[REVIEW] Lesney Matchbox Volkswagen Caravette

Lesney Matchbox time is here again, today we examine a casting sure to have some fans. This is Matchbox 34b, the Volkswagen (T2) Caravette. This casting entered the range in early 1962, replacing the 34a VW van, and was in the lineup until early 1967, when it was replaced by another VW camper van. As one can see, this one has some charm:

The VW bus, the 60s legend, modeled in excellent quality by Lesney. The early 60s were a golden age for the company, with many fine and uncommon castings and variants dating from this era. 34b is definitely one of them. There is ample fine line casting detail, and proportion appears excellent. This was an era when models started to acquire extra features, and this one has them - an interior, opening parts, and a large sunroof. All variants of this casting are a light green, and it suits the vehicle well. From all angles, there’s no mistaking this cult classic for anything else:

Front and rear have similar detail, with a correct large VW logo, and rear engine door details:

The base is also green, from an era of colored baseplates, and contains identifying data. With the relatively uncommon fine tread grey wheels (most examples have knobby black or grey wheels), I estimate this was made around 1964:

The fun feature, the opening doors, and detailed interior. These doors are often missing even on nice examples. The interior really makes this a winner:

No doubt I am pleased to have this model in my collection. An estate sale find, I think this set me back maybe $4-6. This is another unboxed model with just a little wear, likely from storage. This color seems to chip easily, and the model shows no signs of abuse, as the wheels, axles, and glass are in good shape. I also have a boxed variant, and this one with the fine tread wheels is just as much of a looker:

A similar 1:1 from classicdriver.net: