Models of YesterYear

1956–1983

Many variants of Yesteryears have resulted from long production runs which often required renewal or modification of worn dies. Considerable numbers of model variations have thus been issued over the years, some of them quite minor. The objective of this listing is to identify for the Yesteryear collector all those price-significant variations which really do matter. Collectors requiring details of all the variations issued should contact: The Matchbox Club, Ia Village, Oxton, Wirral, CH43 5SR.

Identification

Common features - Many models have common identifying features and these are shown below to avoid unnecessary repetition in the details column.

Model name and number - Both ‘Models of Yesteryear’ and ‘Made in England by Lesney’ are cast underneath all models issued up to the end of 1982. With the change of ownership this was replaced by ‘Matchbox Intl Ltd.’ From 1987 ‘Made in Macau’ appears on the base. All models have their ‘Y’ number shown underneath.

Wheels - All the wheels prior to 1970 were of metal construction. From 1972 (approximately), plastic wheels were used on all models. Nevertheless the models issued at this changeover period are to be found with either metal or plastic wheels. Some models were issed with different types of wheels, other than the number of spokes. For full information on these please refer to specialist Matchbox publications.

Scale of models - Ranges from 1/34 to 1/130. The scale of each model is usually shown on its box.

Logos and designs - The early models had waterslide transfers. Labels have also been used and currently models are tampo printed.

Catalogue listings - Do not place too much reliance on the model colours shown in catalogues. Very often the pictures shown are from mock-ups in colours never actually issued. For example, the 1969 catalogue showed a picture of a blue Y-5 Peugeot that was issued in yellow. Similarly the 1973 catalogue showed a silver Hispano Suiza which was then issued in red.

Bumpers, dashboards, headlights, radiator shells and windscreens - All assumed to be of metal construction prior to 1974 (approx.), after which plastic was increasingly used.

Baseplate and chassis - Had many varous types, for full details please refer to specialist Matchbox publications.

Tyres - Are of treaded black plastic unless otherwise indicated.

Seats - Are all made of plastic unless otherwise indicated.

Boxes

1956-57 All card box with just a plain black number shown on box ends. Line drawing of model on the front of box.

1957-60 All card box with line drawing of model used for first 15 models issued, blue number shown on white circle on endflap

1960-61 As first box but with a red number. All card box with coloured picture of the model (3 varieties of this box exist).

All card box with model pictures on the box endflaps.

1968-69 Pink and yellow box with clear window.

1968-70 As previous box with hanging display card (developed in the US market and led to blister-pack design).

1969-70 Mauve and yellow box with window.

1974-78 ‘Woodgrain’ window box in various colours

1979-83 ‘Straw’ (light cream), window box.

1984-90 ‘Red’ (maroon), window box.