Best Motorcycle 2014: Volvo

Matchbox produces very few promotional exclusives each year. While Hot Wheels produces several convention, RLC, toy show, and car show models every month it seems, Matchbox will throw out the occasional model in very limited numbers.

In fact, at this point, Matchbox only produces models for the MC Gathering in July, Everett Marshall's Charity Golf Tournament in August, the Toy Fair, and the German Toy Show in October. We have seen models done for SEMA, Dream Halloween, and other retailers, but nothing more at this point.

So whenever a Matchbox promotional model is released, it is a big deal. And another is coming.

We have gotten word from our friend Dirk Schleuer in Germany that the next rare promo model will be released next month. The fifth German exclusive has been made by Matchbox for the show in Leipzig, Germany, and will be unveiled at the show on October 3rd. In the meantime, Dirk has sent us a couple of teasers:

So what do you think it is? You might have a good idea, and we will neither confirm nor deny whether you are correct. But needless to say this is a beautiful model and will be high on a lot of collector's wants list. The question will be how to get it.

The Modell Hobby Spiel show in Germany is a big event, and those attending will have a chance to snag this exclusive. But I have good news for those that cannot. Dirk has been kind enough to send Lamley a few, which he asked that we make available to our readers. We might give one away, along with last year's Seagrave, and we might sell a few to those that are interested on a first come, first serve basis. Once the model has been revealed (we are set to do a First Look feature as soon as it is out), we will give out the details on how to get one. Don't miss out...

To whet your appetite a bit, how about a look at the previous exclusives? Matchbox hasn't done one every year, but when they do, the models are truly eye-popping. Which is your favorite?

2006 - Mercedes-Benz CLS500

2009 - VW Karmann Ghia Type 14

2010 - Volvo P1800S

2012 - Classic Seagrave Fire Engine

(Before we start, remember that Matchbox Monday is sponsored by or friends at MVE Collectibles. I really do hope you are checking out their store. Many of the items, including Matchbox, Hot Wheels, Greenlight, Johnny Lightning, and M2 are very fairly priced, and many times cheaper whan what you find on ebay. Check them out here.)

I think the SUV era is over, at least for now.

But it was sure some gas-guzzling fun while it lasted. There are still plenty of SUV's on the road, just a little different than those behemoths that were all over the place 5 years ago.

In the diecast world the SUV's still are on the pegs. The Matchbox Ford Explorer is just hitting and later we will see the Range Rover Evoque. And as usual, Matchbox is the maker. If you compare the two Mattel brands, Matchbox seemed to be the SUV specialist. They came from Hot Wheels, but it seemed that the models that transported both soccer moms and self-proclaimed outdoorzies from the city came from Matchbox.

When looking at the list of SUV's that Matchbox put out in the mid- to late-2000's, there are a handful that really stand out. To me the European SUV's looked the best, so that is what I collected. Tahoes, Suburbans, Expeditions, even Navigators looked clunky next to the sleek European trucks.

Here is a look at some of my favorites:

Range Rover Sport:

While there were some elements that Matchbox missed compared to the real thing, this was one of my favorite SUV castings. The best version was the orange Superfast (pictured at the top of the page), but the last version released in black with 5-spoke wheels was pretty sleek.

Volvo XC90

The ultimate soccer mom car. Maybe that is why it didn't come off the pegs very fast. Still, this Superfast version is a great example to have.

Porsche Cayenne Turbo

This was a casting that needed the right wheels to hit its peak. And it did with the Superfast versions, all pictured here. Later it was released in a 10-pack with the large 10-spokes, which also looked nice. I just wish Matchbox had it in them to release one more with the large 5-spokes like on the black Range Rover.

Hummer H3

Ok, a full-on exception to the rule. You want my opinion on Hummers? I cannot stand them. "Hate" might be an appropriate word. They are ugly, useless, and represented the worst of 10 years ago. Does that clearly state my opinion?

Yet, for some reason this yellow version appeals. I think the blingy wheels paired with the bright yellow signify exactly what the Hummer was all about. This was a very difficult model to find, as it was only available in ROW markets, and was hard to find even there. So I am very happy to have it.

BMW X5 & X5 Police

A signature Euro SUV, and seen in Police form as recently as the 2011 Lesney line.

And for good measure, a couple of photos of the Range Rover customs. Everything is how Matchbox intended except for the wheels.

So which is your favorite? For me, I think the black Volvo takes it.

Yours?

If you are looking to find some these, follow the links below:

Matchbox Range Rover Sport