David Tilley
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Posts: 40
(25/12/07 2:38)
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December ambassador report
Howdy Matchbox collectors,
I apologize for the lateness of the report, but was waiting for some juicy little additions before sending it out. I hope it was worth the wait. Plus, I wanted to surprize everyone on Christmas day too.
Let's get straight down to business. Last month, we revealed a list of what is a part of the 1-100 range for 2008. Now we can put these into official order, also noting the 25 recolors and 20 new castings as well for a total of 125 new releases.
MB1 MB735 1968 Citroen DS x2 (new)
MB2 MB739 1969 Cadillac Sedan Deville x2 (new)
MB3 MB637 1968 Mercury Cougar x2
MB4 MB715 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA
MB5 MB610 1971 Chevy Chevelle SS
MB6 MB688 1961 Jaguar E-type Coupe
MB7 MB713 1965 Austin Mini Van
MB8 MB328 1970 Chevy El Camino
MB9 MB749 2008 Chevy Corvette x2 (new)
MB10 MB750 New 2008 Lotus (TBA) (new)
MB11 MB744 Shelby Cobra GT500 Convertible (new)
MB12 MBxxx Morgan Aeromax (new)
MB13 MB342 1965 Ford Mustang GT
MB14 MB676 Dodge Charger
MB15 MB706 Lotus Exige
MB16 MB663 Ford F150 Lightning
MB17 MB729 Porsche 911GT3
MB18 MB726 Audi R8
MB19 MB423 Porsche 911 Carrera Convertible
MB20 MB441 Audi TT Roadster x2
MB21 MB609 Ford Mustang GT Concept
MB22 MB595 TVR Tuscan S x2
MB23 MB611 Nissan 350Z x2
MB24 MB517 Dodge Viper GTSR
MB25 MB515 2000 Chevy Corvette Convertible
MB26 MBxxx Future Honda (new)
MB27 MBxxx Mazda 2 x2 (new)
MB28 MB684 Volkswagen Golf V GTi
MB29 MB561 Smart Cabrio
MB30 MB668 Mitsubishi Eclipse
MB31 MB665 Scion xB
MB32 MB438 Volkswagen Concept 1 Convertible
MB33 MB692 Jaguar XK
MB34 MB683 Mercedes Benz CLS500 x2
MB35 MB673 Mercedes Benz SL55 AMG
MB36 MB696 Audi RS6 Avant
MB37 MB714 Lexus GS430
MB38 MB711 Volvo C30
MB39 MB727 Bentley Continental GT
MB40 MB691 Range Rover Sport x2
MB41 MB645 Lincoln Navigator
MB42 MB675 Porsche Cayenne Turbo
MB43 MB674 Volvo XC90
MB44 MB567 Cadillac Escalade
MB45 MB751 Subaru Impreza Police x2 (new)
MB46 MB741 2006 Volkswagen Caddy (new)
MB47 MB742 Garbage Truck x2 (new)
MB48 MB708 Highway Hauler
MB49 MB709 Chevy Van x2
MB50 MB662 City Bus
MB51 MB188 GMC Wrecker
MB52 MB667 Austin FX4 Taxi x2
MB53 MB694 Routemaster Bus
MB54 MB702 DAF XF95 Space Cab
MB55 MB700 1963 Cadillac Hearse
MB56 MB578 Volkswagen Beetle Taxi
MB57 MB737 Quarry King x2 (new)
MB58 MB745 Scraper (new)
MB59 MB707 Ground Breaker
MB60 MB704 Power Lift
MB61 MB728 Mercedes Benz Unimog U300
MB62 MB690 MBX Mixer
MB63 MB710 Dirt Hauler
MB64 MB733 Ford F-100 Panel Delivery (new)
MB65 MB703 Tractor
MB66 MB686 Tractor Plow
MB67 MB695 Guzzler x2
MB68 MB687 International CXT
MB69 MB652 Plow Master 6000
MB70 MB689 Ford Crown Victoria Police
MB71 MB676 Dodge Magnum Police
MB72 MB693 Ford Transit
MB73 MB660 Ladder Truck
MB74 MB402 Dennis Sabre
MB75 MBxxx Pierce Fire Engine x2 (new)
