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Dodge Charger Pursuit; Most of the versions:
Topic Started: Jul 31 2016, 11:18 PM (882 Views)
Stampede
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Team Canada
Posted Image

It's no secret to say that this could very well be one of my favourite Matchbox castings.

I know, I know. In the Matchbox spectrum, the vehicle itself isn't THAT special.

But that's part of the charm.

I mean, what isn't there to love about the casting? It's proportional, realistic, and the liveries that the team has put onto the model so far have yet to disappoint. All combinations for a winner, in my opinion.

So, bear with me as I take you through each of the versions that are present in my collection. I will also add that almost all the models have detailing added to them.

2013: City Police

[img]https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4229/35510748842_ef1913ec56_o.jpg[/img

This was the debut of the Charger Pursuit casting, and it did not disappoint. Especially since 2013 was the year after the questionable 2012 range, I had hoped that the model would be released with semi-decent graphics. That, it did. The "City Police" livery is quite elegant, and of course, above all, realistic - something that I could very easily see a real-life department using.

[Posted Image

[Posted Image

But sadly, this version would be the only one with a dedicated piece for the lightbar, as the 4 piece restriction came shortly after.

2014: Boone County Sheriff

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If any casting deserved a licensed livery, it was the Charger. With so many different departments using the real-life model, finding a willing department wouldn't be hard. The hard part would be finding one that appeased Mattel's interest, especially with the two-sided tampo printing.

But the team chose the right department: Boone County, MO. The gloss black paint, coupled with the excellent tampo printing added up to become one of the highlights for the 2014 mainline. And of course, this was pretty hard to find when it first came out.

Posted Image

I'm not the world's biggest fan of the "new" integrated lightbar, as it looks a bit too high profile for a modern lightbar. But I assume that it could have been worse, so I can live with it.

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Of course, I am missing the 2014 Albuquerque model (which I believe was a vendor piece), which is one of my holy grails. Quite literally, that model takes my breath away with its detail and execution. Fully tampoed lights, licensed livery - what else could I ask for? Maybe I'll buy one in the future..maybe. Although I dream of it often :lol:

Onto 2015 we go...

2015: St. Ursula County Police

Posted Image

Although this is a generic livery, it sure looks like a real one, which really speaks to the talent and the care that the designers over at Matchbox take when they are designing a model.
The livery is a little busier than previous versions, but it still complements the model quite nicely. In addition, the Matte black leads to a nice contrast with the gloss black found on the Boone County model.

Posted Image

Posted Image

But we're not done for 2015. Much to my (and others') surprise, there was a recolour for the Charger Pursuit that year. I had no clue of it beforehand, until my parents bought one (and showed me a picture of it) while they were on vacation elsewhere.

2015: State Trooper

[Posted Image

Moving away from the city, and into the state, we find the State Troopers. This version, with its not so traditional (at least, I think) paint, really is eye catching. I really love that the team took the time to change it up from the previous 'city' versions to more of a 'state' adaptation. And, the livery looks so good, especially matched with the brilliant blue:

(I can forgive the little gaffe regarding the "State Trooper" for "MBX County")

Posted Image

Posted Image

There was one more version for 2015, though. Found in the "Mission Force" sets was a silver Charger in the markings for the "Urban Tactical Police". Apparently, it's a trickier model to find, and the price for the whole Mission Force set does not really justify that one model, at least not yet. Maybe my completionist reflexes will kick in and I'll buy the set eventually?

Last, but certainly not least, is this year's versions.

2016: "Police"

Posted Image

Forgive me for the rather vague title, but it's the best I could come up with. This version of the Charger sports a silver-grey base coat, which is accented by the blue side tampo and the red/white stripe that runs along the length of a car. It is a little more generic than previous designs, but it still gets the job done. Simple, but elegant.

Posted Image

This version is also the first (and only) release to not feature the "5 Spoke Superfast Sport" wheels, rather going with the split 10 spoke wheels. The latter gives more of a "street" style appearance, while still complementing the model nicely. Again, another great touch by the team to keep this casting looking nice and fresh.

Of course, there's still one more version - maybe the best yet.

2016: NYPD

Posted Image

The star of the "Police Rescue" (or NYPD) 5-pack is most definitely the Charger. As the NYPD uses models similar to this, it was a pleasant surprise to see it being used to its full potential. Might I say, it looks darn good in the signature NYPD livery. What else do I have to say?

Posted Image

In conclusion, it's great to see one of my favourite castings being used to this degree. With two licensed liveries over four years, and plenty of realistic liveries in between, I am excitied tos ee what the future holds for the Charger. It was a shame to see the Supreme Heroes line cancelled, as this was one of the models that was supposed to be included. With (presumably) full tampoes, and a licensed livery, that version would have been one to behold - possibly rivaling the Albuquerque version. Alas, it was not meant to be.


