The Definitive Guide to Matchbox Toys 1-75 Series 1953 - 1969 (expanded)

Number 36b Lambretta TV175 Motor Scooter and Side car

 

Innocenti, the makers of Lambretta Scooters, marketed the Lambretta TV175 series scooters as "the Sportsman scooter" when it was introduced. With a top speed of around 65 mph these became a popular form of transport worldwide. They came standard with dual seats and a headlight that turned with the steering. Today, Lambretta's scooters are extremely trendy and collectible.

Matchbox Toys introduced their Lambretta into the range in February 1961. They fitted a sidecar to the scooter so it could become "playable" for without this the scooter could not stand by itself. This model was in the range for 5 years without any major changes in casting or colour.
 
Casting Variations

The only casting change to this model was to the base of the sidecar. There was a small cutout made to accommodate the wheel. The drawing shows with and without the cutout.

 

  
Models  

Although officially there were no colour variations, the colour of this model ranged from a very light metallic silver green to a dark metallic green.
This shows a darker metallic green version.
 
Boxes
C type box - 1961 - with a drawing of the model. Under the drawing are some lines. End flap has "36" in a white circle and the wording "New Model" and "Lambretta and Side Car ". Models that came in this box were light green with knobbly black plastic wheels.
C type box - 1961 - with a drawing of the model. No lines under drawing. End flap has "36" in a white circle and the wording "New Model" and "Lambretta and Side Car ". Models that came in this box were light green with knobbly black plastic wheels.
D type box - 1962 - with picture of motor scooter and side car. End flap has "36" and the wording "Motor Scooter and Side car" in a serif font. The number on the face of the box is small and in a san serif font. Models that came in this box were light green with knobbly black plastic wheels.
D type box - 1962 - with picture of motor scooter and side car. End flap has "36" and the wording "Motor Scooter and Side car" in a san serif font. The number on the face of the box is in a serif font. Models that came in this box were light green with knobbly and fine tread black plastic wheels.
 
Memorabilia
An unusual Transpalite perspex paperweight. I don't believe these were made by Lesney, but still a nice piece of memorabilia.
This shows a possible colour trial model in a light pinky silver colour very similar to the colour used on the 23c Bluebird caravan.
Wheels
This model had 4 different wheel variations.
 
Axles
All axles on this model were domed and round head rivet type.
 
Values

There are no "rare" models of this toy. All are worth about the same value.
 
Further Reference Material
I have a total of 4 different variations for number 36b Lambretta Motor Scooter and Side Car listed in my guide. For further reference on these variations including wheel, casting and axle combinations, refer to "The Definitive Guide to Matchbox Toys 1-75 Series 1953-1969"
 
 
     

© 2008 Moko Lesney Matchbox