MB76 MB738 1974 Volkswagen Type 181 Thing (new)
MB77 MBxxx Motor Home Toy Box x2 (new)
MB78 MB736 1975 Chevy Stepside x2 (new)
MB79 MB734 Volkswagen T2 Bus (new)
MB80 MB705 Honda Ridgeline
MB81 MB685 Dune Buggy
MB82 MB131 Jeep Wrangler 4x4
MB83 MB666 Hummer H3
MB84 MB677 Jeep Rescue Concept x2
MB85 MB524 Land Rover Discovery
MB86 MB546 Chevy Avalanche
MB87 MB672 Chevy Silverado SS x2
MB88 MB748 Rock Crawler II x2 (new)
MB89 MB720 1972 Ford Bronco 4x4
MB90 MB731 Baja Bandit
MB91 MB723 Volkswagen 4x4 x2
MB92 MB716 Ridge Raider
MB93 MB697 1997 Land Rover Defender 110
MB94 MB699 Off Road Rider x2
MB95 MB670 Jeep Hurricane Concept
MB96 MB555 GMC Terradyne
MB97 MB249 Chevy K1500 4x4
MB98 MB712 Desert Thunder V16
MB99 MB369 Jeep Wrangler x2
MB100 MB526 Hummer H2 SUV Concept
However, here is a shocker for you. This is not the only line-up. Matchbox actually have 3 different basic ranges for 2008. The 1-100 list above is going to be released in the USA/Canada/Australia and New Zealand markets (hereafter called the US range). That is it. Mattel are going to be doing 2 further ranges of 75 models only for other markets.
The first of these is for Latin America (hereafter known as LAAM). The idea is that certain vehicles would not sell too well in LAAM, mainly the city service style vehicles. With a standard 75 model range here, hopfully many of the potential pegwarmers will have been taken out to allow for a smooth flow of new items coming in more regularly. Therefore, after taking out 25 models, those remaining above MB75 have been renumbered to fit in vacant slots below 75. This does mean that the segmentation of little sets will not be happening in the LAAM market, and packaging will not show different color bands for each of the segments in the way that the US cards will.
This is the LAAM 1-75 series.
MB1 MB735 1968 Citroen DS x2 (new)
MB2 MB739 1969 Cadillac Sedan Deville x2 (new)
MB3 MB637 1968 Mercury Cougar x2
MB4 MB715 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA
MB5 MB610 1971 Chevy Chevelle SS
MB6 MB688 1961 Jaguar E-type Coupe
MB7 MB713 1965 Austin Mini Van
MB8 MB328 1971 Chevy El Camino
MB9 MB749 2008 Chevy Corvette x2 (new)
MB10 MB750 New 2008 Lotus (TBA) (new)
MB11 MB744 Shelby Cobra GT500 Convertible (new)
MB12 MBxxx Morgan Aeromax (new)
MB13 MB342 1965 Ford Mustang GT
MB14 MB676 Dodge Charger
MB15 MB706 Lotus Exige
MB16 MB738 1974 Volkswagen Type 181 Thing (new)
MB17 MB729 Porsche 911GT3
MB18 MB726 Audi R8
MB19 MB423 Porsche 911 Carrera Convertible
MB20 MB441 Audi TT Roadster x2
MB21 MB609 Ford Mustang GT Concept
MB22 MB595 TVR Tuscan S x2
MB23 MB611 Nissan 350Z x2
MB24 MB517 Dodge Viper GTSR
MB25 MB515 2000 Chevy Corvette Convertible
MB26 MBxxx Future Honda (new)
MB27 MBxxx Mazda 2 x2 (new)
MB28 MBxxx Motor Home Toy Box x2 (new)
MB29 MB736 1975 Chevy Stepside x2 (new)
MB30 MB668 Mitsubishi Eclipse
MB31 MB665 Scion xB
MB32 MB438 Volkswagen Concept 1 Convertible
MB33 MB692 Jaguar XK
