Matchbox is a brand of die-cast toy cars, trucks, and other vehicles that are designed to be played with and collected. The brand is known for its attention to detail, with a focus on realistic designs and high-quality construction.
Matchbox was founded in 1953 by Jack Odell, a British industrial designer who created the first Matchbox toy car out of a model of a 1920s road roller.
The company was originally called Lesney Products, and it produced its toys in a small workshop in London.
Matchbox toys became an instant hit, and the brand quickly expanded its product line to include a wide array of toy cars, trucks, and other vehicles.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Matchbox faced increased competition from other toy car brands, including Hot Wheels and Corgi.
The company was acquired by Universal in 1982, and it was later sold to Tyco Toys in 1992.
Today, Matchbox is owned by Mattel, which acquired the brand in 1997. Despite facing competition from other toy car brands, Matchbox remains a popular choice among collectors and children alike.
Hot Wheels is a brand of die-cast toy cars that was introduced by Mattel in 1968. Like Matchbox, Hot Wheels cars are designed to be played with and collected, and they feature a wide variety of realistic and fantastic designs.
Corgi is a British company that produces die-cast toy cars and other vehicles. The brand has been in operation since 1956 and is known for its focus on detail and realism.
Greenlight is an American company that produces die-cast toy cars and other vehicles. The brand is notable for its focus on American and Hollywood-themed designs, with a focus on cars from popular movies and TV shows.
Matchbox produces a wide range of die-cast toy cars, trucks, and other vehicles. The brand's focus is on realism, and many of its products feature realistic detailing and working parts, such as doors that open and close.
Matchbox also produces a range of playsets that are designed to be used with its toy cars. These playsets feature various scenes, such as garages, airports, and race tracks, that children can use to play with their Matchbox cars.
Matchbox also produces a range of collectible toy cars that are targeted at adult collectors. These cars often feature limited-edition designs and realistic detailing that is designed to appeal to serious collectors.
Matchbox cars are generally around 3 inches in length and 1 inch in height. However, the size can vary depending on the specific car or vehicle.
Many Matchbox cars have working parts, such as doors that open and close, hoods that open to reveal the engine, and wheels that turn. However, not all Matchbox cars have working parts, and the level of detail can vary depending on the specific car or vehicle.
Yes, Matchbox cars are generally considered to be safe for children to play with. However, parents should always supervise young children during play to prevent them from accidentally swallowing small parts or otherwise injuring themselves.
A limited edition Matchbox car is a toy car that has been produced in limited quantities, often with a special design or theme. These cars are intended to appeal to collectors and often have a higher resale value than regular Matchbox cars.
Matchbox was founded in 1953, so the brand has been in business for nearly 70 years. However, the company has changed owners several times over the years, and it is now owned by Mattel.