Hobbies And Interests
Size
The most popular versions of the Matchbox toy car that can be found in stores measure between 2.5 and 3 inches in length.
Types
Lesney Products created a model number system of 1 to 75, only creating 75 models at once. When one new model appeared an old model was discontinued. This practiced has continued.
Significance
Although Matchbox toy cars were created mainly for children, the cars developed into a collector's item beginning in the 1960s.
Expert Insight
Since the toys have become collectors' items, organizations have been created to catalog models and to estimate the value of models. These organizations include the Matchbox International Collectors Association and Matchbox USA.
Fun Fact
The name "Matchbox toy cars" was chosen because the cars were packed in boxes similar to that of a matchbox.