Matchbox has revealed a new limited-edition die-cast model of the British royal family’s Gold State Coach.
Launched to coincide with the coronation of King Charles III, the 1:64-scale model pays tribute to the new monarch – and the original Gold State Coach model by Lesney.
This year sees Matchbox celebrate its 70th anniversary. Seventy years ago, the success of the original Lesney Gold State Coach paved the way for the Matchbox toy brand.
A golden age reborn
Lesney sold more than one million examples of its 11.8cm-long Coronation Coach, produced to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne. This financial windfall allowed the company to invest in a new Matchbox brand. Three billion toy cars later, the rest is history.
Although other scale versions of the Gold State Coach model have been created, Matchbox aimed to make the best, most detailed example yet for 2023.
Hundreds of photos of the royal coach were taken, and hours of film footage studied. A four-month design process included making 3D scans of the sculpted horses and riders from the original Lesney model. Modern 3D printing was used to produce prototype parts.
The tritons on the front of the coach are now blowing horns, there are three cherubs –representing England, Scotland and Ireland – on the roof, and windows have been added. Metal figures of King Charles III and the Queen can be spotted inside the red interior.
An exclusive Matchbox model
The new model measures 23cm in length, and comes complete with a display box and textured plinth – the latter designed to look like The Mall, which leads up to Buckingham Palace.
“Not only is 2023 a pivotal moment in UK history, but it also marks an important one for Matchbox. Celebrating 70 years of rich design heritage, Matchbox is launching an exclusive coronation coach that evolves the brand’s signature craftsmanship while drawing on innovation and cutting-edge technology to write a new and exciting chapter in our history,” said Roberto Stanichi, head of vehicles at Mattel.
“Being built to order, we expect this coach to be one of the most exclusive models Matchbox has ever created.”
Priced at £60, the Matchbox Gold State Coach is available exclusively via the Mattel Creations website. You will need to place your order between 26 April and 18 May 2023.
ALSO READ:
Matchbox to celebrate 70th anniversary with limited edition models
New McLaren 750S is lighter, faster and ‘even more exciting’ to drive