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

Number 53b Mercedes Benz 200SE
 

Mercedes Benz have always been number one to me! In my mind, there is no finer automobile manufacturer.
Early in my model car collecting days, I started collecting all models of Mercedes Benz. In 1977, I bought my first real Mercedes Benz, a dark blue 1970 250 S Sedan with a 5 speed manual gearbox. Since then I have lost count of how many Mercedes have been a part of my life! They are one of my many passions. Hence this little model is a particular favourite of mine. However, before we get into the Matchbox version, here is a little history of the real car.

1959 saw Mercedes Benz introduce a new model unofficially designated the W111 model. This model was the pride of Mercedes Benz as it was the first car available for sale to feature the "Safety cell" construction with front and rear "crumple zones". This automotive safety feature was the brain child of Bela Barenyi, who was head of the pre-development department of Daimler-Benz from 1939 to 1972. Barenyi has been credited with developing many safety features for Mercedes Benz including the non-deformable passenger cell, collapsible steering column, and safer detachable hardtops, plus others. In recognition for his safety inventions, Barenyi was nominated for the award of "Car Engineer of the Century" in 1999 and induced into the Detroit Automotive Hall of Fame in 1994. Barenyi is also credited with having conceived the basic design for the Volkswagen Beetle in 1925, five years before Ferdinand Porsche claimed to have done his version.

In 1962 Mercedes introduced the W111 Coupe and Cabriolet models. They were so popular that over the next 3 years they would sell over 16,000. The 220 SE model came equipped with a 2.2 litre 6 cylinder engine.

Just as this model was the pride of the Mercedes Benz fleet, so too was it the pride of Lesney Matchbox Toys. When introduced into their range in February 1963 it was the first Matchbox car to feature opening doors. It was featured on the cover of the 1963 Matchbox Pocket Catalogue and also on the face boards of their retail counter displays.
 
Casting Variations

This model had only two casting variations during it's life. Under the front wheels on the body 3 angled ridges were added on each side. This variation was only on some of the later dark red models.

Late in the models life, the base received a patent number. Again, this variation was only on some of the later dark red models.
Models  

First released in February 1963, this was the first Matchbox car to have opening doors. Initially it was released in this maroon colour. Silver trim was applied to the front and rear.
Around 1965 the colour was changed to dark red. Again silver trim was applied to the front and rear and on later models to the front only.

 

  
 
Promotional Model
This promotional piece from around 1965 was used by Mercedes Benz. I would guess that Mercedes had the special box made themselves. The model fits snuggly into a white box that has a concertina cardboard fold out panel that forms part of the lid of the box. Printed on the top of the box is "Like a Mercedes?". This is a wonderful promotional piece that is extremely hard to find today.
Boxes
D type box - 1963 - with picture of car. End flap has "53" and the wording "New Model" and "Mercedes Benz Coupe" widely spaced. The number on the face of the box is small serif font. Models that came in this box were maroon with silver plastic wheels.
D type box - 1963 - with picture of car. End flap has "53" and the wording "Mercedes Benz Coupe" widely spaced. The number on the face of the box is a larger serif font. Models that came in this box were maroon with silver or grey plastic wheels.
D type box - 1964 - with picture of car. End flap has "53" and the wording "Mercedes Benz Coupe". The "striker" sides of this box were blue one side and charcoal the other. Models that came in this box were maroon with silver, grey or black plastic wheels.
D type box - 1965 - with picture of car. End flap has "53" and the wording "Mercedes Benz Coupe". The "striker" sides of this box were both blue. Models that came in this box were dark red with black plastic wheels.
D type box - 1965 - with picture of car. End flap has "53" and the wording "Mercedes Benz Coupe". The "striker" sides of this box were both light blue. Models that came in this box were dark red with black plastic wheels.
E type box - 1966 - with picture of car. End flap has a side picture of the model with "53" and the wording "Mercedes Benz Coupe". Models that came in this box were dark red with black plastic wheels.
 
Memorabilia
1963 saw the introduction of this model and it was the pride of the Matchbox fleet, being showcased on the cover of the 1963 Matchbox Series Pocket Catalogue.
A nice lapel pin was available featuring this model.
Again, to showcase this new model it was featured on some of the point of sale counter displays. This is the head board from one 1963 display
In the USA Matchbox Toys released a carry case that held 48 Matchbox Toys. One featured the Mercedes Benz 220SE on the front.
   
Wheels
This model had 5 different wheel variations.
 
Axles
All axles on this model were domed and rivet type.
 
Values

There are no "rare" models of this toy. All are worth about the same value, but the maroon with black wheels is perhaps a little harder to find than the rest.

 
Further Reference Material
I have a total of 8 different variations for number 53b Mercedes Benz 220SE 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