Advertising collectibles are some of the most sought after items around, especially those associated with top market brands. Now while some find the older pieces more desirable, there are more current items out there – like this pictured Ford Coca-Cola Delivery Truck, #2918 – that are just as interesting due to its association with Coca-Cola.

Manufactured in West Germany by Siku ( Sieper Werke Gmb H) this model is a 1:55 scale model ‘die cast’ item. Siku Eurobuilt manufactured this truck to scale, accurately depicting the real truck in all of its specifications. This even included the blueprints and working details associated with the actual truck. Note: Siku is also registered as making toys in not only West Germany but also Great Britain and here in the United States.

The measurements of the original – life-sized – Coca-Cola delivery truck are as follows:

1. Overall length – 411.4′
2. Wheel base – 238.4′
3. Overall height – 132.0′
4. Overall width – 110.0′
5. Cab height – 107.7′
6. Track, front – 68.3′

On this diecast model, you’ll find that the truck panels open and it comes with its own hand truck and beverage cases (plastic). This classy model even has independent suspension! A lot of Coca-Cola collectibles are out there, however, you may find that this particular one is harder to find with Siku manufacturing some of the best diecast model toys for the collector.

The Lesney Matchbox ‘Models of Yesteryear’ Series was started in 1956.  These cars were produced as copies of vintage and antique cars.  They were built just slightly larger than Matchbox’s regular 1-75 series which were produced starting 1953…the regular series continues in production to today.

Although the Yesteryear cars were supposedly discontinued after a 36 year production run (1992), this was ‘not true’ totally since Matchbox continued to produce the Yesteryear cars but packaging them in other Matchbox assortments.  Therefore, in spite of the announcement of the discontinuance of Yesteryears, we still find Yesteryears appearing in different series introduced to the market by Matchbox today.

The posted picture of the Matchbox Thomas Flyabout ‘Models of Yesteryear’ Series produced in 1967 has the following features:

Bright blue in color

Tan colored plastic roof “smooth surface”

Gold colored spoke wheels

Dark red plastic seats

Dark red grill

Black plastic steering wheel

‘Made in England by Lesney’ embossed on chassis

‘1909 Thomas Flyabout’ embossed on chassis

‘By courtesy of Harrah Collection Reno, USA’ embossed on chassis

‘Matchbox No.Y12’ embossed on chassis

‘Models of Yesteryear’ embossed on chassis

Black rubber wheels

If you are looking to start a Matchbox collection of Yesteryears, the pricing should always include the car and its original box -  and both should be in perfect shape if you are looking to have your collection for investment purposes, not just for fun.

The 1957 T-Bird convertible with redlines tires (pictured) was produced in 14 various colors. And, not only did this car come in a variety of exterior colors but also the plastic interiors came in a variety of colors. If you’re specifically collecting ’57 T-Birds, this means there are a lot of combinations out there to be found. Also, interestingly, all of these cars were made in the USA – in 1969.

The T-Bird pictured above has the following features:

Metal chassis

Aqua in color

Red line tires (RSW)

Clear plastic windshield

Dark Gray interiors

Lift up hood

Metal engine

Plastic ’57 Bird ™ embossed on the bottom

1968 Mattel Inc., USA embossed on the bottom

US & Foreign Pat. Pend embossed

Hot Wheels embossed on the bottom

Another interesting note when collecting this car, while you’ll find it referred to as ‘T-Bird’ in most reference and price guide books, the bottom of the car doesn’t have the embossed T, but rather just ‘Bird’.

If you find collecting T-Birds designed by Hot Wheels interesting, just collecting the colors of the ’57 Bird would be a major challenge – not to mention a special prize if you were able to find all fourteen (14) colors.

Happy hunting!