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SITE LAST UPDATED ON: 2023-07-16
1964-68
In 1964, the D type box was replaced by the E type for every new model. Slightly different from its predecessor, the box featured the word "Matchbox" in arch in different lettering and the word "series" beneath it rather
than at its right. "A LESNEY PRODUCT" was still at the bottom of the box, but was shorter. The model number was moved to the bottom of the box.
In 1967, all models in the current range were distributed in this type.
Several different E type boxes exist, making this style a very interesting item to collect. Many preproduction colors never issued on the market were used to illustrate models distributed in this box.
Every number, from 1 to 75, had at least one E box.
SUB TYPES
The 4 sub-types, usually know as E1, E2, E3 and E4 are easily recongnizible by their end flaps.
In the models listing, two other sub types are listed : E3R and E4R. In both cases, these are identical sub types as E3 and E4, except that the ® is added to the word Matchbox. For E3 types, since there is no "Matchbox" on
end flaps, you could only see the difference by looking on the front of the picture. For E4 boxes, the end flaps show the ®.
MAJOR VARIABLES
VARIABLES FOR MAJOR VARIATIONS:
- The picture of the model
- The model number position
- The size of the box, from a length perpective
- The target that shows special features on the model
PICTURE OF THE MODEL
This major variable depends on the picture of the model. For one single model, different drawings may exist. The difference could be the model's colour, or a different view of the model.
This first example shows two different variations for the 24C model. First variation has the model in blue and the other, red.
Model 12C has three different variations : the first shows a small green model, the second a large green model and the last a small blue model. Some models may have as many as 4 different main variations based on the picture,
such as 31C.
For the 17D model, the first E box variation includes an additional view showing the rear view of the model. 15C, 38C, 58C and 60B also have this rare feature on the box.
The 70B not only shows an extra view of the model; it features additonal background and scenery that makes it a unique box for Regular Wheels.
THE MODEL NUMBER
The model number is another major variable, although it only plays a role for one model :
The white cow variation actually comes in two different patterns. The first only has one #37, located in the bottom right corner and the other one, showing the usual number in both bottom corners.
#37 is the only model known to have this kind of variation.
SIZE
The size only matters for a few models for major variables. The 26C and 36C, for which the picture is also different.
TARGETS
A few new models were released in E boxes with a "target". The target was used to show a special feature of the model. 23D, 25C, 28C, 44B and 63B were issued with a yellow or white target. The yellow one was always the first
issued followed by the white one. The 28C and 63B have yellow and white targets, as well as a variation without target.
MINOR VARIABLES
- Size
- Top and Bottom colors
- New Model
SIZE
In those cases, the size play a minor role in the variation, as the depth of the box is narrow or large.
TOP/BOTTOM COLORS
Three different color patterns could be found on the boxes sides (C. Falkensteiner coding system):
The codes "1BS", "2BS" and "LBS" will be used in the variation list. Note that several combinations could exist for one single major variation of a box for a given model. All of these combinations are featured in the variation list.
The following table lists the existing combinations of sub types and sides patterns with the probable years of issue :
NEW MODEL on end flaps
Several models, as discussed earlier, have a "NEW MODEL" on end flap for models introduced for the first time on the market with a E type box.
E1 type with "New Model"
E1 boxes with "NEW MODEL" are : 5D, 19D, 25C, 28C, 29C, 35B, 50B, 51B, 52B, 63B, and 68B.
E2 type with "New Model"
E2 boxes with "NEW MODEL" are : 11C, 13D, 20C, 22C, 23D, 30C, 31C, 41C, 42B, 45B, 54B, 56B, 69B, 70B and 75B.
E3 type with "New Model"
E3 boxes with "NEW MODEL" are : 12C, 27D, 36C, 37C, 55C, 57C, 59C, 64B, 74B.
E4 type with "New Model"
E4 boxes with "NEW MODEL" are : 1E, 2D, 3C, 4D, 7C, 8E, 9D, 10D, 24C, 34C, 38C, 39C, 40C, 43C, 44C, 46C, 48C, 49B, 53C, 61B, 65C, 66C, 67B, 72B and 74B.
E4R boxes with "NEW MODEL" are : 3C, 14D, 21D, 25D, 26C, 28D, 32C, 38C, 46C, 47C, 53C, 55D, 58C, 62C, 65C and 67B.
Here is the table showing all models with "New Model" boxes, and the sub-type they came in.
MODEL BOX BREAKDOWN
