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SITE LAST UPDATED ON: 2023-07-16
1969-1970
In 1969, a new box type was introduced: the F type. The box featured the word "Matchbox" in a straight fashion and the word "series" could be found in different locations, which actually defines the sub types.
A LESNEY PRODUCT" is still at the bottom of the box for most boxes, but other bottom lettering were used as well.
Like E type boxes, some models are represented more than once. However, #20, #30, #35 and #69 were never used for Regular Wheels models.
Every number, from 1 to 75, had at least one E box.
SUB TYPES
The F1 sub-type has the word “SERIES” in white inside the blue square, under the model’s number, while F2 sub-type has it in red under the right end of “MATCHBOX”. F2 sub-type is the most common. The F3 sub-type is rare;
only 3 models were packaged with it. The word “SERIES” is in red, under the blue square that is now shorter.
MAJOR VARIABLES
VARIABLES FOR MAJOR VARIATIONS:
- The picture of the model
PICTURE OF THE MODEL
This major variable depends on the picture of the model. For one single model, different drawings may exist. The difference is mainly the model's colour.
The 74B Daimler Bus can be found with the greeen model F box or the red model F box. As for the 71C Ford Wreck Truck, the "Esso" on the side of the truck can be found in red or blue. A few other models have different drawings.
MINOR VARIABLES
VARIABLES FOR MINOR VARIATIONS:
- The box size
- Bottom lettering on front and back
- End flap closers (EFC)
- Tops and bottoms
- “NEW” boxes
BOX SIZE
A few models have different box sizes, including 6D and 9D.
BOTTOM LETTERING
The traditional "Lesney Product" can be seen in different schemes with F boxes. Four schemes can be found :
END FLAP CLOSERS (EFC)
The end flap closers of F boxes feature several different kinds of lettering describing the trademark, or the opening doors. These texts are not found on all F boxes and can be combined in some cases. However, the trademark
information can be found in two different styles.
TOP AND BOTTOMS
The F boxes all have illustrations on their top and bottom. It is usually the model on a racetrack, or a rear view showing open doors or special features.
“NEW”
Several models, as discussed earlier, have a "NEW" on end flaps for models introduced for the first time on the market with a F type box.
Without NEW
With NEW
Here is the table showing all models with "NEW" boxes, and the sub-type they came in.
MODEL BOX BREAKDOWN
