1970+

The 1970s and beyond marked a major era of evolution and experimentation for Matchbox, as the brand adapted to a rapidly changing toy market. After dominating the 1950s and 60s with its highly realistic 1-75 Series, Matchbox responded to the growing popularity of Hot Wheels by introducing its own high-speed line: Superfast. Throughout the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, Matchbox expanded into new castings, international vehicle designs, and thematic playsets, while undergoing several ownership changes—from Lesney to Universal, then Tyco, and finally Mattel in 199 7. Key Features of 1970+ Matchbox: Superfast Wheels (1970 onward): Introduced to compete with Hot Wheels, these low-friction wheels allowed cars to race on plastic track systems. Diverse Vehicle Range: Cars, trucks, emergency vehicles, construction equipment, aircraft, and even fantasy vehicles. New Castings & Packaging Styles: Shift from original box-style packaging to blisters on cards. International Influence: Vehicles from Europe, Japan, the U.S., and more reflected a growing global perspective. Ownership Changes: 1970s: Still under Lesney 1982: Lesney enters receivership; brand acquired by Universal (Hong Kong) 1992: Tyco buys Matchbox 1997: Mattel acquires Matchbox, becoming its current owner.