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Showcase: 1961 Jaguar E-Type Coupe
Topic Started: Aug 31 2013, 06:00 PM (1,534 Views)
mbx64
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Matchbox Collector
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Well, it's finally here. The model we've all been waiting for. MB688 1961 Jaguar E-Type Coupe.

But, let's take our mind off it for a few moments, and quickly discuss why the 60th Anniversary Series was, indeed, a failure. Right from the first announcement of this Series, we collectors had our hearts beating quite rapidly. We were excited to finally have a collector-line, with collector models, collector designs and a commemorative lineup to celebrate Matchbox's 60th Anniversary, and show what great models Matchbox has produced over those 60 years. Then, shortly after, the first photos were shown of the line. A yellow Jeep Wrangler Superlift with gold rims, an orange Tractor with orange rims, and a Volkswagen Bus sprawled with what was certainly describable as an abstract, funky design. We were not too happy. And, at the same time as this, we received the list of all the models in the 60th Anniversary Series. A Quarry King? The Urban Tow Truck? All Terrain Crane? Ground Grinder? Blaze Blitzer? These are clearly generic models directed for Matchbox's main target: Kids. But, this is supposed to be a collector's line, with collector models, and collector designs. What were they thinking?

Consistency is key. Although I am happy that there are models like the Aston Martin DBS Volante, Porsche 911 GT3, and this Jaguar, all of the models should've been just like these. Not just for consistency, though, but to also show what are Matchbox's best models. The All-Terrain Crane is nice, but is no-where near one of the nicest Matchbox models made under the Mattel era. Not even close. All of these downfalls would've been shoved under the carpet by most if they were at least easily found in stores, but they weren't, and still aren't. And, do we remember the huge conundrum at the beginning of the line? We were all unaware of where they would be appearing. Then they showed up at Toys R Us and Wal-Mart, and several weeks later, at Target. After Batch A, things dragged on like a slug. New batches were no where to be found. It was totally hit or miss, and you were very lucky to get a hit. Shortly after Batch B was released, Target backed off and dropped the 60th Anniversary Series. Even now, you'd be lucky to find 60th Anniversary models at Wal-Mart or Toys R Us.

Then, there's the real kicker: The price. $3.99. 3.99?! Let's remember that all you got in extras compared to the mainline models was a box and an extra tampo print on the model, and maybe, just maybe, two extra tampo hits. So, again, let's remind ourselves that this was supposed to be a collector's line, with collector models and collector designs. Both the models and designs get an X, and so does the idea that this is a collector's line. But, even though of this, there is a collector's price. And, on top of that, an extremely high collector's price. So, what's the point of bringing in kids models like the All Terrain Crane and Blaze Blitzer if the price is even too high for most collectors? All of this is why the 60th Anniversary Series is a failure. Even I, with my optimistic thoughts and positive tone, have trouble telling myself that this line was a success. I'd be lying if I told you that.

So, it's a sad time for us Matchboxers. But, they pulled through. Yes, the plucky little Matchbox Team pulled through, and they pulled through pretty big with this Jaguar. They kicked us in the butt, and then they applied the ointment themselves. Albeit the fact that the Series was a failure, this model in itself is a huge success, in a line of doubt and confusion. Enjoy the pictures below, without all of the words. What's left to say to about the Jaaaaag?
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Nicolas
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MustangJerry
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I'm still looking for it and the Explorer. Good pics.
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pjedsel
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Muscle Car
Well said about the 60th anniversary line - it really has been a disappointment and like so much diecast these days - next to impossible to find in retail stores. As for the '61 Jaguar - it is a nice casting from Matchbox - not a fan of the chrome interior but seems we are stuck with that. I am not a big fan of the hood tampo on the anniversary issue - to me it detracts from the classic lines of the E Type and not at all necessary. I have many of the other versions of this Jaguar - the racing versions that have been done are nice and that would have made a great anniversary edition or even one in just plain British green with some nice "lights tampo"
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66alfa_gtv
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Matchbox did not come through with the 60th Jaguar.
This model has been a thorn in my side since its initial release date. Sir William Lyons creates the most beautiful car in the world. Enzo Ferrari said it well before I could.
Matchbox took the most beautiful car in the world, and turned it into a trashy little reminder of how design and production, in the year 2013, can go poorly. Once again, we get inconsistent paint. It looks glopping awful. Then, bizarro graphics are added. They are not relevant to anything. They look like they might belong on a hot rod, customized by an amateur. Perhaps they are there to distract us from the lousy paint.
Or, to distract us from that unforgivable chrome interior.
Time travel: about ten years ago, I was in the market for a real Euro sports car from the 60s. I drove a Porsche 356. I also drove a 911 and a Mercedes 230sl Pagoda top. The last one on the list was a series 1.5 E-type. Here's my recollection - the wood steering wheel was pretty flimsy. Reverse was next to impossible to engage. Supermodels wanted to have my children.
What I do not recall is a chrome interior. That I would have noticed. Like the Matchbox, the real jag is often a victim of the almighty budget.
I ended up buying the Porsche 356, which does not have a chrome interior and has proven to be a solid car.
Still, the E-type is on my list of things to buy. I have wanted one since I was a kid. I've never fallen out of love with them, and I've tasted blood with that test drive. Matchbox, with this latest iteration of El Cheepo Chromo, is soiling my dream of E-type ownership.
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adbutler
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Honda all the way!!!!!
The chrome interior doesn't really bother me too much and as a whole this is one of my favourite Matchbox castings. What I hate is the awful tampo on the bonnet. Who in their right mind thought that this looked good enough to celebrate Matchboxs 60th Anniversary???????? However, this is all moot as Mattel in all there wisdom haven't seen fit to sell these in New Zealand so I'll probably never get my hands on one.
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66alfa_gtv
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Hey...that illustrated Jag on the box is driving itself!
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Bill50
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You have a way with words but that Jag is rubbish and an insult to the designer,which plank decided to stick that childish 60 logo on the boot.

