[REVIEW] Lesney Matchbox Maserati 4CLT

Lesney Matchbox time is here again. Today we examine Lesney Matchbox 52a, the Maserati 4CLT. This casting entered the range in 1958, remaining until 1965, and is something from a bygone era of racing:

Observant viewers may recall I reviewed a later variant of this casting nearly 4 years ago:

A classic open wheel GP car, something from another time - even when this model was produced, this was something of a vintage shape. It also has a pleasing vintage look, with that combination of mellow proportions and ample fine line casting detail which defines Lesney products of this era. The hand painted silver trim has stood the test of time. Nothing opens, nothing needs to - the simple look of this provided play value, and I think these larger black plastic regular wheels roll faster than the usual smaller grey metal or plastic wheels of the same era. Later variants would have spoked wheels.  I estimate scale to be around 1:60, and I notice the driver is especially well-cast. From all angles, one can imagine it roaring around a race track:

Front and rear have similar quality detail:

The base is basic, as was the style of the time, and contains identifying data. One will notice this data includes the year of the full sized vehicle, one of very few non-Yesteryears to include a date:

This example is fortunate enough to live in its original smaller Type B box. With this box type and the hand applied trim, this is an early release likely made in 1958:

I am definitely happy to have this casting in my collection. This is a classic model with a lot of charm and eye appeal, and it contrasts well with my later yellow variant:

Some 1:1s from grandprixhistory.org and bringatrailer.com: