[REVIEW] Lesney Matchbox Jaguar 3.8 Saloon

Lesney Matchbox time is here again. Today we examine Lesney Matchbox 65b, the Jaguar 3.8 Saloon. This casting entered the range in 1962, remaining until 1967, and has an interesting unusual detail:

The Mark 2 family of Jaguars were classics in their time and are beloved now. Lesney first introduced an Mark 1 3.4 into the Matchbox range with 65a in 1959, and this upscaled version replaced it as the full sized car was updated. This model shows how Lesney products were advancing by the early 60s - ample fine line casting detail, glazing, and even an opening part with further details - this was a loaded casting and has some eye appeal. I suspect scale is close to 1:64, near the standard of small scale. From all angles, one can this car cruising down a newly opened no speed limit Motorway at 100mph :

Front and rear views show ample detail, with the finely detailed grille being a nice touch, and the tow hook adds play value:

The base contains maker and model data - notice it states 3.4 litre. This was an error by Matchbox - 65a was a 3.4, while this was intended to be a 3.8 and is stated as such on the box. This view also shows off a production error - "mixed wheels". This model has knobby tread silver plastic wheels at front, and fine tread grey plastic wheels at rear, something seen on rare occasion on period models, I have a couple other castings with this feature:

And another feature, the opening hood/bonnet, which shows off a remarkably detailed engine:

This model is fortunate enough to live a clean original Type D2 box, the box and casting probably dating from around 1963-64:

I'm quite pleased to have this model in my collection, it is both an excellent example of quality model making, and fun for its error. Years ago I randomly happened upon this model on ebay, noticed the error, and won it for not much money with no other bidders. I then found an original box for it. Pictured with an old dime for scale:

Image of a similar 1:1 from cars.bonhams.com: