Best Motorcycle 2014: First Look: 2013 Matchbox Ford F-550 Super Duty Mini Pumper...

I really like this model.

Hard to say why. Not that I can't come up with a reason. There are many models I can appreciate, but not necessarily like enough to put in the collection. Many Hot Wheels collectors go bonkers for the Drag Bus. I can appreciate that model. I wouldn't say I am a fan though.

So there are many reason to appreciate the Ford F550 Super Duty. That isn't hard to do. What is hard to pinpoint is why I like it so much. Here is what I can come up with:

1. It fills a niche in the Matchbox line. Lots of fire trucks, not a lot of small brush fire trucks. We have seen the International and Ford Superlift brush trucks in the last couple of years, and this one fits nicely with those. Doesn't seem like the most compelling reason for liking it though, does it? So scratch "it fills a niche."

2. It looks good, and it has been done in a nice variety of decos, including my favorite, the National Parks livery. While the National Parks livery Matchbox uses is unlicensed, it looks a lot like the vehicles you see while visiting a National Park here in the US. So we are closer with reason #2. I really like the National Parks livery, so any model sporting it goes into the collection. But that doesn't mean I collect all other version of said models. But I do collect all the F550's. So out the window it goes.

3. It reminds me of National Parks and living in the West. Yep, that is probably it. Born in the Bay Area of San Francisco, reared by way of stints in Idaho, central California near the Sierra Nevadas, Arizona, and now Utah. Hmmmmm, that means I have lived near Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, Zion, and Arches. It also means I have lived in two of the four Four Corner states. Put it simply, you cannot live in those areas and not have a deep appreciation for the land you live on. It is impossible. The F-550 looks like a National Parks vehicle. A vehicle used to protect the land I love. I really like this model.

I think I've got it. It may have a hunk of plastic. The latest version may sport a red grill. It may be too light. I don't care. I really like this model...

(Find the F-550 Super Duty on ebay