The red The Londoner from 1972 has two decks of seating and a scale of 1:85, while the white Bedford ambulance from the Super Kings series is made in approximately 1:36 scale. Both are Matchbox models, but they represent different model lines. These examples, along with the red Simplex from the Yesteryear series, show how the three series differ and how to choose them for a collection or as a gift.
Superfast: small models designed for rolling
Superfast joined the Matchbox range in 1969. The name refers to low-friction wheels that replaced earlier designs. It does not denote a single scale or vehicle type: this line also includes buses and commercial vehicles.
The Londoner No.17, Matchbox 1972, red 1:85 illustrates this with a specific body style. The double-decker bus has a zamak body, a cream plastic interior and black wheels. Its open entrance recess is distinct from the doors, which remain fixed.
Look at the rows of seats visible through the windows on both decks. This detail lets you compare the bus with other public transport miniatures, even when their wheel designs differ. If you collect Superfast, the common thread will be the Matchbox line, not a uniform scale across all vehicles.
The Londoner is approximately 98 mm long. Its 1:85 scale reflects the reduction of a large bus, so do not treat it as the standard size for the entire series. The Superfast name alone does not tell you how large a model will be on the shelf.
Super Kings: a larger format illustrated by the Bedford
Super Kings is a line of larger Matchbox models. It is not another name for Superfast, despite the similar beginnings of both names. When comparing these families, first distinguish the model's format from its wheel design.
Bedford Van K 743 Ambulance Super Kings, white 1:36 is 126 mm long. Orange stripes run across the white body, with AMBULANCE lettering on the bonnet and an ACCIDENT sign on the roof. Four blue beacons and blue windows allow you to compare the ambulance's features with those of other emergency vehicle miniatures.
The Bedford combines a metal body with plastic components. Its underside bears the inscriptions MATCHBOX SuperKings and MADE IN MACAU. The first identifies the line, the second the country of manufacture: these two pieces of information should not be confused.
If you are choosing a gift for someone who collects ambulances, start with the emergency services theme and an approximate scale of 1:36. If they mainly collect Super Kings, look for other models in that line. This way, you will not accidentally choose a small Superfast simply because both miniatures carry the Matchbox logo.
Models of Yesteryear: a focus on historic vehicles
Models of Yesteryear focuses on historic vehicles. This family's name primarily describes its theme, rather than a fast-rolling wheel system. The period appearance of the original vehicle does not mean that the miniature itself was made in the same era.
1912 Simplex Yesteryear Matchbox, red 1:43 depicts a car from the early 20th century. It has an open body, a burgundy interior with reproduced button-tufted seats and a gold-coloured radiator. Spoked wheels with rubber tyres visually distinguish it from the Londoner's black wheels.
The Simplex is approximately 99 mm long, almost the same length as the bus described above. Nevertheless, its scale is 1:43, not 1:85. This is a good example of why miniatures of similar length do not necessarily represent their original vehicles at the same scale.
How to compare Matchbox series without mixing criteria
You can display the Londoner, Bedford and Simplex together as a cross-section of one brand's range. However, if you want to build a coherent section of your collection, choose a single criterion. A group centred on buses will differ from one built around Super Kings, or another focused on historic cars in 1:43 scale.
- By series: keep Superfast, Super Kings and Models of Yesteryear separate.
- By scale: do not assume that a shared logo means shared proportions.
- By theme: group public transport vehicles, ambulances or historic cars regardless of their line.
Which series to choose as a gift
For a London bus enthusiast, the red double-decker The Londoner is a starting point. The Bedford with its ACCIDENT sign is easier to match to someone who collects emergency vehicles. The Simplex with spoked wheels suits an interest in early 20th-century cars.
Choose the theme or line first, then the specific model. Compare the families in the Matchbox series collection, and explore a broader selection from the brand in the Matchbox model cars collection. For future purchases, stick to your chosen criterion rather than treating all Matchbox models as a single series.
