Matchbox Graffic Traffic Introduction

Woodsy recently mentioned that he and his grandson have been touching up some old, scrap die-casts. Using felt-tip pens and stickers they have been having fun bringing new life to old and tired toys.

This reminded me of a range of models that Matchbox had produced back in the early 1990s, called Graffic Traffic. Matchbox basically offered children the chance to do what Woodsy and his grandson are doing, but using brand new models.

Graffic Traffic sets included one or more models, painted plain white, along with three waterproof marker pens, and a sheet of self-adhesive stickers. The first sets appeared in 1991, the range being expanded over the next few years. On the back of the card or box were the instructions, in several languages:

Wipe car with a clean cloth before decorating

Design and paint your own crazy car

Then stick on the decals you choose to complete your car

I thought this series would make an interesting short article. Then I discovered just how extensive the range was. It included vehicles from the basic 1-75 line, the larger Superkings, Convoy series heavy trucks, Sky-Busters aircraft, and even buildings. Change of plan - several articles would be needed to cover Graffic Traffic in any detail.

Apart from the basic Graffic Traffic sets (known as Graffix in Germany), there were also a number of other sets along the same lines. Graffic City (with buildings), Monster Trucks, Magic Graffic (colour changing models), Graffic Traffic Neon, Super Graffic Traffic Metal Flake (with glitter), and chrome finished Hot Metals.

Here is the 1992 Matchbox Pocket Catalogue, which devotes two pages to the new range.

Matchbox_1992.pdf (mdiecast.com)

I do not recall ever seeing any of these models in the shops, although I began collecting die-casts in the mid-1990s. In fact, I do not think I have even seen any at model fairs. I will certainly be looking out for them from now on.

Paul Adams NZ

Photographs from Worthpoint.