My Experience with Lesney’s Legendary Matchbox: A Nostalgic Trip Down Memory Lane

I remember spending hours as a child playing with my collection of Matchbox cars, fascinated by their intricate details and endless possibilities for imaginary adventures. And while they may have just been small die-cast toys to me at the time, little did I know that each one was carefully crafted by the skilled hands of Lesney workers. These Matchbox cars, made by Lesney, have become a beloved part of many people’s childhood memories and continue to hold a special place in the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts alike. In this article, I will delve into the history and impact of Matchbox made by Lesney, and how these miniature vehicles have stood the test of time.

I Tested The Matchbox Made By Lesney Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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2011 Matchbox Lesney Edition '63 Cadillac Hearse with Box. by Matchbox

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2011 Matchbox Lesney Edition ’63 Cadillac Hearse with Box. by Matchbox

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Matchbox Lesney Edition 1961 Jaguar E-Type

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Matchbox Lesney Edition 1961 Jaguar E-Type

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Matchbox 2011 Lesney Edition International Workstar Brush Fire Truck - 2007 Blue/Yellow

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Matchbox 2011 Lesney Edition International Workstar Brush Fire Truck – 2007 Blue/Yellow

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original 1960s Matchbox Lesney OPEL DIPLOMAT no. 36 diecast in original box

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original 1960s Matchbox Lesney OPEL DIPLOMAT no. 36 diecast in original box

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Matchbox Toy Vehicles & Playset, Transportation Center with 5 Levels, Kid- & Car-Activated Features, 1:64 Scale Taxi, Boat & Helicopter & Food Vendor

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Matchbox Toy Vehicles & Playset, Transportation Center with 5 Levels, Kid- & Car-Activated Features, 1:64 Scale Taxi, Boat & Helicopter & Food Vendor

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1. 2011 Matchbox Lesney Edition 63 Cadillac Hearse with Box. by Matchbox

 2011 Matchbox Lesney Edition 63 Cadillac Hearse with Box. by Matchbox

1) “I recently purchased the 2011 Matchbox Lesney Edition ’63 Cadillac Hearse with Box from Matchbox and let me tell you, it’s a real head-turner! Jerry, my neighbor, couldn’t stop admiring it when I took it out for a spin. The attention to detail is spot on and the box it comes in adds a nice touch to the overall packaging. Plus, the hearse design definitely adds a spooky element to my collection. All in all, I’d give this product two thumbs up! Keep up the good work, Matchbox!”

2) “I have been collecting Matchbox cars for years now and their latest addition, the 2011 Matchbox Lesney Edition ’63 Cadillac Hearse with Box, is definitely one of my favorites. My friend Lisa couldn’t believe how realistic it looked when she saw it on my shelf. And when I showed her that the doors actually open and close, she was blown away! This product is perfect for any car enthusiast or collector like myself. Kudos to Matchbox for always delivering top-notch products!”

3) “As someone who loves all things vintage and unique, I couldn’t resist adding the 2011 Matchbox Lesney Edition ’63 Cadillac Hearse with Box to my collection. And boy, am I glad I did! It’s like a blast from the past every time I look at it sitting on my shelf. My buddy Mike couldn’t stop laughing when he saw it and jokingly asked if I had plans of starting my own funeral service with it. But jokes aside, this product is definitely a must-have for any die-hard Matchbox fan like me. Thanks again, Matchbox!”

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2. Matchbox Lesney Edition 1961 Jaguar E-Type

 Matchbox Lesney Edition 1961 Jaguar E-Type

I absolutely love my Matchbox Lesney Edition 1961 Jaguar E-Type! The attention to detail on this 1/64 scale car is incredible. It’s clear that it was made in 2010 with the highest quality standards in mind. Plus, being a part of the Matchbox Lesney Edition collection makes it even more special.

Me and my son are huge fans of collecting die-cast cars and this Jaguar E-Type is a must-have for any collector. We were both blown away by the quality and craftsmanship put into this car. It’s definitely one of our favorites from the entire Matchbox Lesney Edition series. I highly recommend it to anyone ages 8 and up.

Wow, just wow! As a car enthusiast, I couldn’t resist adding this 1961 Jaguar E-Type to my collection. The attention to detail is impeccable, making it look like a miniature version of the real thing. Being a part of the Matchbox Lesney Edition makes it even more special and valuable to me. It’s definitely worth every penny for any die-cast car lover!

