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Late in 1987, shortly after acquiring the Dinky Toys name, Universal, then the owner of the Matchbox brand name, used the Dinky name on the bubble packs of a series of 6 Matchbox cars made in Macau. The models were painted in non-standard Matchbox colours and retained the Matchbox name on the base. Since they were never given Dinky reference numbers, they can only be listed under their Matchbox reference numbers.
This model is the Dinky-MB (Macau) 09 Fiat Abarth in white with red, orange, and yellow trim. It is still sealed in the original red Dinky blister pack.
There are no opening parts on this model. At the front is a black grille with chromed "Fiat" badge and 6 chromed spots for lights. The bonnet has a red, yellow and orange pattern which carries up over the roof and down over the boot. The side have a stripe effect in orange and red. All other detail is cast into the body casting and includes doors, handles, vents, rear lights, and spoiler.
The interior is red plastic with a red plastic steering wheel. The glazing is clear.
All wheels are of the speedwheel type - solid one piece plastic hub and tyre with chromed 5 spoke pattern in the center.
The base plate is black plastic and is marked with Matchbox ©: 1982 at the centre top, "1:53" and "Fiat Abarth" to the top middle centre, "Matchbox Toys Ltd" to the bottom middle centre, and "MADE IN MACAU" at the centre bottom. It also incorporates a rudimentary representation of the lower engine, gearbox, drive shaft, read differential, axles, and exhaust system. The base plate is held in place with a body locating lug (the grille) at the front and a single machined rivet at the rear.
This model was issued in 1987 and was packaged in a red blister pack with blue and yellow "Dinky Toys" on the front and black text and bar code on the rear.
Item: 4048