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Showcase: 2010 Cadillac CTS Wagon
Topic Started: Jan 7 2015, 08:40 PM (1,506 Views)
mbx64
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Matchbox Collector
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This model replaced the originally-planned Rolls-Royce Phantom to much of our disappointment in 2010. A Rolls-Royce Phantom Matchbox would have easily been the best thing that Mattel had ever done for the brand, and would have been the pinnacle of all modern Matchbox models.

Although the holy grail of all cars was canceled, its replacement was not too shabby at all. This platform saved Cadillac from the huge fallout GM had, with the CTS wagon, sedan, and coupe racking up huge sales and interest from more than just motoring enthusiasts. The cars were also genuinely handsome, which was a first for Cadillac whose lineup was clogged up with dull models like the Catera and DTS. Even the 2005 CTS was not overly pretty. Matchbox knew that this car was significant, so they also produced the Coupe version just one year later, and that would offer a contrasting yet beautiful approach to the CTS.
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This casting was a bit last-minute for the lineup, and as a result it popped up at the very end of 2010 along with the much anticipated Caterham, Fisker, and Holden models. The wagon was very well done considering the time constraints, although the Coupe offered some refinement on the CTS overall. The front is very well done, but some of the trim on the side is not defined enough, and the rear lines are not as crisp as on the real car.
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This is still a gorgeous casting that I would say is easily one of Mattel's best. Blue is coating this wagon for the first time, and the metallic really looks sharp on this vehicle. There are front and rear tampoes, and both very well done, especially the grille and emblem. The 5-spokes are a nice addition in high gloss, and make this brighter, sportier version seem to mimic a CTS-V more than the base wagon. While this CTS was a surprise for 2014 it was easily worth grabbing the entire 5-pack for.
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2010 Mainline Debut
I usually say that a debut is always the best, just because it is the very first model. This model would be anyway, with beautiful headlight tampoes, gloss red and a classy tan interior. This one is easily the most luxurious.
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2011 Mainline version A
I really like this version a lot. It is clean, and the Caddy looks superb in Germany's color.
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2011 Modern Rides 5-pack
Not my favorite. The white is really thick and has an odd finish. The headlights on my example are also too dark, but it is still a decent model.
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2013 Mainline
This one was nice at first, but after this batch hung around for over two months with no Batch B, this model grew tired quickly. 10-spokes with a full chrome would have made a better pair with the metallic gold body.
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The bunch:
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Some good diecast replication:
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Photo: MotorTrend

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Wagons are really cool, and it could be awhile before we see another wagon with a Caddy badge. At least we have this one to admire!


I hope you enjoyed,

Nic
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cody6268
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Minivan
I found the 2011 version as a pegwarmer in 2013 at Roses, it was the only Matchbox they had.

I actually like it quite a bit. The blue one is even better looking to me.
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JustDavid
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SUV
Great write-up...this CTS looks good in blue. If I remember correctly, this wagon was available in a whole selection of colors.
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jedimario
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RAWR
It's important to remember that RR did not want its car available for sale for $1- they think themselves too high-end for something like that. Mattel did not just wantonly ditch the Phantom. It's disappointing, but not exactly Mattel's fault.

That said, this is a pretty good car indeed. The CTS wagon is the coolest Cadillac in decades (save for maybe the XLR), and another die-cast wagon is never a bad thing. I'm pretty sure I have multiple repaints of this one.
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pjedsel
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Muscle Car
I think Matchbox did a fairly nice job on this Caddy station wagon. These are always very nice write-ups on the models and much appreciated.
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ivantt
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New casting? Quick! Take it apart!
I have several of these, and I think they are excellent by MBX. Thanks for the great data and photos.
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Stampede
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Team Canada
Thanks for the great review and photos, Nicolas!

The CTS wagon has always been one of my favorite Matchbox castings. That said, I did not know that this blue version had been released; maybe one to look out for.
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Dean-o-mite
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Muscle Car
Thinking about how small the Phantom would have likely been to fit in the blister, I think we ended up as winners getting this one instead. I really, really, really like the Matchbox CTS Wagon. And now, with the unlicensed Phantom from the China company "Dream Becomes True," I am happy to be able to have both cars.
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W Gee
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Station Wagon
Im a big fan of all the Matchbox & HW CTS castings. I d like to see MB add the V Series to their Wagon and Coupe. would look great on the black 5 spokes
Edited by W Gee, Jan 8 2015, 11:56 AM.
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Sirentoys
Fullsize
jedimario
Jan 7 2015, 11:24 PM
It's important to remember that RR did not want its car available for sale for $1- they think themselves too high-end for something like that.

I have read this on numerous boards. But I have never heard this directly form a Mattel rep. IIRC it was state by a member on a board that this could be the case. Since then it has been posted around the web as gospel.

With the history between MB and Rolls along with the current relationship between BMW and Mattel, I find the idea that Rolls Royce is above $1 models a bit far reaching.

I could be wrong. If so point me in the direction that the info came from Mattel on this. It does seem of late that when it comes to licensing for the MB and HW they do take the paths of least resistance. Thus we don't see real markings on delivery trucks or emergency models often. Mercedes cars, no frickin' way since they need a sticker.

Jeff
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mbx64
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Matchbox Collector
Thanks a lot for the kind words everyone. I love to read that you enjoyed the review. :)

I did not mean to make it sound like Mattel ditched the RR for no purpose. I knew it was BMW playing hard-to-get when it came to RR being represented as a $1 model. This information was told before by David Tilley, who learned of the reasoning at one of the Matchbox Gatherings. Here is the best I could find from him after a quick search:
"Rolls Royce are a pain to deal with. Matchbox tried to work with them and they said no."

David, the Cadillac had only one other release than I have pictured, and that was the orange 2011 1-100b that also came sporting orange 5-spoke wheels.
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Dean-o-mite
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Muscle Car
The double-10-spoke wheels really look good on this model. I like the blue one, but I think it, too, would look even better with those wheels. But variety is the spice of life, and the 5-spokes do look more sporty.
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adbutler
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Honda all the way!!!!!
Love this casting, pity it hasn't been used more often along with the coupe.
Edited by adbutler, Jan 8 2015, 09:13 PM.
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jedimario
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RAWR
On top of what Nicolas said, I think you can look at what Rollers are available right now and see a pretty clear answer. Mercedes still licenses their cars to "low end" brands like Tomica and Maisto and cheaper BMWs were even available while Mattel did not have the license. Rolls Royce? To my knowledge, despite a history of licensing out their designs to cheaper brands, the cheapest die-cast you can find from them made in the past decade or so are 1/43 Kyoshos. That to me indicates an issue at RR, not at Mattel.
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