In 2000 this model did see a release in the “other” ROW markets, as MB15. This meant the UK, German and Australian markets did not get it, as well as the US market which had a distinctly different range. The added play value with the side that extends out and stairs that lead down from it are just the icing on the cake for this model. Great work on this one. The MB55-B Mercury Commuter Police Car. Inspired by the Ford Interceptor Utility as I do SUVs as being somewhat closely linked to wagons (albeit taller) and this one was also in white just the like the new SUV is.

And also good for shades. Just as with the 2011 Expedition in brown, this one could not stay consistent during its run. Next up is the MB1178 International TerraStar Ambulance. This is sporting the Boone County Fire District Emergency Medical Services livery. Or MCI vehicle as it is often referred to, standing for Mass Casualty Incident vehicle. You might notice on the door it states MCI 514. Picture courtesy of Keith Hoskins Next up I move into the Universal era with a Dodge Dakota inspired by the Ram 1500 Police. Obviously Ram is the spun-off arm of the Dodge brand so the Dakota is related, and it has always been such a cool little casting. I did find a shade, but I don’t think my camera and set-up really showed it off well. So I won’t bother showing it. Oh wait, I already have.In 2002 the model was sold worldwide as MB44, and being a logo year meant the first 10,000 of these sported a 50 logo behind the rear wheels. We then get the MB1179 2016 Ford Interceptor Utility in white. Again based on one of the real vehicles they use. Picture courtesy of Keith Hoskins

And in 2009 it was added to the German Euro Edition series too in a Feuerwehr design. I see a little 58 on the side of the models. Hmm! I wonder if a certain Michael Heralda had anything to do with this one? But it was not just a US exclusive. In 2000 Mattel were going nuts with the basic range, creating 5 different series. The US would see a set of 100 models, where the ROW range would see 75. But the ROW market had some exclusive not in the US range, the US had 25 additional exclusives not in the ROW range, but the ROW range also split further. With the UK, German and Australian markets being their strongest markets at the time, each one of these saw a set of 10 from the 75 being exclusive to their market. The UK saw the Ambulance as MB38. This was in a Metropolitan Police theme. We get the MB1091 eStar Electric Van in white. This is done as a thank you to all those key workers who stayed in stores to allow us to go out and buy what we needed, or those who spent all day driving around delivering our essentials to keep us going. But you know what I am like. I did some older models inspired by vehicles from this set too. So first up….

In 1993 an Intercom City series was release, where this saw a fluorescent orange look with a Fire Chief design and the IC logo on the model. In 2005 with a new team and new direction at Matchbox, the model made a triumphant return to the basic range in a realistic red design as MB13. And then it disappeared.

This is white with brown striping a Boone County Sheriff on the side. A very simple design and also very striking. I like the look of it. A nice blue and really funny design. To me it looks like they are throwing a box at your home. Ha ha!But that is about it now. For sure. I hope you managed to stay until the end. My reports are getting longer and longer aren’t they. It was also added to the 2008 Best of British series too also in red as red was its most logical colour, they were going with variations on a red theme.