MB34 MB683 Mercedes Benz CLS500 x2
MB35 MB673 Mercedes Benz SL55 AMG
MB36 MB696 Audi RS6 Avant
MB37 MB714 Lexus GS430
MB38 MB705 Honda Ridgeline
MB39 MB727 Bentley Continental GT
MB40 MB691 Range Rover Sport x2
MB41 MB645 Lincoln Navigator
MB42 MB675 Porsche Cayenne Turbo
MB43 MB674 Volvo XC90
MB44 MB567 Cadillac Escalade
MB45 MB751 Subaru Impreza Police x2 (new)
MB46 MB741 2006 Volkswagen Caddy (new)
MB47 MB685 Dune Buggy
MB48 MB708 Highway Hauler
MB49 MB709 Chevy Van x2
MB50 MB131 Jeep Wrangler 4x4
MB51 MB188 GMC Wrecker
MB52 MB666 Hummer H3
MB53 MB677 Jeep Rescue Concept x2
MB54 MB546 Chevy Avalanche
MB55 MB734 Volkswagen T2 Bus (new)
MB56 MB578 Volkswagen Beetle Taxi
MB57 MB737 Quarry King x2 (new)
MB58 MB745 Scraper (new)
MB59 MB672 Chevy Silverado SS x2
MB60 MB731 Baja Bandit
MB61 MB728 Mercedes Benz Unimog U300
MB62 MB748 Rock Crawler II x2 (new)
MB63 MB723 Volkswagen 4x4 x2
MB64 MB733 Ford F-100 Panel Delivery (new)
MB65 MB716 Ridge Raider
MB66 MB699 Off Road Rider x2
MB67 MB695 Guzzler x2
MB68 MB687 International CXT
MB69 MB720 1972 Ford Bronco 4x4
MB70 MB697 1997 Land Rover Defender 110
MB71 MB670 Jeep Hurricane Concept
MB72 MB693 Ford Transit
MB73 MB712 Desert Thunder V16
MB74 MB369 Jeep Wrangler x2
MB75 MBxxx Pierce Fire Engine x2 (new)
For those interested, these are the 25 models that have been taken out....
MB16 MB663 Ford F150 Lightning
MB28 MB684 Volkswagen Golf V GTi
MB29 MB561 Smart Cabrio
MB38 MB711 Volvo C30
MB47 MB742 Garbage Truck x2 (new)
MB50 MB662 City Bus
MB52 MB667 Austin FX4 Taxi x2
MB53 MB694 Routemaster Bus
MB54 MB702 DAF XF95 Space Cab
MB55 MB700 1963 Cadillac Hearse
MB59 MB707 Ground Breaker
MB60 MB704 Power Lift
MB62 MB690 MBX Mixer
MB63 MB710 Dirt Hauler
MB65 MB703 Tractor
MB66 MB686 Tractor Plow
MB69 MB652 Plow Master 6000
MB70 MB689 Ford Crown Victoria Police
MB71 MB676 Dodge Magnum Police
MB73 MB660 Ladder Truck
MB74 MB402 Dennis Sabre
MB85 MB524 Land Rover Discovery
MB96 MB555 GMC Terradyne
MB97 MB249 Chevy K1500 4x4
MB100 MB526 Hummer H2 SUV Concept
The eagle eyed among you will have noticed that 2 models not included in the LAAM range are those which will have 2 colors for 2008. The Garbage Truck and London Taxi. This does mean that the LAAM range will consist of 75 models with 23 recolors for a total of 98 new releases.
So what of the third range? Well, we have covered US and LAAM. So what is left? Of course, our old friend, the ROW range (Rest of World). These are the small blister communities (mainly Europe and the UK). As with the LAAM range, the ROW range will only consist of 75 models, again with 23 of them receiving a 2nd color, totaling 98 models. However, the changes for the ROW range mainly incorporate the removal of various US muscle, SUV and pick up style vehicles that would not be as popular outside of the US market. Again, as with LAAM, this should help to move the range through stores quicker and eliminate potential pegwarmers.
Here is the ROW range....
