[REVIEW] Lesney Matchbox Commer Pick-Up MK VIII

Matchbox time again, today we examine a little pickup truck. This is Matchbox 50a, the Commer MK VIII “Pick-Up”. This casting entered the range in 1958, and was in production until 1964. Scale is likely around 1:60, and as usual for a golden age Matchbox, it is nicely done:

Some people here love “Utes”, and this is technically a Ute I guess, as it is car-based. I think these are based on an early 50s Hillman Minx. This model was made in a few paint schemes and several wheel variations, with maybe 20 possible variants. This one, with a brown body and silver wheels (which I like very much) is quite uncommon. Brown examples with grey plastic or metal wheels are easier to find. It looks good from all angles. Nothing opens as this is a 1958 casting, the bed is the play value I guess:

Front and rear are also nice, this is a cute charming little thing:

Base typical for the era:

This variant is from a specific point in time, and was not made for a long period. With the “C” box and silver wheels, it was likely made in 1961:

This is a lovely and relatively rare piece - I am very happy to have it:

The real thing: