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			== Matchbox ==
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			File:003_Welthölzer_anagoria.JPG\|Welthölzer
			File:1878-01-03_Patentschrift_2191_Klasse_44_Hannoversche_Gummi-Kamm-Compagnie_in_Hannover,_Streichholzbüchse.jpg\|Patentschrift 2191 Klasse 44 Hannoversche Gummi-Kamm-Compagnie in Hannover, Streichholzbüchse
			File:Streichholzbriefchen.jpg\|Streichholzbriefchen
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'''Matchbox''' is a popular brand of [[toy]] vehicles that was introduced by [[Lesney Products]] in 1953, and is now owned by [[Mattel, Inc]], which purchased the brand in 1997. The brand was given its name because the original die-cast Matchbox toys were sold in boxes similar in style and size to those in which matches were sold. The brand has also encompassed a broad range of toys including larger scale die-cast models, plastic model kits, and action figures.

== History ==

Matchbox was created in 1953 by [[Lesney Products]], a British manufacturing company founded in 1947 by Leslie Smith and Rodney Smith. The company's name was a portmanteau of the founders' first names ("Les" and "Rodney"). The first vehicle produced was a road roller based on a Dinky model. The idea for the Matchbox name came from the packaging. Jack Odell, a partner in Lesney Products, designed a toy that could fit into a matchbox, thus sparking the idea to sell the models in replica matchboxes — a concept that had a huge impact on the toy industry.

== Products ==

Over the years, Matchbox has produced thousands of different model cars and vehicles. The brand's most popular line is the 1-75 series, which was launched in 1953 and consists of 75 different vehicles. Other notable lines include the Models of Yesteryear, a line of classic cars and vehicles; and the Superfast line, which was introduced in 1969 to compete with Hot Wheels, another popular toy car brand.

== Ownership ==

In 1982, Lesney Products filed for bankruptcy, and the Matchbox brand was bought by Universal Toys. In 1992, the brand was acquired by Tyco Toys, and then by [[Mattel, Inc]] in 1997, which also owns the rival Hot Wheels brand.

== See also ==

* [[Hot Wheels]]
* [[Die-cast toy]]
* [[List of Matchbox series]]

== References ==

<references />

[[Category:Toy brands]]
[[Category:Mattel]]
[[Category:Die-cast toys]]
[[Category:1953 establishments in England]]

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Matchbox - Revision history

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