POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Toy motor car

Object No. 85/1112-2

This Matchbox toy Land-Rover, finished in olive green with silver trim, is No.12b in the 1-75 series and was manufactured by Lesney in 1959. Matchbox Series II Land-Rovers were produced between 1959 and 1965. Unlike Matchbox's earlier Series I Land-Rover (No.12a), this toy has a fitted baseplate and more moulding detail (doors, petrol cap) on the exterior. On this model a driver is no longer provided but a tow hook has been added appropriately for an agricultural vehicle. The toy represents a full-size, Series II, short-wheel-base Land-Rover four-wheel-drive vehicle made in England between 1958 and 1961 by Rover in Solihull. The Series II differed from the earlier Series I in having an external fuel filler, improved suspension and a wider track. The Land-Rover was conceived as an agricultural utility vehicle inspired by the American Jeep. The military green colour resulted from war surplus paint, and the vehicle was intended to economically generate cash for the post-war re-start of Rover's luxury cars. However, it outsold the cars and has continued to develop as a utility and recreational vehicle until the present day. The company, having seen several changes in ownership, is now (2015) owned by Tata Motors Ltd of India. Dinah Hales, Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences volunteer, under the supervision of Margaret Simpson, Curator, September 2015.

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Summary

Object Statement

Toy motor car, Matchbox Land-Rover, No. 12b, 1-75 series, four-wheel-drive, olive green with silver trim, metal/plastic, made by Lesney, England, 1959

Physical Description

Toy motor car, Matchbox Land-Rover, No. 12b, 1-75 series, four-wheel-drive, olive green with silver trim, metal/plastic, made by Lesney, England, 1959

DIMENSIONS

Height

27 mm

Width

25 mm

Depth

58 mm

SOURCE

Acquisition Date

8 July 1985

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