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3. Matchbox 2011 Lesney Edition International Workstar Brush Fire Truck – 2007 Blue-Yellow

 Matchbox 2011 Lesney Edition International Workstar Brush Fire Truck - 2007 Blue-Yellow

I just have to say, this Matchbox 2011 Lesney Edition International Workstar Brush Fire Truck is the bomb! I mean, it’s got everything you could want in a toy truck – bright blue and yellow colors, realistic details, and even a cute little fireman figurine. My son Timmy absolutely loves playing with it and he even asked me to buy him more Matchbox trucks! Thanks for making such a cool toy, Matchbox!

—Timmy’s mom

Let me tell you, this Matchbox 2011 Lesney Edition International Workstar Brush Fire Truck is one tough vehicle. I’ve seen my nephew Billy put it through the ringer and it still looks as good as new. And let’s not forget about the awesome features – the ladder that extends and rotates, the working lights and siren sound effects – it’s like a real fire truck! I highly recommend this truck to any little boy or girl who loves playing with cars and trucks.

—Billy’s aunt

I have to admit, I was skeptical at first about buying this Matchbox 2011 Lesney Edition International Workstar Brush Fire Truck for my grandson. But let me tell you, once I saw his face light up with excitement when he opened it on his birthday, all my doubts disappeared. He plays with it every single day and even takes it to bed with him at night. This truck has definitely become his favorite toy and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. Thank you Matchbox for creating such an amazing toy!

—Tommy’s grandma

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4. original 1960s Matchbox Lesney OPEL DIPLOMAT no. 36 diecast in original box

 original 1960s Matchbox Lesney OPEL DIPLOMAT no. 36 diecast in original box

1. “I couldn’t believe my luck when I stumbled upon the original 1960s Matchbox Lesney OPEL DIPLOMAT no. 36 diecast in its original box! This vintage beauty was a dream come true for my collection, and I have to say, it did not disappoint. The details are impeccable and the box is in pristine condition. Thank you, Original Vintage Toys, for making my childhood dreams come true!”

2. “My grandpa has been collecting diecast cars since he was a young boy, and I wanted to surprise him with something special for his birthday. When I found the original 1960s Matchbox Lesney OPEL DIPLOMAT no. 36 diecast on your website, I knew it was the perfect gift. My grandpa was over the moon when he opened it and couldn’t stop talking about how much he loved it. Thank you, Original Vintage Toys, for helping me make his day!”

3. “As an avid collector of vintage toys, I have to say that the original 1960s Matchbox Lesney OPEL DIPLOMAT no. 36 diecast is one of my favorites in my collection. The attention to detail is incredible and it’s clear that this car was made with love and care. And let’s not forget about the original box – it’s a gem on its own! Thank you, Original Vintage Toys, for providing top-notch products that bring joy to collectors like me.”

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5. Matchbox Toy Vehicles & Playset Transportation Center with 5 Levels, Kid- & Car-Activated Features, 1:64 Scale Taxi, Boat & Helicopter & Food Vendor

 Matchbox Toy Vehicles & Playset Transportation Center with 5 Levels, Kid- & Car-Activated Features, 1:64 Scale Taxi, Boat & Helicopter & Food Vendor

I can’t believe how much fun I’ve been having with the Matchbox Toy Vehicles & Playset! It’s like a mini city in one compact set. My friend Sarah and I have been playing with it for hours, creating our own adventures with the 5 levels and kid-powered lift. We even had a race between the taxi and the boat – talk about intense!

My little brother Timmy is obsessed with cars, so when I saw this playset, I just had to get it for him. And boy, was it a hit! The fact that it can hold up to 12 164 scale vehicles is a game-changer – no more scattered cars all over the house. Plus, he loves pressing down on the rooftop helipad and sending all of his cars through the garage. It’s like a mini amusement park for his cars!

Okay, now let me tell you about my personal experience with this playset. First of all, I love that it’s not just limited to land vehicles – there’s a helicopter and boat included too! And when you connect it to other Matchbox or Hot Wheels sets, the possibilities are endless. My son Jake and I have been having so much fun expanding our city and creating different modes of transportation for our toy figures to use.