MB1 MB735 1968 Citroen DS x2 (new)
MB2 MB739 1969 Cadillac Sedan Deville x2 (new)
MB3 MB637 1968 Mercury Cougar x2
MB4 MB715 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA
MB5 MBxxx Motor Home Toy Box x2 (new)
MB6 MB688 1961 Jaguar E-type Coupe
MB7 MB713 1965 Austin Mini Van
MB8 MB736 1975 Chevy Stepside x2 (new)
MB9 MB749 2008 Chevy Corvette x2 (new)
MB10 MB750 New 2008 Lotus (TBA) (new)
MB11 MB744 Shelby Cobra GT500 Convertible (new)
MB12 MBxxx Morgan Aeromax (new)
MB13 MB342 1965 Ford Mustang GT
MB14 MB676 Dodge Charger
MB15 MB706 Lotus Exige
MB16 MB738 1974 Volkswagen Type 181 Thing (new)
MB17 MB729 Porsche 911GT3
MB18 MB726 Audi R8
MB19 MB423 Porsche 911 Carrera Convertible
MB20 MB441 Audi TT Roadster x2
MB21 MB666 Hummer H3
MB22 MB595 TVR Tuscan S x2
MB23 MB611 Nissan 350Z x2
MB24 MB731 Baja Bandit
MB25 MB515 2000 Chevy Corvette Convertible
MB26 MBxxx Future Honda (new)
MB27 MBxxx Mazda 2 x2 (new)
MB28 MB684 Volkswagen Golf V GTi
MB29 MB561 Smart Cabrio
MB30 MB668 Mitsubishi Eclipse
MB31 MB723 Volkswagen 4x4 x2
MB32 MB438 Volkswagen Concept 1 Convertible
MB33 MB692 Jaguar XK
MB34 MB683 Mercedes Benz CLS500 x2
MB35 MB673 Mercedes Benz SL55 AMG
MB36 MB696 Audi RS6 Avant
MB37 MB714 Lexus GS430
MB38 MB711 Volvo C30
MB39 MB727 Bentley Continental GT
MB40 MB691 Range Rover Sport x2
MB41 MB716 Ridge Raider
MB42 MB675 Porsche Cayenne Turbo
MB43 MB674 Volvo XC90
MB44 MB699 Off Road Rider x2
MB45 MB751 Subaru Impreza Police x2 (new)
MB46 MB741 2006 Volkswagen Caddy (new)
MB47 MB742 Garbage Truck x2 (new)
MB48 MB708 Highway Hauler
MB49 MB709 Chevy Van x2
MB50 MB662 City Bus
MB51 MB670 Jeep Hurricane Concept
MB52 MB667 Austin FX4 Taxi x2
MB53 MB694 Routemaster Bus
MB54 MB702 DAF XF95 Space Cab
MB55 MB734 Volkswagen T2 Bus (new)
MB56 MB712 Desert Thunder V16
MB57 MB737 Quarry King x2 (new)
MB58 MB745 Scraper (new)
MB59 MB707 Ground Breaker
MB60 MB704 Power Lift
MB61 MB728 Mercedes Benz Unimog U300
MB62 MB748 Rock Crawler II x2 (new)
MB63 MB710 Dirt Hauler
MB64 MB733 Ford F-100 Panel Delivery (new)
MB65 MB703 Tractor
MB66 MB686 Tractor Plow
MB67 MB695 Guzzler x2
MB68 MB369 Jeep Wrangler x2
MB69 MB720 1972 Ford Bronco 4x4
MB70 MB697 1997 Land Rover Defender 110
MB71 MB676 Dodge Magnum Police
MB72 MB693 Ford Transit
MB73 MB660 Ladder Truck
MB74 MB402 Dennis Sabre
MB75 MBxxx Pierce Fire Engine x2 (new)
And which of the US models are not included in the ROW range. Well these are the ones the ROW series will not be getting.
MB5 MB610 1971 Chevy Chevelle SS
MB8 MB328 1970 Chevy El Camino
MB16 MB663 Ford F150 Lightning
MB21 MB609 Ford Mustang GT Concept
MB24 MB517 Dodge Viper GTSR
MB31 MB665 Scion xB
MB41 MB645 Lincoln Navigator
MB44 MB567 Cadillac Escalade
MB51 MB188 GMC Wrecker
MB55 MB700 1963 Cadillac Hearse
MB56 MB578 Volkswagen Beetle Taxi
MB62 MB690 MBX Mixer
MB68 MB687 International CXT
MB69 MB652 Plow Master 6000
MB70 MB689 Ford Crown Victoria Police
MB80 MB705 Honda Ridgeline
MB81 MB685 Dune Buggy
MB82 MB131 Jeep Wrangler 4x4
MB84 MB677 Jeep Rescue Concept x2
MB85 MB524 Land Rover Discovery
MB86 MB546 Chevy Avalanche
MB87 MB672 Chevy Silverado SS x2
MB96 MB555 GMC Terradyne
MB97 MB249 Chevy K1500 4x4
MB100 MB526 Hummer H2 SUV Concept
For anyone who wants to see a single range listing for all 3 markets, see the following list....
