Early Years
British toy company Lesney Products started Matchbox in 1953. The first successful toy was a model of Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation Coach, which sold over a million units.
Standardization
By 1968, the company had standardized its Matchbox car models. Each car was approximately 3 inches long and featured plastic windows, interiors and tires. The body of the car was made from metal and occasionally featured opening parts, such as the car hood.
Competition
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, a number of rival companies joined the model car market. This included Hot Wheels, a line of vehicles designed by American company Mattel. Since Matchbox focused heavily on British car styles, the American competition damaged the company's U.S. sales.
British toy company Lesney Products started Matchbox in 1953. The first successful toy was a model of Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation Coach, which sold over a million units.
Standardization
By 1968, the company had standardized its Matchbox car models. Each car was approximately 3 inches long and featured plastic windows, interiors and tires. The body of the car was made from metal and occasionally featured opening parts, such as the car hood.
Competition
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, a number of rival companies joined the model car market. This included Hot Wheels, a line of vehicles designed by American company Mattel. Since Matchbox focused heavily on British car styles, the American competition damaged the company's U.S. sales.
New Lines
To answer its competition, Matchbox introduced a number of new lines during the 1970s and 1980s. Among these are the aircraft models known as Sky Busters, the military models of Battle Kings and the science fiction designs of Adventure 2000.
Buyout
Matchbox went bankrupt in 1982 and was bought by Universal Toys. The company went public in 1986 as Matchbox International, Ltd. Mattel purchased the company in 1997, which reorganized it with its Hot Wheels division.
To answer its competition, Matchbox introduced a number of new lines during the 1970s and 1980s. Among these are the aircraft models known as Sky Busters, the military models of Battle Kings and the science fiction designs of Adventure 2000.
Buyout
Matchbox went bankrupt in 1982 and was bought by Universal Toys. The company went public in 1986 as Matchbox International, Ltd. Mattel purchased the company in 1997, which reorganized it with its Hot Wheels division.
