Lesney Matchbox time is here again. Today we take a look at Lesney Matchbox 37b, the Karrier Bantam Coca-Cola Truck. This casting entered the range in 1960, remaining until 1966, and is a memorable model:
The Coke truck, one of the more iconic Matchbox models of the era. Both 37b and 37a, the nearly identical Coca-Cola truck that came before it, have always been popular not just for their good looks, but for cross-collectible status. Coca-Cola memorabilia collectors can be fanatical, and this casting works for both that group and Matchbox/diecast devotees. Quality of this casting is usual for its era, a somewhat soft mellow model but with plenty of accurate detail, and this model has the bonus of wearing precise decals, which have weathered the past 60+ years in fine style. Scale is likely around 1:70 in my eyes, maybe a little smaller than the standard for small scale, but this is a larger vehicle that fits in a standard size box, and it doesn't feel small in hand. From all angles, one can imagine this workhorse making deliveries all over the place:
Front and rear have also have pleasing detail, with silver trim being a nice touch, and the rear shows off the large Coca-Cola decal:
The base contains maker and model data and shows off the grey plastic wheels:
This model is lucky enough to live its nice original Type C box, indicating production in 1961-62:
I'm very pleased to have this model in my collection, as this is a desirable casting, and is in as-new condition. Pictured with an old dime for scale:
Image of a similar cab truck from club.shannons.com.au - the bottle delivery truck was apparently a real configuration but I find no photographic images of that exact spec:
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