Why are you whinging at the price of $3.99?, you are getting a box and a blister some extra detail so a fair price i think.Over the years particularly on some US&A based forums price seems to be a problem for many yet collectors from the US&A have no problem in buying them by the case load but they become the biggest whingers if they raise the price by just a few cents.

Matchbox missed the 60th money maker by a country mile.Can never remember 1/64 being used by Matchbox 60 years ago either. :wave: .
Edited by Bill50, Sep 1 2013, 07:28 AM.
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Lane1through75
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With Jazz and conversation from the foot of Mt. Belzoni.
I resolved a while ago to stop kvetching about the direction the MB line was going in since it (A) wasn't doing any good, and (B) wasn't helping my relationship with other collectors. I decided I was too emotionally invested in the brand and life is too short, so I leave that stuff behind. I actually feel much better about my collecting patterns since I let go of that baggage.

That said, this is not a complaint post. It's just a statement of how I ended up collecting this series, for what it's worth (and in the grand scheme of international marketing, it may not be worth much).

I am not a completist, but I did collected the first two "New Superfast" series in their entirety, as well as most of the offshoot "Best Of" models. NSF began at $1.99-$2.29 each, and at that price I scooped them all up. In my opinion, for what you get from the 60th series (a wrong-sized box and an "extra" tampo run -- the kind you get for free on many Hot Wheels) this anniversary collection should have been priced between $1.99 and $2.49, tops. I've seen them between $3.99 and $4.99 in my area, which is absurd for what you get.

At $1.99 I'm collecting the whole set, with a few doubles.

At $2.49 I'm buying everything EXCEPT the Quarry King, All-Terrain Crane, Ground Grinder, Urban Tow Truck, and Crop Master. (You may be like me and may not collect these castings, but the fact is over the 60-year history of Matchbox, models of this type have been found in the line, so I understand why they are in this series. It's not casting choice I have an issue with as much as price point/value.)

At $3.99-$4.99 (reality) I have only purchased:

Routemaster Bus (x2)
Austin Mini Cooper
Aston Martin DBS Volante

That's it. I've seen nearly all of them at retail and just 4 have been purchased, and unless I find these dumped at a Tuesday Morning for $2.49 or less, that's all I'm getting.

There were several models that were "On The Bubble" for me, but that I am quite comfortable saying I left on the pegs because of the price. These include:

Mustang GT/CS
Lancer EVO Police
Gallardo Police
Defender 110

At $2.49, I'm a buyer.

No series is going to make everyone happy, but I think this line had something for everyone design-wise. With the models themselves I feel the glass was more than half-full (though certainly not a 'Home Run') and that the real failure here was with the marketing people who allowed (encouraged?) these to be sold at such an inflated price point.
Edited by Lane1through75, Sep 1 2013, 03:23 PM.
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66alfa_gtv
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Quote:
 
I resolved a while ago to stop kvetching about the direction the MB line was going


In time, so shall I.
I'm at the messy divorce stage with my once beloved. Right now, she (Matchbox) is taking everything. She's taking away my love for the brand. She's probably going to take the dog. I remain angry, for now, because we know some of the Matchbox people read these forums, so a little public unrest might go a long way. If that's so, the apathetic wont get any credit.
As the divorce with Matchbox becomes final, I am starting to meet others who know what I like, if you know what I mean. There's Siku, a somewhat conservative German who reminds me of my mother - all quality and standards. Then there's Autoworld, the kind you don't take home to mother. Super hot. They are easing me into the transition to diecast bachelorhood, where I get to have many really good experiences. My former love, Matchbox, gave me pleasure rarely. Even then, it wasn't very good.
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realgone58
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Station Wagon
66alfa_gtv
Sep 1 2013, 02:51 PM
Quote:
 
