
Think you can identify this classic Matchbox car?
1982 Red Rider
1964 Snow Trac Tractor
Need a Matchbox vehicle that can travel with ease in the snow? The 1964 Snow Trac tractor featured a red metal body and cool gray treads for traveling in the toughest conditions.
1964 Model T (1911 Model)
1962 Harley Davidson and Sidecar
Youtube via HotWheelsRobby1
Can you name this classic toy?
1966 Opel Diplomat
1954 Horse-Drawn Milk Float
By the 1950s, engines had long replaced horses for transporting goods across town. Matchbox threw it back to the good old days, however, with this 1954 Horse-Drawn Milk Float, which came complete with miniature horse and driver.
1965 BP Dodge Wrecker
1976 Hovercraft
Youtube via Toy Cars, Trucks and Planes
Name this Matchbox model.
1959 Merryweather Fire Engine
1953 Aveling Barford Road Roller
1966 Opel Diplomat
Most versions of the 1966 Opel Diplomat are gold, but a rare sea green variation exists. Find one of these cars with a sea green paint job, and you've found yourself a toy worth thousands.
1964 Model T (1911 Model)
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Remember what this toy car is called?
1963 Commer Ice Cream Truck
Even back in the '60s, kids were crazy about ice cream. This 1963 ice cream truck was inspired by the British Commer Ice Cream Company.
1968 Girder Truck
1966 Opel Diplomat
1966 Dodge Twin Tipper
Youtube via EnginePoweredArt
What is this car called?
1961 Muir Hill Dumper
Superfast 1982 Dodge Challenger
1965 Range Rover
The 1965 Range Rover Matchbox vehicle was a tough green truck. Perched on top were a set of brown crates, proving this vehicle was prepared to do some heavy hauling.
1982 Red Rider
Youtube via Joe's Speed Shop 1/64 Diecast
Choose the correct name for this miniature ride.
1971 Ford Pickup
1953 Aveling Barford Road Roller
The 1953 Aveling Barford Road Roller was the very first Matchbox car ever produced. It was one of three vehicles the company produced in 1953 -- the others included a dump truck and cement mixer.
1968 Esso Heavy Wreck Truck
1962 Harley Davidson and Sidecar
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Youtube via Marty's Matchbox Makeovers
Identify this old-school Matchbox car.
1965 Fiat 1500
1965 BP Dodge Wrecker
The standard version of this 1965 BP Dodge Wrecker featured a yellow cab and green bed. If you can find one of the rare units where the colors are reversed, you can sell it at auction for quite a chunk of change.
1964 Model T (1911 Model)
1957 London Bus
Youtube via ToyzNWheelz
Choose the correct name for this classic toy.
1966 Opel Diplomat
Superfast 1982 Dodge Challenger
1954 Horse-Drawn Milk Float
1967 Mercedes-Benz 230SL
Most versions of this 1967 Matchbox Mercedes-Benz 230 SL were white with a red interior, while later ones were yellow. Got one painted apple green? It's ultra-rare and super valuable.
Youtube via 4GUESTS
What is the model of this Matchbox car?
Ford Model A Van
Matchbox produced hundreds of Ford Model A Vans over the years. Companies loved this model, and commissioned their own branded versions to use in advertising and promotions. Collectors can find versions of this toy marked with everything from cereal logos to gas station names.
1963 Commer Ice Cream Truck
1964 Model T (1911 Model)
1971 Ford Pickup
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Youtube via HotWheelsRobby1
Can you name this classic Matchbox car?
1965 Fiat 1500
1962 Harley Davidson and Sidecar
1957 London Bus
Various models of the Matchbox double-decker bus are equipped with advertising signs and brand names. Some 1957 versions of this bright red bus had a sign advertising the Matchbox brand itself.
1959 Merryweather Fire Engine
Youtube via iLuvToyCars
Can you name this old-school toy?
1964 Pontiac Grand Prix
Produced from 1964 to 1970, this Pontiac Grand Prix came with a cherry red paint job. Early versions had wheels that were almost entirely black, while later ones had silver hubs.
1965 BP Dodge Wrecker
1966 Opel Diplomat
1959 Merryweather Fire Engine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdbXfKZMXb4
Can you name this classic Matchbox car?
1953 Aveling Barford Road Roller
1966 Dodge Twin Tipper
1957 Jaguar XK140 Coupe
This Matchbox classic looks like it came straight out of an old-school gangster movie. This white metal toy is the 1957 Jaguar XK140 coupe.
1963 Ford Fairlane Police Car.
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Youtube via iLuvToyCars
Remember the name of this old-school toy?
1967 Mercedes-Benz 230SL
1962 Harley Davidson and Sidecar
Motorcycles are always cool, right? To make toy motorcycles even better, Matchbox added a sidecar to this 1962 Harley, which meant it could actually roll straight without falling over.
Superfast 1982 Dodge Challenger
1957 London Bus
You Got:
/40
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