Comments on: Matchbox Models By Lesney & Company

By: Clive

Clive — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 21:38:09 +0000

I was Chief Engineer of the Matchbox Toys group (1980’s) when the company had re-structured itself after Hot-Wheels (US) collapsed MB sales, by them introducing Fast Wheels ( thin steel axles vs MB rod axles). Matchbox re-engineered the MB range with thin axles to compete as models whizzed across the room! Mgt introduced new assembly methods that allowed all models to be manufactured every day, rather than a cycling models in waves monthly- major benefit in stock availability(CS) and reduced stock value held. Factory capacity expansion was the major task for Industrial Engineering team – opening up new factories in Abbey Wood ( cars / Rochford ( Kingsize and Live ‘n Lean plastics), Peterborough ( plastic planes kits) – company employees totalled 6,500. During the 3 day week of electricity cuts , by workflow organisation and team work – production output was almost same as 5 days!! Loved every day!

By: Margaret

Margaret — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 21:19:55 +0000

Does anyone remember the home workers . Paid by gross or tin, all the family helped with the painting.

By: Joseph Enoch

Joseph Enoch — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 20:44:26 +0000

Does anyone know where I can find and purchase the following Matchbox models from the 1966 collectors guide?

The numbers I want are: 6, 8, 11, 16, 18, 24, 25, 30, 43, and, 58.

By: Joseph Enoch

Joseph Enoch — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 20:43:56 +0000

Does anyone know where I can find and purchase the following Matchbox models from the 1966 collectors guide?

The numbers I want are: 6, 8, 11, 16, 18, 24, 25, 30, 43, and, 58.

By: Barrett

Barrett — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 23:10:37 +0000

I forwarded this to my friend and neighbour here in Hong Kong, where I live. Now in his late 70s, he rose through the ranks at Lesney’s Hackney factory and was rewarded with a posting to the FarEast when production shifted from the UK to HK.

When Lesney closed in 1982, he bought and restarted what remained of the company – perhaps an interesting follow-up for you, GA …?

By: SJ Kurtz

SJ Kurtz — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 03:45:03 +0000

I started my Matchbox collection in the mid60s, and have some of the same models (the fire chief’s car, the firetruck, the Mercedes Convertible, the Sugar Truck). It stands to reason that they kept using the same molds for decades. Why would they need to change them?

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 15:35:03 +0000

Brilliant. Have several of these vehicles, rather battered, in the loft, waiting for the next generation to play with.
Quality workmanship and fascinating that Astrid worked at the factory.
You learn something everyday!

By: Helen H

Helen H — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 14:57:54 +0000

Great article. Shared with my Dad. It brings back memories of a book my Dad gave me as a little girl called “Mike and the Modelmakers – The story of how Matchbox models were made” by Miroslav Sasek. It tells the story of a young boy’s trip to London with his father (on business) to seek out toy vehicles, and throughout the book he gives a tour of the factory and and each stage of production of the cars, all beautifully illustrated in typical Sasek style. I loved this book and I also owned quite a number of Matchmaker vehicles which I used to “drive” around the garden, with my brother, and his more advanced collection. Happy long gone days!

By: Simon

Simon — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 13:56:06 +0000

What a joy to see this. I vividly remember the Matchbox double decker buses which ferried the workers to and from the factory.

By: Richard

Richard — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 10:37:44 +0000

Surely the first Baader-Meinhof gang appearance on Spitalfields Life.