Matchbox first released the NASA S.E.V./Chariot space exploration vehicle as part of the 2018 line, in white and gold, with NASA markings. It was a short-lived model, and was gone by the following year.
At the latest model fair in Auckland, I was able to pick up a new version. This is part of the 2022 Collectors Series, which comprises 20 models. The Chariot is 11/20, meaning model 11 in the series of 20.
It is an enhanced version of the original model - and it looks spectacular. Although the basic colour scheme is the same as before, the finish is much more detailed.
The lower body is moulded in a light gold plastic (much lighter than the previous version). Only the upper body is metal, and painted gloss white. The cab windows are tinted light blue. The wheel hubs are gold chrome, with light grey tyres.
Tampo printing includes yellow on the raised pipework. US flags and NASA emblems, including one on the roof of the cab. The lights are silver, edged in black; with a row of white lights on the gold lower body.
The Collectors Series models are bubble-packed atop cardboard boxes. These boxes are of standard dimensions, rather than being sized to each model. So, if you open the packaging and put the models in to their boxes, they frequently rattle around, risking damage.
The box and backing card are mainly blue and yellow, just like early Matchbox boxes. The copyright date is 2022. Made in Thailand.
Here is my earlier look at the basic model:
Paul Adams from New Zealand
Thats a great find. Ive only just got the Dream Chaser from the Skybusters range, which came out at the same time and have never seen the standard chariot in the shops. Id much prefer this, as I always loved the boxes. Bill
ReplyDeleteIts a great looking toy and I think the design of it goes way back to early MOLABs, NASA's mobile laboratories. Not sure I've seen a toy version like this before before.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if it will fit the coming SLS model
ReplyDeletehttps://www.apogeerockets.com/Model-Rocket-Kits/Skill-Level-1-Model-Rocket-Kits/NASA-SLS
Thank you. It is a beautiful model. On a stand covered mostly in Hot Wheels there were a few Matchbox models, including just one of these. I jumped on it very fast. $15 NZ. I have not seen this model in the shops, and did not even know it existed until I saw it.
ReplyDeleteThe regular version was also hard to get, and was only in the shops very briefly. As it was only in the range for one year I doubt there were many made. It is even hard to find at fairs.
I did get a Dream Chaser, but that was yet another hard to find model. Matchbox do not seem to produce many of their space models, and they are always short-lived. Glad you were able to finally get a Dream Chaser for your collection.
I was always intrigued with the Lost in Space chariot. Who came up with that name? Here we have actual space hardware (a prototype anyway) with the same name!
ReplyDeleteIs that life imitating art or was it the other way around back in 1965?
That's a lovely version of the SEV. I agree on the regular version scarcity. I am pretty sure I have two of them. I'll check and if you would like, I can send it your way. Hot Wheels did a tractor/trailer take on it that was also extremely short lived and also short shipped. I only saw 1 Dream Chaser and that was at a Sears. I've not seen any Skybusters at Walmart since Top Gun Maverick came out which sucks as they were a reliable place to get Skybusters after Toys R Us went under.
ReplyDeleteLego has an awesome model of the SEV that you can still find in shops for $40 US.
I was lucky enough to see the real one twice at the Johnson Space Center. First time was off in the back part of the property going through mobility tests, mainly driving through and over dirt areas/mounds. The second time was with a police escort as they drove it over to Ellington Field to fly it to California. The wheel stance is something the diecasts don't do right. It has a very wide stance and took up both lanes on the street.
Now THAT is a Matchbox toy! Wow!
ReplyDelete