#459 MATCHBOX – PEUGEOT 305 (K-84) (1986)

This is a rather unusual scale for a Matchbox… the car is made in 1:32 scale, similar to a contemporary Corgi line (see entry #99), to another one made by Guisval (see #125), or to older models from Dinky or Siku, but still a rarity in the Matchbox family.

The car is decorated as a rally car and it represents a quite rare model by Peugeot. It has practicable doors and trunk and a few nice details, like chromed parts, realistic hubcaps and even the windows are dirty with mud. The base is made of plastic, what makes the car rather light considering its size. Previous "Superkings" models had metallic base, but around 1980, the new models were already mounted on plastic bases, making the model cheaper to produce and also lighter.

I haven’t seen much models from this series, but according to the package there must be quite a few out there, note for example the Audi Quattro, a Ford Sierra or the Porsche 911 Turbo from the nice illustration at the back of the box.

The package is also interesting, because that dark blue design was typical from the early 80s to the mid 80s.

The Peugeot 305 was available in several colours and decorations. This one was the last available during 1986 and 1987. The first version of this model was released in 1981 or 1982, and it was made in metallic blue (without any kind of racing decorations). Later another decoration in white with racing stripes and RN14 would follow, than a blue version with RN5 (as in the box flap) and finally the toy you’re seeing in this entry.

The same Peugeot model was made by Solido in 1:43 scale, but to my knowledge, no other die-cast manufacturer made in before the 1990s.

FACTS AND FIGURES:

• Name: PEUGEOT 305 (K-84)
• Scale: 1:32 (approx.)
• Year: 1986
• Company: Matchbox (Great Britain)
• Size: approx. 13 cm