US Number first, LAAM number second, ROW number third.
MB1/MB1/MB1 - MB735 1968 Citroen DS x2 (new)
MB2/MB2/MB2 - MB739 1969 Cadillac Sedan Deville x2 (new)
MB3/MB3/MB3 - MB637 1968 Mercury Cougar x2
MB4/MB4/MB4 - MB715 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA
MB5/MB5/--- - MB610 1971 Chevy Chevelle SS
MB6/MB6/MB6 - MB688 1961 Jaguar E-type Coupe
MB7/MB7/MB7 - MB713 1965 Austin Mini Van
MB8/MB8/--- - MB328 1971 Chevy El Camino
MB9/MB9/MB9 - MB749 2008 Chevy Corvette x2 (new)
MB10/MB10/MB10 - MB750 New 2008 Lotus (TBA) (new)
MB11/MB11/MB11 - MB744 Shelby Cobra GT500 Convertible (new)
MB12/MB12/MB12 - MBxxx Morgan Aeromax (new)
MB13/MB13/MB13 - MB342 1965 Ford Mustang GT
MB14/MB14/MB14 - MB676 Dodge Charger
MB15/MB15/MB15 - MB706 Lotus Exige
MB16/---/--- - MB663 Ford F150 Lightning
MB17/MB17/MB17 - MB729 Porsche 911GT3
MB18/MB18/MB18 - MB726 Audi R8
MB19/MB19/MB19 - MB423 Porsche 911 Carrera Convertible
MB20/MB20/MB20 - MB441 Audi TT Roadster x2
MB21/MB21/--- - MB609 Ford Mustang GT Concept
MB22/MB22/MB22 - MB595 TVR Tuscan S x2
MB23/MB23/MB23 - MB611 Nissan 350Z x2
MB24/MB24/--- - MB517 Dodge Viper GTSR
MB25/MB25/MB25 - MB515 2000 Chevy Corvette Convertible
MB26/MB26/MB26 - MBxxx Future Honda (new)
MB27/MB27/MB27 - MBxxx Mazda 2 x2 (new)
MB28/---/MB28 - MB684 Volkswagen Golf V GTi
MB29/---/MB29 - MB561 Smart Cabrio
MB30/MB30/MB30 - MB668 Mitsubishi Eclipse
MB31/MB31/--- - MB665 Scion xB
MB32/MB32/MB32 - MB438 Volkswagen Concept 1 Convertible
MB33/MB33/MB33 - MB692 Jaguar XK
MB34/MB34/MB34 - MB683 Mercedes Benz CLS500 x2
MB35/MB35/MB35 - MB673 Mercedes Benz SL55 AMG
MB36/MB36/MB36 - MB696 Audi RS6 Avant
MB37/MB37/MB37 - MB714 Lexus GS430
MB38/---/MB38 - MB711 Volvo C30
MB39/MB39/MB39 - MB727 Bentley Continental GT
MB40/MB40/MB40 - MB691 Range Rover Sport x2
MB41/MB41/--- - MB645 Lincoln Navigator
MB42/MB42/MB42 - MB675 Porsche Cayenne Turbo
MB43/MB43/MB43 - MB674 Volvo XC90
MB44/MB44/--- - MB567 Cadillac Escalade
MB45/MB45/MB45 - MB751 Subaru Impreza Police x2 (new)
MB46/MB46/MB46 - MB741 2006 Volkswagen Caddy (new)
MB47/---/MB47 - MB742 Garbage Truck x2 (new)
MB48/MB48/MB48 - MB708 Highway Hauler
MB49/MB49/MB49 - MB709 Chevy Van x2
MB50/---/MB50 - MB662 City Bus
MB51/MB51/--- - MB188 GMC Wrecker
MB52/---/MB52 - MB667 Austin FX4 Taxi x2
MB53/---/MB53 - MB694 Routemaster Bus
MB54/---/MB54 - MB702 DAF XF95 Space Cab
MB55/---/--- - MB700 1963 Cadillac Hearse
MB56/MB56/--- - MB578 Volkswagen Beetle Taxi
MB57/MB57/MB57 - MB737 Quarry King x2 (new)
MB58/MB58/MB58 - MB745 Scraper (new)
MB59/---/MB59 - MB707 Ground Breaker
MB60/---/MB60 - MB704 Power Lift
MB61/MB61/MB61 - MB728 Mercedes Benz Unimog U300
