[REVIEW] Lesney Matchbox Ford Thames Van

Lesney Matchbox time is here again, time again for a classic. Today we examine Lesney Matchbox 59a, the Ford Thames Van. This casting entered the range in 1958, remaining until 1963, and is a perfect representative of the era:

Welcome to 1958. No glazing, no moving parts, no interior, but still ample fine line casting detail and excellent proportion. The decals on this model are also excellent for something of its size. I estimate scale to be in the 1:65 range - this is not a huge casting - maybe even a little dainty, but the real world vehicle also isn’t large. This model has all of the mellow charm one expects from a 50s era Lesney product. From all angles, this is a pleasing little model:

Front and rear have similar quality, with the mask painted silver front detail and rear doors adding realism:

The base is basic, the style of the time, with ample identifying data, and also shows off the grey plastic wheels:

This example is lucky enough to live in its original smaller Type B box. With this box, it is an earlier release from 1958-59:

No doubt I am pleased to have this casting in my collection. This is another one of those models that is a must-have for a representative collection of early Lesney Matchbox models, as said before, a classic:

Some 1:1s from carandclassic.co.uk, wikimedia, and simoncars.co.uk. This little van is Anglia-based, and is a compact cute little vehicle: