#570 POLISTIL MINI - CITROËN 19DS, VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE and AUTOBIANCHI BIANCHINA (Around 1960)

These cars were found in a flea market around one year ago. I immediatly recognised the quality of the cars and decided to buy them: they are marked APS 1/77 Italy, they represent very charismatic models from the 50s and the 60s, and despite the age, they are in very good shape.

Later, at home and to my surprise, I discovered that the cars were manufactured by Polistil, so I guess they were intended to be sold for vey little money, or to be combined with electric trains. I have also read somewhere, that Polistil also had some kind of ferry boat to carry many models from this series.
The cars reproduced are popular Italian and European cars, including many Fiats (500, 600, 600 Multipla, 1100...). The three models I own are:

CITROËN 19DS (French car sold from 1955 to 1975)

VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE (German car sold from 1938 on in several versions)

AUTOBIANCHI BIANCHINA (Italian car sold between 1957-1969)

Note that the Bianchina is not very well finished. One of the windows has not been properly done, and is almost covered by plastic. I am not sure if the chassis has also been mounted in the wrong direction, note that the wheels are not very well centered with the body. The other seem to be ok.
These models belong to a very short, very interesting and very rare series. Maybe because of the plastic, many of the units sold might have been destroyed during play (it would be enough to step on them) or thown in the trash, because their appearance is that of a very cheap toy.

FACTS AND FIGURES:

• Name: CITROËN 19DS, VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE and AUTOBIANCHI BIANCHINA
• Scale: 1:77
• Year: Around 1960
• Company: Polistil (Italy)
• Size: approx. 3,5 cm

#569 M.A.S.K. - MATT TRAKKER and JACQUES LAFLEUR (EURO EXCLUSIVE 2-PACK) (1987)

We have already talked about M.A.S.K. small sets. I also mentioned that there were two-figure sets that were sold independently, although those figures were identical to the ones sold together with the vehicles.

I don´t really know how much success this small two-packs had, but there were not many of these made. In Europe and Argentina, there were some more packs released as in the U.S. The European figures were mostly repaints of some pilots released with vehicles, and so an interesting collectable for M.A.S.K. collectors worldwide, as most "Euro Exclusive" items are.

In this case, I have Matt Trakker with Lava-Shot and Jacques LaFleur with Maraj

Something that I don’t like about M.A.S.K. is that they keep reusing the same characters again and again… For 4 or 5 waves and over 40 vehicles, there should be more characters, and not new figure casts with the same old characters. I always thought, as a kid, it was enough to have one Snake Eyes and one Storm Shadow, I didn’t need a second one with a different uniform… One example is that I got Prince Adam from the Masters of the Universe line, and I never ever though of buying He-Man, because they were actually the same character, and you cannot play both at the same time. It’s either Adam or He-Man. With M.A.S.K., if I had had them at the time, I guess it would have been the same story. If you have one Matt Trakker, one Miles Mayhem and one figure of each character I wouldn’t have bought a second one.

Was it the same in your case?

FACTS and FIGURES:

• Name: MATT TRAKKER with LAVA-SHOT and JACQUES LAFLEUR with MARAJ
• Toy Line: M.A.S.K.
• Year: 198
• Company: Kenner (U.S.A.)
• Size of the figures: 2½’’ or 6,5 cm

#568 GUISVAL MOTOS - VARIOUS MOTORCYCLES IN 1:32 SCALE (1975, 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979)

Guisval was always a few steps ahead compared to their national competitors like Mira or Guiloy in the small scale. Guisval´s 3 inches (which is for a motorbike around 1:32) was clearly better built and were most successful than other 1:64s. In the same 3 inches prize category were included these motorbikes. They are slightly bigger, but use lots of plastic parts.
These motorbikes are among the oldest models made by Guisval. They started in 1974 with 6 different models (3 casts each in two versions). The new series was named Tauro (Taurus).

• 201 Bultaco
• 202 Guzzi competición
• 203 Honda
• 204 Bultaco competición
• 205 Guzzi
• 206 Honda competición

In 1975, the Harley Davidson, with reference 207 is added to the collection.

Nº 207 - Harley Davidson (1975)

In 1976, two models appear for the first time: 208 - Kawasaki and 209 - Harley Davidson Policia.

Nº 208 - Kawasaki (1976)

In 1977, the new models are: 210 - Montesa Cote 348 and 211 - Harley Davidson Militar.

Nº 210 - Montesa Cota 348 (1977)

Nº 211 - Harley Davidson Militar (1977)

In 1978, only one model is added to the Tauro series: 212 - BMW R100 RS.

Nº 212 - BMW R100 RS (1978)

In 1979, two motorbikes are discontinued: 201 is now a Benelli 500 and 203 is a Benelli 750 SEI.

Nº 203 - Benelli 750 SEI (1979)

In 1980, three new models: 205 - Ducati 900-SD "Darmah", 207 Ducati 500 "Desmo" and 211 Ducati N.C.R. 900 "Desmo".

In 1981, three new models: 202 Guzzi 850 Le Mans II, 204 - Guzzi 850 T3 and 206 - Guzzi 850 T3 California. Interestingly, the Montesa Cota 348 appears now with reference 213 while reference 210 is not shown.

In 1982, still no 210 reference, but two more references added: 214 - Benelli 500 "Competición" and 215 - Ducati 500 "Competición". These include fairings that hide almost completely the body of the motorbike.

In 1983, there are no new models added to the collection, and there won't be any more. Ever.

By the last 80s, all motorbikes came with fairings and also several plastic parts, although there were still a few different body casts (Honda, Moto Guzzi, Bultaco). The quality of the plastic figure representing the driver is also lower, they are all the same man with a helmet, in different colour combinations, while in the models from the 70s and early 80s, there were different casts including a woman, a police and at least two types of men drivers. The head of this figures was customized in factory with one type of helmet, or hair (driving without helmet was ok back then!).

These motorbikes seem to be "inspired" by some models made by Britains between 1965 and 1975. I learnt about Britains Bikes on an article by Eric Bryan in DieCast Collector, issue 192, October 2013, and I think those Britains motorbikes are better made and better detailed. There is also a great variety of models.

Mr. Bryan, if you read this, you forgot to include Guisval and other Spanish die-cast in your "Some Other Vintage Diecast Motorbikes" box! For example: Mira (#216), Guiloy (with license from Mercury), Dalia (with licenses from Mercury and Tekno) or Guisval.

FACTS AND FIGURES:

• Name: BENELLI 750 SEI, HARLEY DAVIDSON, KAWASAKI, MONTESA COTA 348, HARLEY DAVIDSON MILITAR AND BMW R100 RS (Nr. 203, 207, 208, 210/213, 211 and 212) (respectively)
• Scale: 1:32
• Year: 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979
• Company: Guisval (Spain)
• Size: approx. 7 cm

#567 BATMAN (THE ANMATED SERIES) - POISON IVY (1992)

The movie Batman (1989) was quite a success. I remember my father took me to the cinema to watch it although I was stil very young. The movie had no toy merchandise available in Spain (or if there was, I cannot remember it). Two years later came Batman Returns, and those toys were neither available in Spain, but that same year 1992, a cartoon series was planned and aired in the States and some other countries.

Those figures were available in Spain as well as in most European countries. The figure presented today belong to this series, and, as you can see in the backcard, the figures made were several versions of Batman and Robin, and several villains.

The toyline was renamed several times in 1993 and 1994, like "The Animated Series: Crime Squad", "The Adventures of Batman and Robin" and "The Adventures of Batman and Robin: D.U.O. Force". Many figures from one line or the other were made from the same cast than previous figures, and also the accesories were reused or shared from/with other toylines like Jurassic Park: The Lost World. Nevertheless each line brought a few new casts to extend the list of characters.

