Click on any photo to see a larger version...
This model is the Matchbox 13-a-1 Bedford Wreck Truck in Light Brown and Red.
The model has no opening parts. The grille and front bumper are molded into the body casting and picked out in silver paint. The body rear has a short curved side to the rear of the cab (13-b versions have a longer curve with a flat top immediately to the rear of the cab). The crane, complete with dangling hook, is positioned on the back of the truck and is painted red. This model has no glazing.
The bottom of the model is marked with "Lesney England" on two lines in the middle.
The wheels are 8.5mm x 18 tread, bare cast metal.
This model was issued between 1955 and 1958.
Item: 1436
I now code all my Matchbox Regular Series 1-75 models against the Stannard's Collectors Catalogue [ISBN 0-9510367-O-X] which covers the years 1953 to 1969 and is based on Stannard's extensive knowledge of the 1-75 series, contributions from Ray Bush, Phillip Bowdidge, Robert Newson and Paul Carr, and the access, granted to him by Matchbox, to Matchbox Toys Limited's archives and production collection. Wherever possible I will also include the relevant reference obtained from Schiffer's Matchbox Toys [ISBN 0-916838-74-9] and other major reference publications. I also use Nick Jones' excellent site to further refine the codings – these codes are identified by the use of [NJ] alongside them.
This model is the Matchbox 13-a-1 Bedford Wreck Truck in Light Brown and Red and came originally in the Type B box.
| Stannard Code: | 13-a-1 |
| Schiffer Code: | 13-a-1 |
| Nick Jones Code: | [NJ]13-a-1 |
| Body Colour: | Light Brown |
| Glazing: | None |
| Trim: | Silver grille and front bumper, dark red rear crane and hook |
| Base Type: | None |
| Details: | Body type with short curved top to rear, crane jib pressure attached to body with "ears", 2 lines of text at parallel to the rear axles: Lesney, England. |
| Base Fitting: | None. |
| Wheels: | Grey metal 8.5mm x 18 tread, flat head, crimped axles |
| Interior: | None. |
| Issued: | 1955 to 1958 in Regular series |
Item: 3078