Well, that's it for this installment. If you're still reading, I greatly appreciate it - this is one of my longer posts.

Hope that it was a good read! :wave:
Edited by Stampede, Jul 2 2017, 05:39 PM.
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b2young
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Sad firefighter
A great read for the morning cup of coffee! I can't quite figure out just what it is about the Charger that is so appealing, but it is one of my favorite castings from Matchbox (not to mention the other brands whose Charger police cars are prominent in my collection). Perhaps it helps that both the Boise PD and the Idaho State Police use Chargers....and they just look sooo fine cruising the roadways of Idaho.
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pjedsel
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Muscle Car
:wave: Thanks for a great review of the Charger Police Car. Like you I have all the versions except the mission force release and the Gathering Albuquerque release. Matchbox has done an awesome job with the variety of designs - all fairly realistic - on this police car. I am not a fan of the integrated light bar - but it is better than no light bar - I think my biggest complaint is it is always clear (but I notice GreenLight doing that as well these days). I do look forward to seeing what the next designs will be for this casting - hopefully another actual department but as noted - the "generic ones" have been nicely done as well!
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microbuss
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SUV
kool
I like this car too & I knows a ex-cop car for sale like this
Lights included! B)
Edited by microbuss, Aug 1 2016, 09:39 AM.
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Stangfreak
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Convertible
They do look good for 1 buck cars!!!
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JBH6666
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Fullsize
I blacked out the wheels on my 2016 grey Charger police pursuit (and detailed the headlights)- looks much better than with the chromed Dubs as the factory created it.
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Douglas
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SUV
A great Matchbox model indeed! And a great review as usual Terence! :thumbup: Now just to find the latest one. :D
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daydreamer_701
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daydreamer_701
(Squeals like a diehard fan girl at a concert) :D
About time you did a full-on review on this one! As a longtime Matchbox and police car fan I have to say they did a much better job on this one than on the Ford Taurus Interceptor - just feel the weight difference between the two and you'll see what I mean.

I have to say, the debut (2013) livery might be my favourite generic livery on an emergency vehicle of all time. The crisp blue strip on white body is high profile enough to resemble a modern livery but isn't too loud and showy like some liveries the blue brand applies. So far they've made fantastic choices with the licensed variations and I as usual am excited to see what they can do next with this casting. Thanks for another great thing to read during a midnight round of popcorn chicken and bubble tea! :)

Oh and as usual I will always root for them doing one in Vancouver Police decos. That is something I know they'll never mess up!
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carcollector
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Thank's for this great review Terence and for those gorgeous pics of the Charger's! :thumbup: :wave:
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Badge109
Compact
Great coverage of the Charger! I picked up three variations of this at the Gathering. I'd have to say it's my favorite police car in the line up since the Crown Vic that came out in about 1997.
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bigcollector07
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Midsize
I really enjoyed reading your reviews Terence, especially this one about the Dodge Charger. I love this cast as you do too. Although I don't have the exclusive variations, I'm happy on what I have. Thanks for your review!
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911diecast
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My favorite one, albeit it cost more than a dollar.

Posted Image
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b2young
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Sad firefighter
I may even like the big one more than the Matchbox.....but it's pretty darn close!
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pjedsel
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Muscle Car
911diecast
Aug 4 2016, 06:21 PM
My favorite one, albeit it cost more than a dollar.

Posted Image
Is this one your current ride? :D
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911diecast
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pjedsel
Aug 4 2016, 06:49 PM
Is this one your current ride? :D

No, this is.

NO Markings but properly outfitted, certified and a Hemi to boot.
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Stampede
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Team Canada
Thanks all for the comments and interest - I greatly appreciate them. :) And of course, I'm glad to see that you all enjoyed my photos and descriptions.

Jim, I will agree with you that the Charger is better than the Taurus, but the latter is most likely my second favourite police car casting from MB. I really don't mind the lack of metal - just glad that the execution is on point (compared to, say the Explorer - which was a huge disappointment for me). I'd also love to see a VPD model from MB, but I'd love to see it with full tampoes (say Greenlight). I am eyeing the First Response model, but at $30, I will be holding off for now.

911diecast, I assume you were the one that made the Boone County model happen? If so, I cannot thank you enough - as I said, that model is a stunner.
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Brian49
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Station Wagon
911diecast
Aug 4 2016, 06:21 PM
My favorite one, albeit it cost more than a dollar.