I resolved a while ago to stop kvetching about the direction the MB line was going


In time, so shall I.
I'm at the messy divorce stage with my once beloved. Right now, she (Matchbox) is taking everything. She's taking away my love for the brand. She's probably going to take the dog. I remain angry, for now, because we know some of the Matchbox people read these forums, so a little public unrest might go a long way. If that's so, the apathetic wont get any credit.
As the divorce with Matchbox becomes final, I am starting to meet others who know what I like, if you know what I mean. There's Siku, a somewhat conservative German who reminds me of my mother - all quality and standards. Then there's Autoworld, the kind you don't take home to mother. Super hot. They are easing me into the transition to diecast bachelorhood, where I get to have many really good experiences. My former love, Matchbox, gave me pleasure rarely. Even then, it wasn't very good.
:lol: ........I love it! @ lane1through75: I agree about the price, look at what you get with Auto World for three and five bucks. And, there's no weird tampos or generic cranes. They are real cars! However, I do like this Jag, and I would buy one if I could:
1. Find one
2. Get if for 2 or 3 bucks.
Edited by realgone58, Sep 1 2013, 03:13 PM.
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Bill50
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Lane1through75
Sep 1 2013, 01:29 PM
I resolved a while ago to stop kvetching about the direction the MB line was going in since it (A) wasn't doing any good, and (B) wasn't helping my relationship with other collectors. I decided I was too emotionally invested in the brand and life is too short, so I leave that stuff behind. I actually feel much better about my collecting patterns since I let go of that baggage.

That said, this is not a complaint post. It's just a statement of how I ended up collecting this series, for what it's worth (and in the grand scheme of international marketing, it may not be worth much).

I am not a completist, but I did collected the first two "New Superfast" series in their entirety, as well as most of the offshoot "Best Of" models. NSF began at $1.99-$2.29 each, and at that price I scooped them all up. In my opinion, for what you get from the 60th series (a wrong-sized box and and "extra" tampo run -- the kind you get for free on many Hot Wheels) this anniversary collection should have been priced between $1.99 and $2.99, tops. I've seen them between $3.99 and $4.99 in my area, which is absurd for what you get.

At $1.99 I'm collecting the whole set, with a few doubles.

At $2.99 I'm buying everything EXCEPT the Quarry King, All-Terrain Crane, Ground Grinder, Urban Tow Truck, and Crop Master. (You may be like me and may not collect these castings, but the fact is over the 60-year history of Matchbox, models of this type have been found in the line, so I understand why they are in this series. It's not casting choice I have an issue with as much as price point/value.)

At $3.99-$4.99 (reality) I have only purchased:

Routemaster Bus (x2)
Austin Mini Cooper
Aston Martin DBS Volante

That's it. I've seen nearly all of them at retail and just 4 have been purchased, and unless I find these dumped at a Tuesday Morning for $2.99 or less, that's all I'm getting.

There were several models that were "On The Bubble" for me, but that I am quite comfortable saying I left on the pegs because of the price. These include:

Mustang GT/CS
Lancer EVO Police
Gallardo Police
Defender 110

At $2.99, I'm a buyer.

No series is going to make everyone happy, but I think this line had something for everyone design-wise. With the models themselves I feel the glass was more than half-full (though certainly not a 'Home Run') and that the real failure here was with the marketing people who allowed (encouraged?) these to be sold at such an inflated price point.
You have pitched in at the right time with your comments and i fully agree with your buying ideas.Over here in the UK they are between £3.50 and £5.00 UK pounds but with a good bit of searching you can find them as low as £2.I have bought 3 or 4 only but managed 2 of the chase bus in one day.

Posted Image
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66alfa_gtv
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Bill, by the way, is trying out the new tagline.
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Lane1through75
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With Jazz and conversation from the foot of Mt. Belzoni.
66alfa_gtv
Sep 1 2013, 02:51 PM
I remain angry, for now, because we know some of the Matchbox people read these forums, so a little public unrest might go a long way. If that's so, the apathetic wont get any credit.
Great post, but I have to quibble with this one thought.