I am not very interested in this toyline, but I have a few figures. Unfortunately none of them is complete with all accesories. Maybe I can complete some before I publish the next entry about this toyline.

 FACTS and FIGURES:

• Name: POISON IVY
• Toy Line: Batman the Animated Series (Wave 1)
• Year: 1992
• Company: Kenner (U.S.A.)
• Size of the figures: Around 8.5 cm (3.25'')

#566 LESNEY TOYS - VARIOUS MODELS II (1957, 1958, 1959, 1960 and 1962)

The first models made by Lesney were mostly English models, but as the line grew, other European and American models were included in the series. Despite the size, models were pretty accurate and included a great detail level.

The size of the toys was a factor for success, since it allowed to sell them much cheaper than their concurrents from Dinky or others. Matchbox as a brand was a registered to protected it worldwide.
The first models did not have windows or interiors and were made completely of metal. By 1968, Matchbox was the biggest selling brand, and their models already featured plastic windows, interior, tyres, spring suspension, opening parts, maybe some accesories... models had grown from the original 2 inches to 3 inches and there were many different types available (trucks, vans, motorcycles...)
During the Lesney era it was also defined that the standard series would always comprise 75 references, and after they reached that number, any new reference would replace an older one, so the display stands would always have the same size. This 1-75 reference system has been used almost until today, except from 1999 to 2001 and from 2008 on, with 100 references available.

Other model series have their own numbering system, but none of them is limited as the 1-75 series.

Nr. 10c - Fonden 15 Ton Sugar Container (1960-1966)
Nr. 27c - Cadillac Sixty Special (1960-1966)

Nr. 31b - American Ford Station Wagon (1960-1964)
Nr. 38a - Karrier Refuse Collector (1957-1963)

Nr. 32b - "E" Type Jaguar (other type of wheel) (1962-1968)

Nr. 44a - Rolls Royce Silver Cloud (1958-1964) - Repainted in grey
Nr. 73a - 10 Ton Pressure Refueller (1959-1962)

Nr. 75a - Ford Thunderbird (1960-1965)

Nr. 73b - Ferrari (other type of wheel) (1962-1968)

FACTS AND FIGURES:

• Name: Fonden 15 Ton Sugar Container (Nr. 10c), Cadillac Sixty Special (Nr. 27c), American Ford Station Wagon (Nr. 31b), Karrier Refuse Collector (Nr. 38a), Rolls Royce Silver Cloud (Nr. 44a), 10 Ton Pressure Refueller (Nr. 73a), Ford Thunderbird (Nr. 75a), "E" Type Jaguar (Nr. 32b), Ferrari (Nr. 73b)
• Scale: approx. 1:64
• Year: 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960 and 1962
• Company: Lesney (Great Britain)
• Size: approx. 6 cm

#565 LESNEY TOYS - VARIOUS MODELS I (1955, 1957 and 1958)

I have collected my oldest Matchbox/Lesney to finally write the story of the origins of Matchbox.

Lesney was founded in 1947 by Leslie and Rodney Smith. Despite their names, these men were not family. LESlie and rodNEY gave name to the company. Shortly after their foundation the engineer John "Jack" Odell joined the company. He was a friend of Rodney, both had worked previously at DCMT (Die Cast Machine Tools Ltd.), the die-cast company famous for "Lone Star" die-cast models.
Initially, Lesney facilites were an old pub called The Riflemen. They changed location several times until they finally moved to a factory in Hackney. In 1947 they recevied a request for toy gun parts, and they started considering toys as a new alternative to the other items they produced. In 1948 they started producing toys themselves. That first toy was a die-cast road roller similar to another one made by Dinky, followed by similar toys including a cowboy wagon and a soap box racer (from 1949, probably the most sought-after model ever in the history of Lesney/Matchbox).

