Lesney Matchbox time has returned again. Today we take a look at Lesney Matchbox 56b, the Fiat 1500. This casting entered the range in 1965, remaining until 1969, and is a typical example of a Matchbox casting during the later Regular Wheel era:
As the 60s moved forward, the Lesney product line expanded, and the 1-75 Matchbox series was a full line with constant releases of new models. This was a time when detail and accuracy became key points that enabled these models to dominate the market, and most castings by the mid 60s had glazing, interiors, and sometimes moving parts. This model shows that idea, with ample fine line casting detail, accurate proportion, and some added interest by the luggage on the roof. This model also has a working suspension. I suspect scale is in the mid 1:60s, roughly the standard of small scale. From all angles, one can this zippy little family car out on a road trip on a winding European road:
Front and rear views show plentiful detail, with detailed mask painted grille and fine detail at rear being nice touches, and the tow hook provides play value:
The plastic base - something new for the era - contains maker and model data, showing the black plastic wheels:
This model is lucky to live an original Type E3 box from 1965-68:
I'm pleased to have this model in my collection - this one has a story behind it - my dad bought a house maybe 25 years ago, and found this car in the garage. He saved this and gave it to me later, remembering my collecting when I was a kid. My dad passed away a little while later, and this makes for a good memento, and I found an original box to preserve it in. Pictured with an old dime for scale:
Image of a similar 1:1 from dyler.com:
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