Matchbox Moving Parts 1950 Chevy Suburban

Hi

Here is one of my recent Matchbox acquisitions. It is the 1950 Chevrolet Suburban, from the Moving Parts series.

In the 1960s opening doors, bonnets, and boots were a common feature of many Matchbox models, but these were later dropped. That might have saved a few pennies, but it made the models a lot less fun. In 2019 Matchbox launched a special series of models which again included opening parts. 

These are not part of the regular Matchbox line, and form their own series. The number of models in the range varies from year to year. They are about twice the price of a normal Matchbox die-cast, and are hard to find in New Zealand, as few shops stock Matchbox models these days.

A Suburban was basically a station wagon built on a pick-up truck chassis. Pick-up families often included a windowless van; and a Suburban version with windows, fold-down or removable seats, and a rear door for ease of loading. Being able to carry a mix of people and bulky equipment, they were popular vehicles for work crews. Today the term applies to a luxury SUV type.

The 1950 Chevy Suburban is a new model, number MB1254, and is part of the 2021 Matchbox range. The underside carries the copyright date 2020, as does the back of the card. 

It has a metal body; chromed plastic base (which includes the grille and bumpers); with an opening bonnet, showing off the engine, which has red and black detail painting; plastic interior; and slightly tinted windows. Made in Thailand.

Both the exterior and interior are light green. Most of the printing is black, with a little white and orange. The doors say National Parks - Forest Ranger, and Park Patrol - U.S. 1254, which is the model number. 

Matchbox have done several other models, across various ranges, in a similar light green National Parks scheme. It is unusual, and very attractive.

This year, the Moving Parts models all come on strangely shaped cards, with the model glued inside a clear plastic bubble in the centre. The bonnet is held open, to show off the opening feature.

Paul Adams from New Zealand