[REVIEW] Lesney Matchbox Lambretta Scooter and Sidecar

Sunday is upon us once again, and today’s installment in the revolving line of Matchbox/Tomica reviews features a regular wheel gem. Today we see Matchbox 36b, the Lambretta TV175 scooter with sidecar. This entered the range in February 1961, and was replaced in May 1966. This was the second bike-related Matchbox regular wheel casting. It is a charming little beauty:

It was always made in this green tinted silver color, with just a few small variations throughout the run. It is a fine and delicate casting. I’d guess the scale is 1:45-1:50 maybe - as Matchbox didn’t use a set scale, rather, whatever best filled the box. From all angles, it is a winner:

These are often found with a missing handlebar, but this survived the years intact:

Typical undercarriage of the era:

Mine is lucky to live in its original box:

Which features the original price sticker, an interesting reference point (this is from Canada, these were still 39 cents in the US, I think):

Matchbox had a couple other bike-and-sidecar regular wheel castings which are also excellent, and will be featured in upcoming reviews. I am thankful to have this detailed little beauty in my collection.