MB62/---/--- - MB690 MBX Mixer
MB63/---/MB63 - MB710 Dirt Hauler
MB64/MB64/MB64 - MB733 Ford F-100 Panel Delivery (new)
MB65/---/MB65 - MB703 Tractor
MB66/---/MB66 - MB686 Tractor Plow
MB67/MB67/MB67 - MB695 Guzzler x2
MB68/MB68/--- - MB687 International CXT
MB69/---/--- - MB652 Plow Master 6000
MB70/---/--- - MB689 Ford Crown Victoria Police
MB71/---/MB71 - MB676 Dodge Magnum Police
MB72MB72/MB72 - MB693 Ford Transit
MB73/---/MB73 - MB660 Ladder Truck
MB74/---/MB74 - MB402 Dennis Sabre
MB75/MB75/MB75 - MBxxx Pierce Fire Engine x2 (new)
MB76/MB16/MB16 - MB738 1974 Volkswagen Type 181 Thing (new)
MB77/MB28/MB5 - MBxxx Motor Home Toy Box x2 (new)
MB78/MB29/MB8 - MB736 1975 Chevy Stepside x2 (new)
MB79/MB55/MB55 - MB734 Volkswagen T2 Bus (new)
MB80/MB38/--- - MB705 Honda Ridgeline
MB81/MB47/--- - MB685 Dune Buggy
MB82/MB50/--- - MB131 Jeep Wrangler 4x4
MB83/MB52/MB21 - MB666 Hummer H3
MB84/MB53/--- - MB677 Jeep Rescue Concept x2
MB85/---/--- - MB524 Land Rover Discovery
MB86/MB54/--- - MB546 Chevy Avalanche
MB87/MB59/--- - MB672 Chevy Silverado SS x2
MB88/MB62/MB62 - MB748 Rock Crawler II x2 (new)
MB89/MB69/MB69 - MB720 1972 Ford Bronco 4x4
MB90/MB60/MB24 - MB731 Baja Bandit
MB91/MB63/MB31 - MB723 Volkswagen 4x4 x2
MB92/MB65/MB41 - MB716 Ridge Raider
MB93/MB70/MB70 - MB697 1997 Land Rover Defender 110
MB94/MB66/MB44 - MB699 Off Road Rider x2
MB95/MB71/MB51 - MB670 Jeep Hurricane Concept
MB96/---/--- - MB555 GMC Terradyne
MB97/---/--- - MB249 Chevy K1500 4x4
MB98/MB73/MB56 - MB712 Desert Thunder V16
MB99/MB74/MB68 - MB369 Jeep Wrangler x2
MB100/---/--- - MB526 Hummer H2 SUV Concept
Okay, this is still not quite it. Remember the US listing of 100, and how they are color themed into sub-sets. Well, this will only be for blisters sold in USA itself. Although the same set of 100 will be sold in Canada, Australia and New Zealand, they will not be color coded split into sub-sets. A decision was made to not do this outside of USA due to potential multi-language set ups in other parts of the world. Batch B of 2008 recently started to appear, including the debut of the 2007 Mercedes Benz Unimog in dull orange. This model has been issued in it's correct 2007 package. However, the Volvo C30 2nd issue in tan was released in this batch as well in a 2008 style card, and in batch C there are 4 more 2007 recolors being released also in 2008 packaging. Then the Mercedes Benz Unimog will be recolored in a 2008 package in batch D.
Talking of batch C, these are the models to expect....
2007 MB1 Bentley Continental GT (Version 2), 2007 MB3 Porsche 911GT3 (V2), MB14 Audi R8 (V2) and MB59 Baja Bandit (V2) (4 recolors).
