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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 is the Lesney produced Matchbox MB43-a Hillman Minx in grey over apricot. It is a Code 3 model that took my fancy.
| Stannard Code: | 43-a-x |
| Schiffer Code: | 43-a-x |
| Nick Jones Code: | [NJ]43-a-x |
| Body Colour: | Darker Grey over Apricot |
| Glazing: | None |
| Trim: | Silver grille, bumpers, headlights, and rear number plate |
| Base Type: | Originally Black painted metal, now well playworn |
| Base Details: | "No 43" at front behind bumper, 3 lines of text: Hillman Minx, Made in England, By Lesney |
| Base Fitting: | 2 machined rivets, one at rear and one at front |
| Wheels: | Grey metal, 9.5mm x 20 treads, dome head and rounded axles, now overpainted silver |
| Body Modifications: | 5 roof pips at front, 2 ejector rings under roof, 3 roof pips at rear, type 2 rear rivet post |
| Issued: | casting issued 1958 to 1962, No idea when Code 3 work done |
Item: 3964