[REVIEW] Lesney Matchbox Triumph T110 and sidecar

Another Sunday, another Lesney Matchbox day. Today we get to look at a bike instead of a vehicle with more wheels and doors and other frivolities. This is Matchbox 4c, the Triumph T110 motorcycle and sidecar. This model was introduced in 1960, and was in the range until 1966, it must have been popular. And one can see why, it is just a beautifully crafted little casting:

From all angles, really, it is something. I estimate scale to be around 1:50-1:55 or so - the bikes tend to be larger scale as the real thing is smaller than a car, and they fit in the same box. Nothing opens, nothing needs to - the value is in it being a bike, and how it looks and feels. Fine detail and the lovely spoked wheels of the era:

The T110 is also called the “Tiger” - I know old Triumphs were often known by name more than model number, at least on this side of the pond. It’s not a 110cc, but a 649cc. Front and rear are just as well done, and the sidecar is charming - I call these “German style” sidecars as they seem like the type on the cool WW2 bikes, but I don’t know if they have a real name:

Underside is typical of the era:

Early release “B” box, I have two of these (tire varieties), both B box:

It’s a pretty thing to behold, amazing for a child’s pocket money toy from over half a century ago. Yet another model I feel lucky to have:

Here’s a real one in a similar color (can’t find any pic of one with this style of sidecar):