Matchbox 1-75: MB68-b Mercedes Coach

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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 MB68-b-1 Mercedes Coach in Turquoise and White. It comes with its original type E1 Box.

Stannard Code: 68-b-1
Schiffer Code: 68-b-1
Nick Jones Code: [NJ]68-b-1
Body Colour: Turquoise and White
Glazing: Clear
Trim: Silver grille, headlights, bumper and number plate
Base Type: Turquoise painted metal
Details: 7.5mm seats, 1mm axles braces, open axles, 5 lines of text: Made in England, By Lesney, Matchbox Series, No. 68,Mercedes Coach
Base Fitting: Base is lower half of casting, upper half joined by 1 pressure clip and 2 locating lugs fitting into the lower half casting
Wheels: Black plastic, 10mm x 36 treads, domed axles
Interior: White plastic, 7.5mm high seat backs
Issued: 1965

Item: 3415

 


This is the Lesney produced Matchbox MB68-b-1 Mercedes Coach in Turquoise and White. It comes with its original type E1 Box.

Stannard Code: 68-b-1
Schiffer Code: 68-b-1
Nick Jones Code: [NJ]68-b-1
Body Colour: Turquoise and White
Glazing: Clear
Trim: Silver grille, headlights, bumper and number plate
Base Type: Turquoise painted metal
Details: 7.5mm seats, 1mm axles braces, open axles, 5 lines of text: Made in England, By Lesney, Matchbox Series, No. 68,Mercedes Coach
Base Fitting: Base is lower half of casting, upper half joined by 1 pressure clip and 2 locating lugs fitting into the lower half casting
Wheels: Black plastic, 10mm x 36 treads, domed axles
Interior: White plastic, 7.5mm high seat backs
Issued: 1965

Item: 4053

 


This is the Lesney produced Matchbox MB68-b-9 Mercedes Coach in Orange and White. It comes with discoloured roof.

Stannard Code: 68-b-9
Schiffer Code: 68-b-4
Nick Jones Code: [NJ]68-b-9
Body Colour: Orange and White
Glazing: Clear
Trim: Silver grille, headlights, bumper and number plate
Base Type: Orange painted metal
Details: 7.5mm seats, 1.5mm axle braces with studs, closed axles, 5 lines of text: Made in England, By Lesney, Matchbox Series, No. 68,Mercedes Coach
Base Fitting: Base is lower half of casting, upper half joined by 1 pressure clip and 2 locating lugs fitting into the lower half casting
Wheels: Black plastic, 10mm x 36 treads, domed axles
Interior: White plastic, 7.5mm high seat backs
Issued: 1965 to 1970

Item: 4054

 


This is the Lesney produced Matchbox MB68-b-9 Mercedes Coach in Orange and White. It comes with white roof.

Stannard Code: 68-b-9
Schiffer Code: 68-b-4
Nick Jones Code: [NJ]68-b-9
Body Colour: Orange and White
Glazing: Clear
Trim: Silver grille, headlights, bumper and number plate
Base Type: Orange painted metal
Details: 7.5mm seats, 1.5mm axle braces with studs, closed axles, 5 lines of text: Made in England, By Lesney, Matchbox Series, No. 68,Mercedes Coach
Base Fitting: Base is lower half of casting, upper half joined by 1 pressure clip and 2 locating lugs fitting into the lower half casting
Wheels: Black plastic, 10mm x 36 treads, domed axles
Interior: White plastic, 7.5mm high seat backs
Issued: 1965 to 1970

Item: 4057

 


This is the Lesney produced Matchbox MB68-b-10 Mercedes Coach in Orange and White. It comes with discoloured roof.

Stannard Code: 68-b-10
Schiffer Code: 68-b-4
Nick Jones Code: [NJ]68-b-10
Body Colour: Orange and White
Glazing: Clear
Trim: Silver grille, headlights, bumper and number plate
Base Type: Orange painted metal
Details: 8.5mm seats, 1.5mm axle braces with studs, closed axles, 5 lines of text: Made in England, By Lesney, Matchbox Series, No. 68,Mercedes Coach
Base Fitting: Base is lower half of casting, upper half joined by 1 pressure clip and 2 locating lugs fitting into the lower half casting
Wheels: Black plastic, 10mm x 36 treads, domed axles
Interior: White plastic, 8.5mm high seat backs
Issued: 1965 to 1970

Item: 4055

 


This is the Lesney produced Matchbox MB68-b-10 Mercedes Coach in Orange and White. It comes with discoloured roof.

Stannard Code: 68-b-10
Schiffer Code: 68-b-4
Nick Jones Code: [NJ]68-b-10
Body Colour: Orange and White
Glazing: Clear
Trim: Silver grille, headlights, bumper and number plate
Base Type: Orange painted metal
Details: 8.5mm seats, 1.5mm axle braces with studs, closed axles, 5 lines of text: Made in England, By Lesney, Matchbox Series, No. 68,Mercedes Coach
Base Fitting: Base is lower half of casting, upper half joined by 1 pressure clip and 2 locating lugs fitting into the lower half casting
Wheels: Black plastic, 10mm x 36 treads, domed axles
Interior: White plastic, 8.5mm high seat backs
Issued: 1965 to 1970

Item: 4056