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Casting Variations |

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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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Promotional Model |
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Memorabilia |
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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. |
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A nice lapel pin was available featuring this model. |
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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 |
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In the USA Matchbox Toys released a carry case that held 48 Matchbox Toys. One featured the Mercedes Benz 220SE on the front. |
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Wheels |
This model had 5 different wheel variations. |
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Axles |
All axles on this model were domed and rivet type. |
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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. |
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Further Reference Material |
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© 2008 Moko Lesney Matchbox |