Lesney Matchbox time has returned. Today we take a look at Lesney Matchbox 29b, the Austin A55 Cambridge. This model entered the range in 1961, remaining until 1966, and is indicative of its time:
That being a passenger car, and one with more modern features, showing what the Matchbox range was becoming in the 60s. As time went on, features like two toning, glazing, and eventually opening parts and interiors became the norm. Casting detail also improved over the soft mellow style of 50s era material, and this vehicle has plenty of fine line casting detail along with accurate proportions - a nice model and toy at the same time. I suspect scale is in the mid 1:60s, probably around the standard of small scale. From all angles, one can imagine this pleasant family saloon out on an early Motorway or cruising along a country road when traffic volumes and pace were less harried:
Front and rear have plentiful detail, with the mask painted silver grille being a nice touch, and the tow hook adds play value:
The underside contains model and maker identifying data, and this view shows the silver plastic wheels:
This model is fortunate to live its clean original Type D2 box, this with the wheels indicating production most likely in 1962-64:
I'm more than pleased to have this model in my collection, this BMC Farina, with its transatlantic styling, is a nice looking vehicle in that British version of fins and chrome way. Pictured with an old dime for scale:
Image of a similar 1:1 from jigida.com:
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