Tuesday, 22 November 2022

The Matchbox National Parks 1957 GMC Stepside Pick-up

Hi
 
Matchbox have recently done a number of National Parks models, all in a rather nice light green colour scheme. The models are not part of a series, but are scattered throughout various Matchbox lines. Several can be found in the basic Miniatures range, and at least one in the Sky-Busters aircraft series.

Apart from the Miniatures, Matchbox also do various themed sets, which are a little more expensive than the regular models. In 2021 there was a group of 12 models called the Truck Series, all of which were pick-up trucks. These came in different markings, and model 12/12 was a '57 GMC Stepside, in National Parks markings.

According to the Matchbox Wiki page for this series, they were sold exclusively in Walmart stores. That must have been only in the US, because I picked up my example in The Warehouse chain in New Zealand.


The model was originally part of the 2010 Matchbox range, and was modified in 2015.


This version uses the modified casting. It has a green metal body, fawn plastic interior and pick-up bed, with a black plastic base that includes the bumpers and grille. Clear plastic windows. Tampo printing is confined to the sides. GMC V8 badge; National Parks lettering; a white, orange, and black Parks badge; and the number 07 in white. 

The smaller black writing on the door says Supervisor. On the rear mudguards it says Animal Protection Services, all in capital letters.

The underside of the model has both the Matchbox and Mattel names; 1:66 MB985; Made in Thailand, with the usual small Thai elephant; and two copyright dates: 2009, 2015. The name of the model is 1957 GMC Stepside - rather than '57, as on the card.

The card shows the truck driving through a small American town in timber country, with tree-covered hills in the background. Copyright date on the back is 2021.

Paul Adams from New Zealand

1 comment:

  1. I do this line especially the colour. I saw the carded estate car in a charity shop here in the UK.

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