My Lesney/Matchbox Diecast Scale Model/Toy Bus Collection

Matchbox/Lesney Buses

Lesney produced many different styles and variations of buses throughout its history until its eventual bankruptcy in 1982. The "MATCHBOX" brand was introduced by Lesney in 1953. When Lesney went bankrupt the Matchbox brand was purchased by Universal Toys and the Matchbox International Ltd. division was born. Matchbox was again sold in 1992 to Tyco Toys, who in turn was bought out by Mattel in 1997. See Wikipedia for a more complete history of Lesney and Matchbox.

Shown below are just a sampling of the many different buses that can be found from this manufacturer.

Matchbox #66 - GM PD 4501 Greyhound Scenicruiser

Wheel Type: Regular Wheels

Wheel Type: Superfast Chasis Color: Black
Notes: The box shows the old regular wheels model, but adds the Superfast logo and text. I believe this indicates a transitional model.

Wheel Type: Superfast Chasis Color: Pink
Notes: Shown with its Superfast box. These boxes are similar in style to the original regular wheels boxes. The Superfast variants were also produced in the blister pack.

Matchbox #47 - International Conventional School Bus - 1:95 Scale

Variation: U.S. Army Military

Variation: School District 2

matchbox international ltd mb 47 1986 automotive superstars school district 2 bus die cast scale model toy

Variation: 1986 Card - School District 2 Notes: Currently in stock: 1986 Card.

matchbox international ltd mb 47 1987 automotive superstars school district 2 bus die cast scale model toy

Variation: 1987 Card - School District 2 Notes: Currently in stock: 1987 Card.

matchbox international ltd mb 47 1990 tire card school district 2 bus die cast scale model toy

Variation: 1990 Card - School District 2 Notes: Currently in stock: 1990 Card.

Variation: No red printing.

Variation: School District 2 Foreign Blue Box

Variation: Matchbox 75 Challenge

MB #: 47 50110 Variation: Police Prisoner Transport Mini Play Set
Notes: In stock now: Emergency Action Pack Prisoner Transport Bus.

MB #: 47 33000 Variation: Wal-Mart Special Limited Edition

MB #: 47 (No. 20) Variation: Collector's Choice White Rose Limited Edition

International School Bus (formerly MB 47) - The Mattel Years - 1:95 Scale

MB #: 1 Mattel#: 36415-0910 3498EA
Series: 1 Card Year: 1998 Variation: Ridge Elementary School, Ridge, NY

MB #: 31 Mattel#: 96317-0910 0570EA
Series: 7 Card Year: 1999 Variation: St. Thomas Elementary School - Rocky River, Ohio

MB #: 15 Mattel#: 95211-0910G1 0252EA
Series: To The Rescue! Card Year: 1999 Variation: Police Transport

MB #12 Setra Coach

MB #: 12 Bus Type: Setra Coach Wheel Type: Superfast

MB #67 Ikarus Coach

Variation: Gibraltar

Variation: Ikarus Coach

Variation: Swiss Collection - Marti

The Mattel Years

There was much uncertainty about the Matchbox name after it was acquired by Mattel in the late 1990s. Fortunately Mattel has seen fit to continue producing nice quality die-cast vehciles of a realistic nature with the Matchbox brand name. It seems though that these latest Matchbox models are being produced in far lower numbers than in the pre Mattel days. As a result these models can be somewhat more expensive and harder to find.

MB #768 GMC School Bus

MB #: ## Bus Type: GMC School Bus Variation: Metro School District

MB #: ## Bus Type: GMC School Bus Variation: Child Care Learning Center

MB #: 62 Card Year: 2010 Mattel #: t8934-0910 Variation: Star Home Tours

MB #: 120 Card Year: 2011 Mattel #: W4802-0910 Variation: MBX National Park - Cliff Tours

MB #372 Chevy Transport School Bus

MB #: 372 Variation: Wilderness Road Trip

MB #: 372 Variation: Airport Service Shuttle
Notes: A similar model in excellent condition is available in our eBay store: Chevy School Bus Airport Shuttle.