[REVIEW] Lesney Matchbox Ford Zodiac Convertible

Review time again, this week is another Lesney Matchbox. Today we have 39a, the Ford Zodiac convertible. This model entered the range in 1957, and was made through early 1962. It was a popular model, with several variations. I have a few of these, but this is my most sought after example. This variation is from the very end of the production run, from the end of 1961 or first couple months of 1962. This model has silver wheels, in a “C” type box. It is quite scarce. I think the silver wheels look good on this casting:

This casting was based on the 33a Ford Zodiac sedan - you can see traces of the rear doors in this casting (it is actually not a 4 door convertible). This a charming model, very much old school Lesney style with a cast in driver. I estimate scale to be around 1:60:

Detail is more than adequate for the era and original 39 cent price. Nothing opens, of course - opening features were a few years off when this was launched:

Base typical of the era:

And the showpiece, this model is lucky enough to live in its original “C” box:

This is one of my more valuable Matchbox, and one I sought out, as the silver wheels caught my eye. It wasn’t cheap, but quality holds value. They don’t make em like they used to - the 1958-64 or so era of Matchbox had some real gems.

Here’s the real car: