Porsche by Matchbox 1970-2003

Porsche by Matchbox 1970-2003
By Doug Breithaupt

If you only collect pre-Superfast Matchbox models, this story may be of little interest. The story of Matchbox and Porsche begins in 1970 and does not included any 'regular-wheel' models. Since that time, Matchbox has continued to offer a good cross-section of new Porsche models at the rate of about 3-4 every 10 years. As of the 2003 model year, 10 Matchbox Porsches have been produced. Other manufacturers have done more or done them better but Matchbox has created an impressive Porsche collection over the years. Who does not remember racing one or more of these across the floor and hoping some day to own the real car. I still do. Here they are.

Porsche 910 (1970)	Porsche 910 (1970) - This race car saw limited service compared to the earlier 906 or the later 917 but no-one can fault Matchbox for picking a lovely model. The classic shape is a beauty. Porsche Turbo (1978) - Also known as the 930, this is the Porsche shape that everyone knows. Matchbox used this casting for over 20 years and it still looks great. This is the first color offered.	Porsche 911 Turbo (1978)
Porsche 928 (1979)	Porsche 928 (1979) - This front-engine V8 was as advanced as it's styling. This is the last Porsche casting 'Made in England'. The styling has aged well and looks great in metallic blue. Porsche 935 (1984) - Few race cars have had the success of the 935. Multiple wins at Le Mans and Daytona 24 hour races were just part of the story. Several examples had realistic racing colors and non-racing versions were also produced.	Racing Porsche 935 (1983)
Porsche 959 (1986)	Porsche 959 (1986) - Porsche's first super-car, the 959 is a very impressive car. Competition history included an amazing Paris-Dakar victory. This white example is one of the most tasteful versions to be produced by Matchbox. Porsche 944 (1987) - The 944 was a progression from the 924 and built solely by Porsche. This example is a 'code 2' from White Rose Collectibles and offers better detailed paint.	Porsche 944 (1987)
Porsche 911 GT1 (1998)	Porsche 911 GT1 (1998) - The GT1 was built to win Le Mans and it did. Matchbox has curiously done most versions in non-racing colors. This silver and black version looks good. Porsche Boxter (1998) - This 'entry-level' Porsche has proved a great success. The Matchbox model is actually based on the concept but little was changed for production. This is the first color offered and matches the concept car.	Porsche Boxter (1998)
Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet (1998)	Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet (1998) - The current 996 makes a pretty convertible. Matchbox has not offered it in many colors yet and was not tempted to slather tampos on this black model. Porsche 911 Turbo (2002) - New for the 2003 line from Matchbox is the Turbo version of the 996. Smoked windows and silly tampos detract a bit but the shape is right. It nice to see any new 'cars' from Matchbox and a new Porsche is better still.	Porsche 911 Turbo (2002)
	While it's not labeled as a Porsche, the Hi-Tailer model from 1974 was clearly inspired by Porsche's 917 Can Am racer. The inclusion of a V8 motor and generic 'Matchbox' racing decals cannot hide the profile of the mighty 917. Is it the 11th Porsche from Matchbox? You decide.