MATCHBOX ROLLS ROYCE SILVER SHADOW MARK II

Following the gap of five years a red Rolls Royce Mark II (MB39) with yellow interior was shown in the 1979 catalogue. In July of that year the model became available in America and in September it appeared in the United Kingdom. However, the catalogue version proved to be a pre-production, for in the even it came in silver with red seats, opening front doors, a chrome plated radiator and an unpainted base. In April 1981 the car was colored to metallic red with an ivory interior. Light and dark tan interiors were also found.

MATCHBOX ROLLS ROYCE SILVER SHADOW COUPE

Although the Rolls Royce Silver Shadows joined the 1-75 range in 1967, one of the first Superfast models to be produced in 1969 was the Silver Shadow Coupe (MB69). It lasted for four years but during that tome it was colored metallic blue and several shades of gold. The interior was either in Brown or ivory. The tonneau cover came in tan or black and the base came in many colors. In order to accommodate the wider Superfast slicks its wheel arches were soon adapted. Hence this model also comes with thin or wide wheels and narrow or wide wheel arches. The full listing shows the range of variations.

MATCHBOX ROLLS ROYCE SILVER SHADOW

In March 1967 the Rolls Royce was continued with a Silver Shadow (MB 24) painted in metallic red. This model also included an opening boot. Another new aspect was the fitting of silver hubs to make the wheels appear more realistic. Later the hubs became silver wheels with separate tyres. Newer versions of the model included a patent number on the base as well as a facility below the number plate to make towing easier.

MATCHBOX ROLLS ROYCE PHANTOM V

The Rolls Royce Phantom V released in February 1964 showed several new features. It had clear windows, a cream interior with steering wheel and silver trim which had been masked sprayed rather than being applied by hand. The play value perhaps centered upon the opening boot and the spring suspension. Though this model is usually found with black plastic wheels, it was also fitted with grey and silver wheels but in much smaller numbers.

The body was painted a metallic mauve color which could vary in extremes to almost grey. This model was replaced in the 1-75 series in 1967 and so was only issued for three years.

MODELS OF YESTERYEAR Y-19 - 1935 AUBURN 851

The Auburn 851 supercharged speedster was designed and developed by the famous Gordon Buering. Each car was fully tested and guaranteed to exceed 100 m.p.h. with the straight 8 Lycoming 279.2 cubic inch (4.5 litres) supercharged engine. The American driver, Ab Jenkins, in fact drove one at an average of 103 m.p.h. for twenty seven hours. This model replica was modeled on the vehicle currently residing at the Beaulieu Motor Car Museum at Hampshire, England. See more.