Rodney left the company in 1951 because he thought there was no future in producing toys.
Only two years later, in 1953, Lesney produced the Royal Stage Coach used in the coronation of Elizabeth II in two different scales. This was an amazing success and provided capital for future expansions. This success plus a bit of luck would definitely determine the brilliant future of the company. Jack Odell built a miniature road-roller in 2 to 3 inches size for his daughter, who was only allowed to take with her to school toys in the size of a matchbox or smaller. This scale was somehow revolutionary, and we all know how successful this "scale" has been. Opposed to the classic 1:43, 1:87... scales, this new scale is sometimes referred as 1:box, because all models are around 2-3 inches long, independently of the size of the real vehicle.
That road roller would later become Nr.1 of the Matchbox 1-75 series.

Until the late 50s, Lesney toys were distributed by Moko. Moko was founded by MOses KOhnstam, and from there its name. Toys distributed by Moko were marked Lesney/Moko in the boxes. At one point, Lesney bought Moko, and started distributing their own toys.

From there on, a great expansion would follow until the first bankruptcy and receivership in 1982. Then, the company was reformed as Matchbox International Ltd. (a division of Universal Holdings/ universal Toys) and started producing in Macau. Jack Odell founded then Lledo (the surname spelled backwards).

Nr. 1c - Aveling Barford Road Roller (1958-1962)
Nr. 2b - Muir Hill Site Dumper (1957-1961) - Probably Reedition
Nr. 18a - Caterpillar Bulldozer (1955-1958) - Reedition

More Information:
www.hgm-matchbox.de/default.htm

FACTS AND FIGURES:

• Name: Aveling Barford Road Roller (Nr. 1c), Muir Hill Site Dumper (Nr. 2b), Caterpillar Bulldozer (Nr. 18c)
• Scale: Unknown
• Year: 1958, 1957, 1955
• Company: Lesney (Great Britain)
• Size: approx. 6 cm

#564 G.I. JOE – MOTORIZED ACTION PACKS, SERIES 1 (PART 1) (1987)

An interesting concept, which is present in many important action figure lines that include figures and vehicles, is the “small vehicles”. These are normally quite simple and, I would say, cheaper to produce than the figures themselves. They are normally priced as a single figure, and mostly sold in blister cards like the figures.

Who knows if G.I.Joe took this concept from Masters of the Universe (see for example #188)… the action packs are small, can be carried as a backpack, and have a wind-up motor that can be triggered on/off by a switch.

There were two series made of this, the first one consisted of 8 machines, 4 for G.I.Joe and 4 for Cobra and/or Dreadnocks. The second series, next year, counted only 4 small vehicles. Today I want to show a few of the first series, and I will complete it sometime, when I can take good pictures of the other machines I have.

The motorized action packs were:

G.I.Joe:

• Anti-Aircraft Gun
• Helicopter
• Radar Station
• Rope Walker

Cobra:

• Earth Borer
• Mountain Climber
• Pom-Pom Gun
• Rope Crosser

All of them were packaged in a blister card with a generic card, and included were a sheet of instructions in the “blueprint” style and a sheet of stickers. There were no filecard or whatever at the
back, only small pictures of all the available items.

Radar Station (G.I. Joe)
Guest Starring: Mainframe

Helicopter (G.I. Joe)
Guest Starring: Astro Viper v2 (yes, I know it is a GIJoe vehicle, but I took the pictures with the wrong figure)

Mountain Climber (Cobra)
Guest Starring: Firefly v2

FACTS AND FIGURES:

• Name: MOTORIZED ACTION PACKS HELICOPTER, RADAR STATION and MOUNTAIN CLIMBER.
• Alternate Names: Aparatos de Acción (Spanish), Engins d’Action (French)
• Toy Line: G.I.Joe (wave 6)
• Year: 1987
• Company: Hasbro (U.S.A.)
• Size of the figures: 3 ½¨ or 8 cms.