The Mercedes Coach  issued in 1968 came in two different colors…. orange and turquoise. However, the turquoise version of this coach is by far the rarest in the secondary market and commands the highest value. As much as ten times the value of the orange version.

The Matchbox Mercedes Coach was issued with the following features:

• Body of metal
• Base of metal
• White roof
• Clear plastic windshield/windows (1 piece)
• White plastic interior
• Black plastic wheels
• License plates (front & back) read S-B157
• Mercedes emblem shown on front and rear

It is note-worthy that in the market of this era, the manufacturer was still permitted to make a toy that could be basically dis-assembled into four parts. Those being the base, the seats, the plastic windshield/window insert and the top. Finding a coach today that still has all four parts is quite a feat.

To my knowledge, there are no replicas of this coach being produced today. However, should you find one check the base for the following embossed information:

• Made in England
• By Lesney
• Matchbox Series No. 68
• Mercedes Coach

In my opinion, with Matchbox toys (as with any toy), it is always best to buy the toy with the original box if given a choice. Having the original box – in good to excellent condition – will typically add 20-25% to the overall value of your toy – in this case your Matchbox.

The Commer Bottle Float – more commonly know here in the US as a milk truck – was produced by Lesney in 1961. This truck had the Catalog Identification Number of 20 c.

The truck pictured above has the following features:

• Pale green in color
• Black metal base
• Milk cow logo on both side doors
• Green plastic windshield
• Open-air sides with white plastic cream bottles load (non-removeable)
• “Drink Milk” sign on roof
• Black plastic wheels
• Made in England

There were several versions of the Commer Bottle Float produced. It can be noted that while there were differences; there were two features that remained constant in all the versions produced. These features were that the truck was always pale green in color and they all had the black metal base.

Lesney of England had its beginnings in 1947 by two Navy friends, Rodney Smith and Leslie Smith (no relation).

When they started the company, it was agreed that it should be named using a portion of each of their first names. Therefore, in 1948, the Lesney Products Company became a business.

The first toy that was produced was an Aveling Barford Road Roller. They produced three more toys in 1948 after which they made a business decision to box their toys, i.e., one toy per box naming this process ‘Matchbox’.

The first time Matchbox was produced for USA consumption was in 1958. It it quickly became a household name for the US toy market and was extremely popular.

The first real production change for Matchbox was introduced in 1969, which was called the Superfast Series. From this point on Matchbox maintained its share of the diecast market in the world producing larger toys – boats, buses, fire engines, airplanes, etc. – larger in size than their Matchbox series.

The bulldozer pictured above was produced in 1969 and was . . .

• Made of diecast metal
• Had plastic green rubber treads
• Came with yellow plastic roof

The dozer blade on this toy has a fixed position. The name Case is embossed on both sides of the engine cover.

For more information about Matchbox cars, there are some very good price guide available.I favor the  Encyclopedia of Matchbox Toys (Schiffer Book for Collectors) - by Charlie Mack.   It has the best information on Lesney toys you can find in today’s market.

1968 Volkswagen Camper

The Matchbox, Lesney – Volkswagen Camper was issued in the years1967, 1968 and 1970 .

The camper first issued in 1967 was a 34-C VW Camper. This silver colored camper came with

• Raised sun-roof with 6 windows
• Orange windows
• Opening doors
• Length of 2-5/8 inches

The second VW camper – issued in 1968 – was the a 34-D. It too was silver and came with the following features:

• Low sun-roof (windowless)
• Orange Windows
• Opening doors
• Length of 2-5/8 inches

The 1970 Volkswagens came in several different versions:

• 20 3-D v1 – Blue with orange interior and orange opening roof
• 20 3-D v2 – Orange with orange interior and orange opening roof
• 20 3-D v3 – Orange with white interior and orange opening roof
• 20 3D v4 – Olive with no interior; opening roof
• 20 3-D v5 – White with no interior; “Pizza Van” logo; opening roof

My favorite reference book for Matchbox is by Dana Johnson, Matchbox Toys Price Guide. It has very good descriptions with excellent photographs for comparison purposes.

Today these models are among the most sought after in the Matchbox collector market with this London 1912-1920 Class Double-decker Bus advertising Dewar’s being one of the most highly sought after in the 1976 series of Yesteryears. This bus is made of metal right down to the axel spoke wheels, upper level seats and bus driver with steering wheel. The advertising billboards on the sides, front and back spiral stair are enamel paint and very detailed.

Although this series has been discontinued it remains a favorite with collectors. If you’re looking for information and value guide on Matchbox and the Matchbox Models of Yesteryear series, I use and recommend Matchbox Toys 1947-2007: Identification & Value Guide (Matchbox Toys)  – available through Amazon.   It has very good pictures and excellent descriptions with an index.

If you have any questions or comments please send an email or comment.