by Jarek Skonieczny
The year 2023 marked the 70th anniversary of Matchbox, which was founded in 1953. Although the first Matchbox Jeep didn't appear until 1964 (see The Matchbox Jeep Story) Mattel celebrated 70 years with a five-car Anniversary Series that included the 2018 Jeep Wrangler.
The silver 1/64-scale Jeep has the 70 Years badge on the side and a tiny "70" on the front grille. This is a very realistic four-door Wrangler casting, in special edition trim. See also the 70 Years blister pack (280K JPEG).
Matchbox also released two new Jeep castings in 2023! A red JT Gladiator in the Moving Parts series, and a yellow Avenger in the mainline series.
The initial "Moving Parts" Rubicon Gladiator was finished in the Firecracker Red which has been a popular color for the real JT since its debut in 2020, as well as for the JK and JL Wranglers since 2014.
The color is also similar to the President Red of the original Matchbox 1964 Gladiator (170K JPEG).
The opening hood reveals the detailed Pentastar 3.6L V6 engine, the only engine offered by Stellantis in the JT as of 2024 (although there was a diesel option from 2021-23.) The front grille slots are correctly larger than the Wrangler, giving the truck improved airflow for towing.
The Gladiator has realistic bumpers and well detailed taillights and tailgate. The spare tire is hidden under the bumper rather than mounted on the tailgate like the Wrangler.
See also the distinctive Moving Parts blister pack (240K JPEG).
The tiny Euro-spec Jeep Avenger is a new addition to the Jeep EV lineup, and it's seen here at a charging station. It's currently only available in Europe, in battery, hybrid or 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline versions.
Built in Poland, the subcompact was named European Car of the Year for 2023 at the Brussels Motor Show. Based on a Fiat 600 platform, the Avenger follows a pattern set by the Renegade which was based on a Fiat 500 base.
These "lifestyle Jeeps" make sense in small city environments, and Mattel is paying tribute to this small car trend by releasing very detailed, realistic 1/64-scale diecast models.
Surprisingly, one detail that Matchbox didn't include on this one was the Avenger badge (170K JPEG) on the doors.
The picture on the card is clearly "off road," and unlike many subcompact crossover SUVs, there is actually a 4x4 version of the Avenger, known as the 4xe.
Yellow has always been a popular color for Jeeps in Europe, and Matchbox has chosen the Sun yellow version, with Volcano roof. Buyers of the real thing, however, have to be ready to pony up an extra thousand dollars or so for any color other than Ruby Red, so it might be smart for Matchbox to do a red one!
Thanks to Jarek for another Matchbox update. -- Derek Redmond
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