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2013 Matchbox Awards: Mainline models
Topic Started: Dec 31 2013, 04:14 PM (1,269 Views)
mbx64
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Matchbox Collector
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Well, it is the last day of 2013, so what is a better way to spend it than looking back at all of the Matchboxes released throughout the year? Although past years have been much more reminiscent to look back on, this year has certainly had its ups. When you compare it to 2012, you can see a generally vast improvement in mainline model designs, and that is what we are taking a look at today.

I have decided that the best way to tackle this extensive search for a mainline model was to simply look for a brilliant design on a model that really needs to have a proper design to look right. While some models, like Hummers and Jeeps, could have a great design on them and still not attract much positive attention, some models draw a lot of eyes when they have the right deco. So, it is all about the castings itself, too. Let us take a look, shall we?

I decided to pick five mainline model groups, and two of the best models from each group. They are as listed:
1) City Adventure
- City cars
- City trucks
2) Heroic Rescue
3) Construction
4) Explorers

Please remember that these are all of my personal opinions on what were the best mainline models of 2013, and have no true standing whatsoever.

CITY - City Cars

1) It was a pleasing moment when the 2013 Matchbox mainline list was released and we found MB726 Audi R8 among it. German sports cars have been taking a back seat lately, with Mercedes-Benz being as strict as ever about licensing, with Audi having tough tampo regulations and Bentley no longer being licensed by the Matchbox Team. We still have our BMW's and Porsche's, but everything still feels a little empty without the aforementioned manufacturers. Fortunately, our supercar Audi friend was able to help fill a void, and fill a void it did. With a sparkling blue paintjob, chrome 5-spoke rims, detailed tampoes and a sexy silhouette, it was the only true supercar that was in the mainline this year. That is certainly something to celebrate.
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2) Next, I chose MB675 Porsche Cayenne Turbo. It was picked for very similar reasons to the R8's. This Porsche was a charm to see back on Matchbox's agenda, like the R8, it also helped fill-in that German void that the Brand has been suffering of in recent years, like the R8, and it is the only one of its kind in the mainline, like the R8. Yes, that is right, this is the only proper SUV in the 2013 mainline, but it would not be so had the Evoque decided to turn up. I also picked it because the Cayenne needed on last go. No one can ever be sure if this is the last time the Cayenne will be used, but if that is the case, this is a fitting last-outfit. Porsche's SUV has been begging for a go in those preppy large 5-spoke rims, too, and its wish was finally answered. Hooray to that!
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CITY - City Trucks

1) MB776 Street Sweeper is a prime example of Matchbox's talent when it comes to generic models. When the time comes, a true machine can pop out of the offices at Mattel that is capable of drawing both kids and adults forwards. This is one of those machines. With a heavy diecast body, handsome dot-dash wheels and a realistic city design, this Street Sweeper is an obvious choice for this award.
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2) My pick for second is MB814 Aqua King. The Aqua King is mutual with the Street Sweeper with regards to it being an exemplary example of Matchbox's finest generic creations. This model also managed to surprise me with its color combination of matte lime green and orange, which I would have never imagined working before, but the pictures tell a different story. A great casting with a fun, attractive design is always welcome.
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HEROIC RESCUE

1) Finding the Ford Promo livery on MB821 Ford Police Interceptor was the biggest shock of the year for me. With the latest 'Unstoppable' tagline, which has brought along many wild designs, I would have never guessed that the Ford Police Interceptor would have appeared in the signature Promo livery that we all know and love. But, Mattel was able to throw most of us collectors for a loop with this clean cut Ford Police Interceptor.
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2) With all of the surprises I have mentioned, this is certainly another one of them. Finding MB762 1978 Dodge Monaco Police on the list released by Mattel was a - you know it - huge shocker. I suppose I sound like a broken record with all of these surprises, but they all really were genuine. Surprises are very well a part of the reason for me chosing all of the models mentioned, because I do not like a predictable, average model. That is not what I am highlighting. So, we have two shocking cop cars to show, one new and one old. Talk about predictable. . .
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CONSTRUCTION

1) MB686 Tractor Plow has been around for a very long time, 7 years to be in fact. Those 7 years have started to catch up with it, proven by its quirky proportions, simplistic idea, and relatively odd design. However, these are also all of the reasons why I love the Tractor Plow. It has been able to stick it through for so many years, and that is worth an award. It is even safe to say that this is the best design it has seen yet, with those superb 8-dot dual-ringed construction wheels, black fenders, and INC Construction livery. Keep strong and carry on as you do, MB686.
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2) MB840 Water Hauler was one of my favorite "new" models from 2012. I loved the Dirt Hauler, so I love the Water Hauler by default. It is nice to see a model with such heritage continue on throughout the years. The new construction wheels refresh this old quarry truck mighty well, and the orange/blue combination serves up some dignity for such an old casting. Well done!
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Explorers

1) MB762 Sahara Survivor is a wonderful example of a desert truck, particularly for a generic creation. It looks like a real desert racing truck was shrunk down to Matchbox size to make a living in blisters. Its uberly realistic design, paired with its attention to detail and real suspension makes it a true collectors model. This version's anaconda green, smoked cog wheels, and stainless steel plating gives it a stealthy look that is hard to ignore. One of the best versions? I would say so.
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2) Finally, we arrive at MB797 Baja Bullet. This model filled in a nice niche between a pickup truck and a racing machine. It was just right, and remains so still. I admire its always-in-motion design as well as its working suspension for some great adventure to be had in the sandbox. The spectraflame maroon is drool-worthy on this already sharp-looking truck, and it has been a while since we have seen a licensed logo. Off-road does not always correlate to the word "cringe", proven here.
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Here are the two award-winners of each category paired-up together:
CITY - City Cars
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CITY - City Trucks
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HEROIC RESCUE
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CONSTRUCTION
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EXPLORERS
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Thanks to everyone who decided to take a gander at my totally-opinionated 2013 Matchbox Mainline Awards ceremony. I hope that you enjoyed the presentation and agreed with at least a few of my decisions. I would love to see your own choices for all of the categories, too!

May I wish you and your family a happy new year, while wishing the same to our favorite brand.

~Nicolas

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Stampede
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Team Canada
I couldn't agree with you more! Very nice choices here!
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mbx64
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Matchbox Collector
Stampede
Jan 1 2014, 08:27 PM
I couldn't agree with you more! Very nice choices here!
Thanks very much! I appreciate you recognizing my work and effort that I put into these Awards.

We have very similar tastes!
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adbutler
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Honda all the way!!!!!
Agree with the Audi R8 100%. Surprised not to see the BMW 1M though Nic.
Edited by adbutler, Jan 3 2014, 02:24 AM.
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mbx64
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Matchbox Collector
adbutler
Jan 3 2014, 02:24 AM
Agree with the Audi R8 100%. Surprised not to see the BMW 1M though Nic.
Thanks!

And the BMW 1M was disqualified because it was a New Model. This thread was only for re-colored mainline models. I will make a New Models one eventually!
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pjedsel
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Muscle Car
Very nice review Nicolas. I think both of the police cars were very well done by Matchbox. It was a good year for emergency models with the demo lettered Interceptor and the anniversary Pierce fire engine. :D
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JustDavid
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SUV
Outstanding as usual, Nicholas. The Audi and Porsche are well-executed and your pics show these gorgeous models well.
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mbx64
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Matchbox Collector
JustDavid
Jan 3 2014, 10:26 PM
Outstanding as usual, Nicholas. The Audi and Porsche are well-executed and your pics show these gorgeous models well.
Thanks David! Much appreciated. :)
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