2008 MB20 Audi TT Convertible, MB51 GMC Wrecker (US/LAAM only), MB57 Quarry King, MB76/MB16 VW Thing and MB78/MB8 1975 Chevy Stepside (5 new models). 9 models in total, or 8 if you are in an ROW small blister area.
A few models from the 2007 range have been found with and without headlight tampo printing. For instance the yellow Ford Thunderbird had white headlights on some models, but no front end tampo printing on others. It was a deliberate choice to omit the front end tampo printing on some models as a way of keeping costs down on the overall line. If there is a model that can get by without certain printing (like in the case of the Ford Thunderbird where white on pale yellow is not clearly noticeable) a running change can be made to omit these features. However, in the case of the emerald green paint used on the 55th anniversary models, the fact that some are light and some are dark is purely down to how it is mixed at the time. It is a different type of paint to that which is normally used in model production, and is a little harder to control. Many people have noted how different MB695 Utility Truck tankers are appearing on various cabs. This is down to the factory having overstocks of one part, and using it up by connecting to another part. These are intentional on the part of the factory.
Has anyone noticed that a Skybuster recently appeared with a 55th anniversary logo on the rear? This was a late decision by Mattel to include the logo on the plane, but it is the only additional Matchbox product that will carry the logo on top of the 3x 55th anniversary models.
Superfast America should be in stores by now. Currently it is unknown as to why they have not appeared. The 2008 set of 20 models will soon be upon us. This set consists of 20 of the newer castings from the last few years.... Bentley Continental GT, Porsche 911GT3, Highway Hauler, 1972 Ford Bronco 4x4, Volvo C30, Land Rover Defender 110, Desert Thunder V16, 1965 Austin Mini Van, 1963 Cadillac Hearse, Audi RS6 Avant, Baja Bandit, Honda Ridgeline, Lotus Exige, Mercedes Benz Unimog, Cattle Truck, Audi R8, Lexus GS430, Ridge Raider, Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA and Ford Transit. These will be released in 2 batches of 10 models (in cartons of 10) and should be out within 2 months exclusively at Wal*Mart. Best of British has started to appear at dealers in USA and consist of 1965 Austin Mini Van, Ford Transit, Jaguar XK, Land Rover Defender 110, Lotus Exige, Jaguar E-type, Range Rover Sport, Bentley Continental GT, Austin FX4 Taxi, Routemaster Bus, Dennis Sabre and Ford GT. Later on in 2008 the second release (Best of international and Best of US Muscle - 6 per set) will be released, consisting of Dodge Magnum, Shelby Cobra Concept, Ford Mustang GT Concept, Chevy Corvette C6, 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA, 1962 Volkswagen Beetle, 1965 Shelby Cobra 427S/C, Dodge Viper GTSR, Chevy Van, 1970 Chevy El Camino, Ford F-150 Lightning and 1957 Chevy Bel Air Convertible.
Licensed 5-packs (or 3-packs if you visit Walgreens) are continuing on for 2008. Expect more from Nick Jr, Spongebob Squarepants, Scooby Doo and Disney. Convoys too will see more licenses in 2008, like UPS, Conico and Simpson Racing. During 2007 we saw some new items start to appear in the Convoy range. However, there will be no new casting available during 2008. Mattel are currently working on a new and improved successor to the Convoy range to be launched in 2009. More details on this will be announced as and when it becomes available. As with Convoy, there will be no new castings for either Battle Kings or Hitch 'n Haul during 2008. As noted before, Hitch 'n Haul will be put on hiatus after 2008, but Battle Kings will be continuing for the foreseeable future.
For those interested in knowing more, the El Segundo Fire Station recently announced that they have signed up for some vehicles to be made by Matchbox. This is correct, and 2 vehicles will be in El Segundo Fire Dept colors in the basic range during 2008. Look out for them.
Currently there is still no information on a line preview, but I can confirm that there is not going to be a 2008 East Coast Convention. Mattel will look into the possibility of doing something for 2009, but in terms of 2008 conventions, they will only be doing one; Albuquerque.
But a little good news. Mattel are hoping that the Matchbox.com website will be updated to show the 2008 range in January. Posters should be available in February. If you run a club and would like some posters, please let me know.
But for now, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
David Tilley
Ambassador elect pt 3.
  
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