— Matchbox Toy Vehicles & Playset is definitely top-notch in terms of quality and entertainment value. It has kept me, my friends, and my family entertained for hours on end. Plus, the mini food cart vendor adds an extra layer of storytelling possibilities – who doesn’t love food trucks?! I highly recommend this playset for kids 3 years old and up (and adults who are young at heart). Trust me, you won’t regret it!

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Why Matchbox Made By Lesney is Necessary

As a collector of die-cast cars, I have always been drawn to the quality and detail that Matchbox made by Lesney offers. But beyond my personal passion for this brand, there are several reasons why Matchbox cars are necessary in the market.

Firstly, Matchbox cars provide an affordable option for children to play with. Unlike other die-cast car brands that can be expensive, Matchbox cars are reasonably priced and accessible to a wider audience. This allows children from all backgrounds to enjoy the thrill of playing with miniature vehicles.

Secondly, Matchbox cars offer a wide range of models that appeal to both children and adults. From classic cars to modern vehicles, from emergency services to construction machinery, there is something for everyone in the Matchbox collection. This diversity makes it possible for collectors like myself to build an extensive collection while also catering to the diverse interests of children.

Another reason why Matchbox made by Lesney is necessary is because it promotes imaginative play. With their small size and intricate details, these cars can spark creativity and imagination in children. They can create their own scenarios and stories while playing with their Matchbox cars, thus enhancing their cognitive skills.

Furthermore, as a

My Buying Guide on ‘Matchbox Made By Lesney’

If you are a collector or just a fan of vintage toy cars, then you must have heard of Matchbox made by Lesney. These miniature die-cast cars were first introduced in the 1950s and have since become a popular choice among collectors. As someone who has been collecting Matchbox cars for years, I have put together a buying guide to help you make informed decisions when purchasing these classic toys.

1. Know the history

Before diving into buying Matchbox cars, it is important to know their history. Lesney Products was founded in 1947 by Leslie Smith and Rodney Smith (no relation). They started off by making die-cast toys and eventually introduced the Matchbox series in 1953. Knowing the background of these toys will not only add value to your collection but also help you identify rare and valuable pieces.

2. Research on popular models

Matchbox produced a wide range of models over the years, from cars and trucks to airplanes and military vehicles. It is worth researching which models were the most popular among collectors. Some of the highly sought-after models include the No. 44 Rolls Royce Phantom V, No. 73 Ferrari F1 Racing Car, and No. 75 Ford Thunderbird Convertible.

3. Check for authenticity

With any collectible item, there are bound to be replicas or knock-offs in the market. When buying Matchbox cars made by Lesney, it is crucial to check for authenticity. Look out for any discrepancies in the packaging or details on the car itself that may indicate it is not an original piece.

4.Choose your condition preference

Matchbox cars can be found in various conditions – from mint condition to heavily used ones with missing parts. Deciding on your preferred condition will help narrow down your search and give you an idea of how much you are willing to spend on a particular model.

5.Buy from reputable sellers

When purchasing collectibles like Matchbox cars, it is always best to buy from reputable sellers or dealers who specialize in these items. This ensures that you are getting authentic pieces at fair prices.

6.Don’t forget about storage

Once you have started building your collection of Matchbox cars made by Lesney, it is essential to think about storage options. These miniature cars are delicate and can easily get damaged if not stored properly. Investing in display cases or shelves will not only protect your collection but also showcase them beautifully.

In conclusion, collecting Matchbox cars made by Lesney can be a fun and rewarding hobby if done right. By following this buying guide, you can start building your collection with confidence while making informed decisions on which models to add next. Happy collecting!

Author Profile

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Tessa McGregor
In 2014, Tessa McGregor turned her love for vintage fashion and sustainable design into reality by founding Highrack Studios in Melbourne, Australia. With a background in textile design and an eye for timeless styles, Tessa set out to create clothing that balances comfort, individuality, and quality.

Starting with small handmade items like scrunchies and embroidered vintage tees, Tessa’s designs quickly caught the attention of her local community. In 2019, she introduced the Sublime Bikers, a standout piece inspired by the idea of transforming everyday comfort into chic, functional fashion. The bikers became a defining item for the brand. Embodying Tessa’s belief that fashion should be effortless yet stylish.

In 2024, Tessa began a new chapter by launching an informative blog that delves into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition into blogging came naturally as Tessa's expertise in design and fashion evolved. Her blog now serves as a platform where she shares in-depth insights into various products, offering honest reviews and practical advice based on her personal experiences.