Let's hope it continues this way from here on out.
If you remember in previous Matchbox unboxings, the main frustration has been that the lesser-desirable models were showing up in multiples, while the realistic licensed models were at one per case.
Putting more of the models that will be gobbled up quickly makes a lot more sense. They move more quickly, and the likelihood of stores ordering more goes up. Demand will be the primary key to returning Matchbox to more stores, and the assortments can to a better job of dictating that.
The F case is loaded. Matchbox is debuting four new licensed models, and they are all VERY appealing. The key is how many of each are in the assortment of 24.
Has there ever been a more talked-about series than the Japan Historics?
Whether it is how nice the models are, or how cool the new stretched-tire Real Rider wheel is, or how beautiful the card art is, or how jealous everyone was of our Canadian friends getting them first, you can't get through a day on social media without the Historics getting mentioned.
And they most certainly deserve the attention. Car Culture has started where Boulevard ended in 2013. Just as that series started showing a ton of promise, it was killed. Car Culture is fulfilling that, but even more so.
But there has been another topic surrounding the Historics as well. For many collectors, in order to guarantee they acquired the models, this has been the first time they have purchased cases, whether from dealers like A&J Toys or elsewhere. And it has been a learning experience for many.
Reports started surfacing that some of the 10-car assortments were not what they had hoped or expected. It is logical to think that with a 5-car set, a 10-count case would contain two of each model. Fortunately that was the case with most. But not all. Many reported getting zero of the Kenmeri Skyline and 1 or 2 extra of others.
Others reported getting cases that appeared to be resealed. The original Hot Wheels sticker over the tape was cut, the case retaped, and another Hot Wheels sticker placed over that. That of course made some nervous that some foul-play was involved.
We can start there. I can't speak for Mattel, but in case there is anyone wondering, cases aren't opened and resealed by hobby dealers. That just doesn't happen. If A&J or any other case seller were to do that, it would kill their business in seconds. No need to worry about that.
But clearly some cases were resealed at the factory. So what does that mean? I have no idea. And what about the different assortments? Mattel doesn't guarantee specific assortments, because they be modified, and we as collectors have to accept it, as frustrating as it is. Hopefully it doesn't happen that often.
But to dig in a little more, I ordered a Japan Historics case from A&J, and I asked them to send one of the resealed cases, just to see if anything was different. Here is how it went:
There you go. All I can say is it just happens.
A couple more things about the Historics, more on the fun side. It appears there are two variations being reported. The Hakosuka Skyline is coming with and without a roll cage, while the Datsun 510 Wagon is coming with a smooth and textured grill.
It would be interesting to get a sense of which of the variations is more common. So let us know what you found in your cases or on the pegs.
Roll cage or no?
Smooth or textured grill?
I am sure this isn't the last we talk about the Historics, but on to the next batch...
One of my all-time favorite Matchbox models is the newer Ford GT, which was released in 2005. The model is wonderfully done, and to me it is the model that ushered in the "Last Golden Age" at Matchbox.
But I could not say the same for Hot Wheels. The Ford GT40 done a few years earlier is nice, but could have been better. Things got really worse with the topless GTX-1, which was completely out of proportion and seemed badly "scrunched". But Hot Wheels corrected things with the Ford GT LM.
The model is sport, the wing is large but looks cool, and all the details are there. Of course when the Ford GT LM was announced by Hot Wheels, I had to google it, and I learned that it was a bit of a fantasy car, and was part of the Gran Turismo video game. All I knew is the car in black with GT markings was fantastic, and I assumed that version was coming.
What I didn't know is that at the time, Mattel didn't have the Gran Turismo license. So we got a lot of versions outside of the actual GT LM. Well the license is here, and not only is the black Ford GT LM finally here, so are 7 other cars sporting racing liveries from the Gran Tursimo video game.
The set is out in the UK, and will be out in the US soon, although not exactly where you think they might be found. Walmart won't be carrying them, but smaller stores and hobby dealers like A&J Toys and Wheel Collectors will. I got a set from my UK-based Lamley partner David Tilley, and I opened them here:
Enjoy.
A full photo feature is coming soon. In the meantime, which is highest on your want list?
