Lesney Matchbox time has returned. Today we take a look at Lesney Matchbox 19b, the MG A. This model entered the range in 1958, remaining until 1962, and is a lovely little model:
This is the second sports car in the Matchbox range - the first being 19a, the MGTC-MGTD style car that preceded it. The prior casting looked old fast, and the MG A kept the offering looking fresh. Along with several other period models, this casting features a driver, which adds some charm. This is kind of a transition model in terms of casting quality - a little of the mellow 50s style with some fine line detail, and proportions appear excellent. I suspect scale is in the upper 1:60s, maybe a little small, but larger than 19a, and this is a small car in real life. From all angles, one can imagine this sporty little number zooming along a winding country road:
Front and rear have ample detail, with the MG badge on the bootlid and the dashboard detailing being nice touches:
The base, in a contrasting color typical of period Matchbox vehicles, identifies the maker and model and shows off the grey metal wheels:
This model is lucky enough to live its clean original Type B3 box showing 19a - the initial run of 19b used 19a boxes. This is also supported by the wheel type, showing this is from early production in 1958:
I'm very pleased to have this model in my collection, it is an attractive piece, and I have a few examples in my collection. Pictured with an old dime for scale:
A 1:1 from gallery-aaldering.com:
That little driver guy sure owns a lot of vehicles, and he's not shy about being seen cruising them around the roads and fields