Lesney Matchbox has returned. Today we take a look at Lesney Matchbox 17c, the Austin (FX3) Taxi. This model entered the range in 1960, remaining until 1963, and represents a change from the past several reviews:
Yes, finally a passenger car, although still a commercial vehicle. This prewar looking Austin was a fixture on British streets for ages, and was still a normal sight when this model was produced. This is a 1960 casting, showing sharper fine line cast detail than earlier models, one can see the care that went into this casting, and the driver adds character. The early 60s was a time of many rare variations and models in the Matchbox line, and this model while not being a high rarity, is also not the most common. I suspect scale is in the 1:60s, roughly the standard of small scale. From all angles, one can imagine this hardworking car taking passengers all over town and racking up a big mileage:
Front and rear have signifcant detail, with the finely detailed grille and silver paint accents being a nice touch:
The base, in a contrasting color typical of early 60s Matchbox vehicles, identifies the maker and model and shows off the grey plastic wheels:
This model is lucky enough to live its clean original Type B5 "new model" box, dating to the launch of this model in 1960:
I'm more than happy to have this model in my collection, it has a nice quality and presence to it. Pictured with an old dime for scale:
A 1:1 from pinterest:
I kind of presume the package shelf in the open doorway is for passengers luggage, but is there glass on the panel behind it? London being an occasionally rainy town, I would think some spray protection might be in order. I am a big fan of fintails reviews, and am more than a little jealous of the regular wheels collection.
Nice to see they don't always have to be rendered in black livery. You've led us to expect a certain level of quality when you share your collection, yet you up the bar again and again. Bravo!