1967 Matchbox #25c Ford Cortina Made by Lesney in England MIB/B $24.99
The avid collecting of miniature diecast models all commenced with one business back in 1953. With a simple genesis of a toy car for his daughter, Jack Odell of Lesney Products had begun a completely new niche of toys and collectibles that are currently as well-known these days as they were over fifty years ago. Sadly, Lesney Products, the original, founder of the Matchbox toy car, is no longer in business but Lesney Series Matchbox cars from its day remain earnestly sought after.
From their beginnings, Lesney Series Matchbox diecast cars ruled the miniature diecast niche. When originally introduced, they were unmatched. Lesney Products was the inaugural producer to distinguish the market niche for small diecast cars and no one had introduced anything yet to fill that need. The first car ever distributed was a green and red road roller designed to fit inside a match box so Jack Odell’s young daughter could take it to school. An quick hit and using their clever matchbox marketing, 2 extra cars were released. Those were a cement mixer and dump truck. With these three miniature facsimiles, a new age sprung about slingshoting Lesney Products to the top of toy production. The series was quickly enlarged to become recognized as the 1-75 Lesney Series Matchbox cars.
