In 1953, Lesney Products released a set of 1:64 scale die-cast cars that were an immediate success and became the company’s first 1-75 Matchbox series. Increased competition and a recession forced the company into bankruptcy in 1982, when Universal Toys purchased the Matchbox cars.
1983 kicked off a new era of ownership for the brand and a 30th-anniversary celebration. Suitably titled, “A New Beginning”, this catalogue from that year showcased various offerings, including Matchbox Cap Cars, the 1-75 series, new playsets, and Models of Yesteryear.