It's been policy for some time in El Segundo to ignore these critical posts. Current management is only interested in servicing the collectors (and bloggers) who "service" them.
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Bill50
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Lane1through75
Sep 1 2013, 03:46 PM
66alfa_gtv
Sep 1 2013, 02:51 PM
I remain angry, for now, because we know some of the Matchbox people read these forums, so a little public unrest might go a long way. If that's so, the apathetic wont get any credit.
Great post, but I have to quibble with this one thought.

It's been policy for some time in El Segundo to ignore these critical posts. Current management is only interested in servicing the collectors (and bloggers) who "service" them.
Ignoring critical posts is very unwise and the biggest critical forum now also boasts some very well known names in diecast including Mattel.As a consumer i have a right to be as critical as i wish and if Mattel want my money they will need to earn it as Siku and Schuco get most of it. :wave:
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66alfa_gtv
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Lane, I don't disagree with that. I do wonder how that strategy is working for them.
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harlans toys
matchbox
I think for this special 60th line the old models needed to be bought back out some of the favourites from every decade of matchbox all with original mb style boxes that would have came with the model, great review though thanks for taking the time to type it all up
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66alfa_gtv
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So, is the Barbie division of Mattel receiving the same cost cutting abuse as Matchbox? I ask this as a serious question. Barbie has been a standard right of toy-passage for decades. Surely they are not turning it into a lowest-common-denominator product as well?
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Stampede
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Team Canada
Great review, Nicolas! This looks like a model that I might buy!

Of course, the one that I'm after in this release is the Explorer.
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funeralxempire
SUV
Dubyateeeff? There's a tampo on the window? BLEGH.

If this was a $1 MBX I'd want to track it down, the chrome interior can be fixed with bleach and the windows can be replaced, but at $4 I shouldn't have to buy a second one to cannibalize for a non-tampoed window.
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daniel60
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Personal Luxury Car
I tried taking pictures of this beauty today and let's just say the car is not photogenic for me. LOL!
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cody6268
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Minivan
Lane1through75
Sep 1 2013, 01:29 PM
I resolved a while ago to stop kvetching about the direction the MB line was going in since it (A) wasn't doing any good, and (B) wasn't helping my relationship with other collectors. I decided I was too emotionally invested in the brand and life is too short, so I leave that stuff behind. I actually feel much better about my collecting patterns since I let go of that baggage.

That said, this is not a complaint post. It's just a statement of how I ended up collecting this series, for what it's worth (and in the grand scheme of international marketing, it may not be worth much).

I am not a completist, but I did collected the first two "New Superfast" series in their entirety, as well as most of the offshoot "Best Of" models. NSF began at $1.99-$2.29 each, and at that price I scooped them all up. In my opinion, for what you get from the 60th series (a wrong-sized box and an "extra" tampo run -- the kind you get for free on many Hot Wheels) this anniversary collection should have been priced between $1.99 and $2.49, tops. I've seen them between $3.99 and $4.99 in my area, which is absurd for what you get.

At $1.99 I'm collecting the whole set, with a few doubles.

At $2.49 I'm buying everything EXCEPT the Quarry King, All-Terrain Crane, Ground Grinder, Urban Tow Truck, and Crop Master. (You may be like me and may not collect these castings, but the fact is over the 60-year history of Matchbox, models of this type have been found in the line, so I understand why they are in this series. It's not casting choice I have an issue with as much as price point/value.)

At $3.99-$4.99 (reality) I have only purchased:

Routemaster Bus (x2)
Austin Mini Cooper
Aston Martin DBS Volante

That's it. I've seen nearly all of them at retail and just 4 have been purchased, and unless I find these dumped at a Tuesday Morning for $2.49 or less, that's all I'm getting.

There were several models that were "On The Bubble" for me, but that I am quite comfortable saying I left on the pegs because of the price. These include:

Mustang GT/CS
Lancer EVO Police
Gallardo Police
Defender 110

At $2.49, I'm a buyer.

No series is going to make everyone happy, but I think this line had something for everyone design-wise. With the models themselves I feel the glass was more than half-full (though certainly not a 'Home Run') and that the real failure here was with the marketing people who allowed (encouraged?) these to be sold at such an inflated price point.
At the Tuesday Morning near where I live, I have rarely found any Matchbox, aside from the "revamped" Models of Yesteryear, Mega Rigs, one Creature Catcher (yes, only one), and a few playsets. Most of what I find is premium Hot Wheels and Tomica.
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daniel60
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Personal Luxury Car
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This was one of the hardest cars yet that I photographed. My Hat off to you Nick.

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MustangJerry
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I was collecting the 60'th anniversary line but stopped. I'll just stick with the vintage Lesney's.
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daniel60
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Personal Luxury Car
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66alfa_gtv
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Here are my E-types, created 50 some years ago. The proportions are off a little, but the quality is much better than the current model.

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