Posted Image
By far my favorite version also. Goes perfect with the BCSO Expedition and BCFD rigs!
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juantoo3
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

:thumbup: You have a knack for write-ups!
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911diecast
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Stampede
Aug 6 2016, 06:52 PM
Thanks all for the comments and interest - I greatly appreciate them. :) And of course, I'm glad to see that you all enjoyed my photos and descriptions.

Jim, I will agree with you that the Charger is better than the Taurus, but the latter is most likely my second favourite police car casting from MB. I really don't mind the lack of metal - just glad that the execution is on point (compared to, say the Explorer - which was a huge disappointment for me). I'd also love to see a VPD model from MB, but I'd love to see it with full tampoes (say Greenlight). I am eyeing the First Response model, but at $30, I will be holding off for now.

911diecast, I assume you were the one that made the Boone County model happen? If so, I cannot thank you enough - as I said, that model is a stunner.
Yes, I was the one who got the Charger made. Stay tuned for more from Mattel from Boone County.

I also happened to stop by the Greenlight Offices this week and talked to Russell, the president, and hopefully I will be able to add some more Boone County to the Greenlght family.

By the way I do believe that GL bought the First Repsonse dies.

Keith
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daydreamer_701
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daydreamer_701
Stampede
Aug 6 2016, 06:52 PM
Jim, I will agree with you that the Charger is better than the Taurus, but the latter is most likely my second favourite police car casting from MB. I really don't mind the lack of metal - just glad that the execution is on point (compared to, say the Explorer - which was a huge disappointment for me). I'd also love to see a VPD model from MB, but I'd love to see it with full tampoes (say Greenlight). I am eyeing the First Response model, but at $30, I will be holding off for now.

Haha don't get me wrong I love the MB Taurus! I just feel, sometimes, that they could put a little more effort in that casting. Then again it is one of the last castings that still has a separate lightbar and it is much more well executed than one certain police SUV (COUGH Explorer COUGH).

:blink: $30???!!! :wacko: I guess, like you, I'll just patiently wait for the Greenlight one to come out...
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pjedsel
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Muscle Car
911diecast
Aug 6 2016, 11:19 PM
Stampede
Aug 6 2016, 06:52 PM
Thanks all for the comments and interest - I greatly appreciate them. :) And of course, I'm glad to see that you all enjoyed my photos and descriptions.

Jim, I will agree with you that the Charger is better than the Taurus, but the latter is most likely my second favourite police car casting from MB. I really don't mind the lack of metal - just glad that the execution is on point (compared to, say the Explorer - which was a huge disappointment for me). I'd also love to see a VPD model from MB, but I'd love to see it with full tampoes (say Greenlight). I am eyeing the First Response model, but at $30, I will be holding off for now.

911diecast, I assume you were the one that made the Boone County model happen? If so, I cannot thank you enough - as I said, that model is a stunner.
Yes, I was the one who got the Charger made. Stay tuned for more from Mattel from Boone County.

I also happened to stop by the Greenlight Offices this week and talked to Russell, the president, and hopefully I will be able to add some more Boone County to the Greenlght family.

By the way I do believe that GL bought the First Repsonse dies.

Keith
More Boone County diecast from Mattel and GreenLight...that is great to hear! :thumbup:
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microbuss
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SUV
you know I'd love to see the old classic blue with white letters & numbers on a modern NYPD cop car
I'd admit it'd be cool but maybe bizzare looking ;)
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W Gee
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Station Wagon
Just read in the paper that CHP has bought around 600 Chargers for fleet replacement . Good news for the Brampton plant here ... bad news for bad guys in California
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mbx64
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Matchbox Collector
A concise, informative writeup, Terence, but I am upset that you reminded me of all the Chargers I am missing. :lol:

I will find the NYPD version easily because it is a 5-pack model, but the blue Trooper and silver 10-spoke models may give me some trouble. I think the last three are real winners and would have been so much more pleasing aesthetically with the separate lightbar piece. I agree that the window-piece bar is too tall and too narrow (the latter due to safety concerns because of the metal thickness inbetween the two window pieces).

I remember seeing the presentation of the Supreme Heroes lineup posted, and the Charger was shown in this likely ink-jet Detroit livery:
Posted Image
http://www.arabamericannews.com/news/images/article/2015_03/10266/u1_Detro.jpg

So sad it was scrapped.
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guy64
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mbx64
Aug 15 2016, 10:39 PM


I remember seeing the presentation of the Supreme Heroes lineup posted, and the Charger was shown in this likely ink-jet Detroit livery:
Posted Image
http://www.arabamericannews.com/news/images/article/2015_03/10266/u1_Detro.jpg

So sad it was scrapped.
That is a long way from a flat black Taurus!

"Murphy agrees, kid."
Edited by guy64, Aug 16 2016, 01:31 AM.
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