[REVIEW] Lesney Matchbox Ford Anglia

Lesney Matchbox time has returned. Today we examine Lesney Matchbox 7b, the Ford Anglia (105E). This model entered the range in 1961, enjoying a long run in the range until 1967, and represents something atypical for my reviews:

That atypical item being a model with just a little playwear. Most of my collection is mint or mint and box, but there are a few outliers. I acquired this with a small collection some time ago, and this car had been kept in its box, but obviously has been gently played with - someone loved it as it has wear just at the high spots. I am a fan of this casting and of the real world car, as I saw a couple of these when I was a kid and liked their cheeky design, so this was a keeper. Some will recognize this as the Harry Potter car. This casting similar to many from around 1960 shows the start of a transition from softly detailed 50s style castings to sharper finely detailed 60s era material. Nothing opens, as usual for the era, but there is glazing, which in 1961 was an innovative feature. Scale is probably within a small range from 1:60. From all angles, one can imagine this neat little machine cheerfully motoring from here to there and anywhere, on the road or in the air:

Front and rear have quality detail to match the rest of the model, the detailed grille being a nice touch, and the tow hook adds play value:

The base identifies the maker and model, and shows off the silver plastic wheels (I want to find this model with fine tread grey plastic wheels):

This model is lucky enough to live its original Type C "new model" box, dating from 1961:

I'm quite pleased to have this model in my collection, as I enjoy this casting and have it in several variants. Pictured with an old dime for scale:

Image of a similar 1:1 from classiccarsandcampers.co.uk: