New Matchbox Cadillac ambulance!

[Tony Karsnia]

Looks like they did a pretty good job creating a '63 Miller-Meteor 48" hi-top! :cool:

http://www.matchbox.com/showcase/product.aspx?product_number=R3372&category_id=7539&section=

[Paul Steinberg]

This is about the only vehicle that I have room for now, in my already overcrowded garage... I wonder how much it would cost to have Ed repaint it for me?? :D

[Charles E Snyder, II]

Yes, it looksl ike they have done a very good job on it, but unfortunately, so far all we have gotten to see in the artist's rendition that you have posted. The actual model is due out this year, but it hasn't hit the shelves yet. I was hoping that it would have hit the stores before the international meet, but it doesn't look like it.

This is one model that I will be sure to pick up everyone that I find so that I can help anyone out here that needs one.

[Richard Vyse]

looks like they did a pretty good job creating a '63 miller-meteor 48" hi-top! :cool:

http://www.matchbox.com/showcase/product.aspx?product_number=r3372&category_id=7539&section=

i want this!!!!!

[Brendan Martin]

I want one of these as well, even though my 63 is a Superior I will be sure to pick one up.

[John Burchfield]

Actually, it looks like a '64, though the wheel covers look 65-ish. Hope I can find one when they hit the stores. I never found one of the 63/64-w/ 65+- winshield hearses that Matchbox (or was it HotWheels?) made a few years ago. I did manage to find one of the '53 Cadillac "pickups" on a trip to Wal-Mart last week though! I have 2 or 3 of the old '64 Matchbox S&S lowtops from when I was a kid. I did a red/white paint scheme on one of them, I think w/ some of my mother's nail polish! :o

[Dwayne Brooks]

Here's an old Matchbox Cadillac ambulance I picked up a few weeks ago at a swap meet. Hopefully the new one will be a nice creation & not hard to find!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3635/3649572414_348e682c59.jpg

[Steve Lichtman]

Here's an old Matchbox Cadillac ambulance I picked up a few weeks ago at a swap meet. Hopefully the new one will be a nice creation & not hard to find!The old-issue ambulance (an S&S) wasn't hard to find at all....when I was a kid! That was probably '67 or '68. Back then, we had toy and hobby stores, and the display cases were restocked when empty.

Now, when the current release of Matchbox ambulances are gone from the Walmart racks, they'll be hard to find, too!

[Dwayne Brooks]

The old-issue ambulance (an S&S) wasn't hard to find at all....when I was a kid! That was probably '67 or '68. Back then, we had toy and hobby stores, and the display cases were restocked when empty.

Now, when the current release of Matchbox ambulances are gone from the Walmart racks, they'll be hard to find, too!

I hear ya buddy! The Wal-Mart here in town has the most pathetic display of Matchbox cars you've ever seen. They've had the same 8 - 10 cars hanging there for the past 6 months & they NEVER restock the shelf. Being a Hot Wheels collector mainly I have to score 90% of my cars at swap meets, rod runs, & ebay since noboby stocks the 1/18th scale, 1/64th collector sets, &100% Hot Wheels. Toy stores & hobby stores are a dying breed for sure! Toys-R-Us doesn't get in anything other than the standard run 1/64th cars either... at least around northern Ohio that is...

[Cary Livingston]

First "real look".
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a168/jtl46/2009%20Matchbox/IMG_4651.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a168/jtl46/2009%20Matchbox/IMG_4652.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a168/jtl46/2009%20Matchbox/IMG_4654.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a168/jtl46/2009%20Matchbox/IMG_4682.jpg

I can see multiple repaints on this one. The fun part is gonna be actually getting some and beating the scalpers to the racks at Walmart etc.

[Cary Livingston]

And for the lower budget ambulance services......slap a lightbar on this one and ya good to go :)

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a168/jtl46/2009%20Matchbox/IMG_4640.jpg

[Todd Merrifield]

I wonder why they insist on putting wrong sized wheels on Matchbox cars?

[Steve Lichtman]

Hey, for a small diecast, that's not bad at all. And a Superior, no less! :cool:

Hope it's out before X-mas.

I wonder why they insist on putting wrong sized wheels on Matchbox cars?'Cause they all have the same size wheels, but the cars are different scales so they can all fit in the box.

[Jeremy D. Ledford]

Any ideas when this will be out!?!?!?

[Jonathan Murphy]

I hear ya buddy! The Wal-Mart here in town has the most pathetic display of Matchbox cars you've ever seen. They've had the same 8 - 10 cars hanging there for the past 6 months & they NEVER restock the shelf. Being a Hot Wheels collector mainly I have to score 90% of my cars at swap meets, rod runs, & ebay since noboby stocks the 1/18th scale, 1/64th collector sets, &100% Hot Wheels. Toy stores & hobby stores are a dying breed for sure! Toys-R-Us doesn't get in anything other than the standard run 1/64th cars either... at least around northern Ohio that is...


I actually scored my hearse at the local Dollar General. They have small displays at the end of a couple of isles and that is were I found mine. I also found a Matchbox "Short Bus" that screamed "buy me!", but I couldn't think of anyone to give it to!:D

[Cary Livingston]

I wonder why they insist on putting wrong sized wheels on Matchbox cars?

For 99 cents ya cant expect a whole lot....

[John Burchfield]

Hmmm, that new '63 looks like a "Eurekior"??

[Todd Merrifield]

For 99 cents ya cant expect a whole lot....


I don't know, Hot Wheels seems to do it all right, at least on the ones they put out that are relatively stock looking. I'm not talking about the cartoon-type cars they put out, but the ones that are supposed to resemble real cars.

Even in the higher dollar cars Matchbox seems to disregard proportions more. I could dig up some examples, but the ones I have are packed away right now. I have some "premium" matchbox cars from a few years ago that are packaged in their own "display case" and the wheels on them are way too big. These are cars like Dodge Vipers and 69 Camaros. If you look at the same level Hot Wheels cars they look like little scale models.

That Vista Cruiser and Ambulance look like they have 20 inch wheels on them.

[Richard Vyse]

Man that is nice. Add some color for the siren and lights and this thing is ready to go. Although, hate to open the package. :thumbsup:

[Charles E Snyder, II]

Holy crap Cary! Where the heck did you get those pics of the new ambulance? This is the first that I have seen anything other than an artist's scetch of it! Thank you for posting the pictures... I think.

[Cary Livingston]

Chuck,
The pictures were found over on our other favorite forum where one of the board admins was sent some Batch L cars directly from his contact in Matchbox. Rumors are that Batch L is being seen on shelves already.
I fight a scalper in my lil town getting for the newest MB and HW cars....I buy to collect and he buys to resell on eBay.....but sooner or later we all find what we are looking for. I am looking forward to doing a few repaints on these 63's both the hearses and ambulances.

[Charles E Snyder, II]

... The pictures were found over on our other favorite forum ...

Yeh, I finally got over there to check them out. Thanks for the info. Figures, the one day that I am on the road all day, the pictures get posted. Been waiting for this car all year! From Monday night until late last night, I wasn't able to check the computer. From now on I will never leave home. :rolleyes: I have to sit right here and check all the different sites. I hate to miss breaking news. :(

[Matthew Coon]

Nice ambulance. I'm going to make it a point to buy several for myself.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Well, there have been a few on eBay this week, so they must be in stores - although I have yet to find any.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

During a sweep this evening I did see a light Vista Cruiser as pictured (not green) on a self standing cardboard aisle end display @ Walmart. Although no ambulance, I take it as a good sign that '10 models are hitting the shelves.

[Brendan Martin]

Is that a 63 Superior Cadillac Hightop!??!! I can't wait to find these. Please if anyone finds them let me know? Thanks.

[Charles E Snyder, II]

... I take it as a good sign that '10 models are hitting the shelves.Actually, this is the last of the 09 new models. The ambulance along with a couple of others were the last 09 new models to be released. I don't expect to see the 2010 models till around December or later. The Vista Cruiser is just a recolor of the original.

Is that a 63 Superior Cadillac Hightop!??!! I can't wait to find these. Please if anyone finds them let me know? Thanks.They won't say that it is a Superior, but it is about as close as you can get. I have one for myself and I plan to pick up as many more as I can to distribute to the members here that need one. I will put your name on my list and see if I can find you one.

[Richard Vyse]

Finally got one for $8.99 shipping included on eBay. Yea!!!! All I wanted was one.:thumbsup:

[Mike Stevens]

Can someone tell us what the number in the upper right hand corner of the cardboard is for the new ambulance? When the models are hanging on the store hooks you can see the numbers but not the model itself. The number on the gold or purple flower car was 15 with a small 42 under that. So again what is the number on the new hearse?
Thanks.
Mike

[Jim Staruk]

Is that a 63 Superior Cadillac Hightop!??!! I can't wait to find these. Please if anyone finds them let me know? Thanks.
There's a '63 right now on EBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/Matchbox-2009-56-63-CADILLAC-AMBULANCE_W0QQitemZ400082778376QQcmdZViewItemQQptZ Diecast_Vehicles?hash=item5d26cab908

[Brendan Martin]

There's a '63 right now on EBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/Matchbox-2009-56-63-CADILLAC-AMBULANCE_W0QQitemZ400082778376QQcmdZViewItemQQptZ Diecast_Vehicles?hash=item5d26cab908

Thanks Jim I'm trying to hold out until they hit the shelves at Wal-Mart.

[Richard Vyse]

Just got another one on eBay. I now have two and that is enough for me, even after paying the higher price.

[Cary Livingston]

While I havent found any around here yet I refuse to pay scalper prices. I figure there are going to be a few variations of this one and look forward to getting a few off the shelves to do total repaints on.

[Brendan Martin]

Just got another one on eBay. I now have two and that is enough for me, even after paying the higher price.

Hey Richard paint one white over green and I'll buy one off Ya!:D

[Charles E Snyder, II]

... paint one white over green and I'll buy one off Ya!:D:thumbsup: Hey Brendan... as soon as I get a second one, I might try just that! I will let you know how it turns out. What color green is that?

[Paul Steinberg]

Hey Richard paint one white over green and I'll buy one off Ya!:D

Your car isn't just green, it is Inverness Green Poly (1960)

[Brendan Martin]

:thumbsup: Hey Brendan... as soon as I get a second one, I might try just that! I will let you know how it turns out. What color green is that?

Apparently according to Paul it's Inverness Green Poly.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Finally found the little bugger! Look for 56 on the lower corner when you're scanning pegs. :thumbsup:

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/9154/dsc02697b.jpg

It needed air.

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/5445/dsc02702t.jpg

Really like this casting. Now to locate a couple more to customize...

Fyi, the white Vista Cruiser has 2 wheel variations so far.

[Cary Livingston]

Hissing at Atti.....I was too late on a fresh case but I did score 2 of the white Vista Cruisers.....ones off to California...

[Cary Livingston]

Hot damn....Got one today at Kmart :)

[Brendan Martin]

Found one right out front of all the other cars at Wal-Mart. It was the only one! Very nice looking, and only paid .97 cents.:D I will check back in a few days, if there are more I will buy them and send them to anyone interested.

[Josh Horton]

I got one today. It was in was in a new style pack, harder to read the numbers on the rake.

[Charles E Snyder, II]

I got one today. It was in was in a new style pack, harder to read the numbers on the rake.That new packaging is for the 2010 cars that are starting to come out. Yes, you are correct, it is a bugger to read the number and name of the car with the new packaging, but unfortunately, look for this new designed card to be around for a while.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Recently located a second, on an '09 card mixed in with '10 cards - obviously out of the same box. Realize now that a custom must include a drop out of nose bleed altitude - they sit too high.

There are 2 main parts involving the difficulty finding these on the pegs:

Current packing only places one '63 per case.

Matchbox do not sell nearly as quickly as Hot Wheels. Thus, they're not stocked often.

Both of these being said, this is the time of year where turnover quickens and odds increase - so happy hunting!

[Charles E Snyder, II]

There are 2 main parts involving the difficulty finding these on the pegs:

Current packing only places one '63 per case.

Matchbox do not sell nearly as quickly as Hot Wheels. Thus, they're not stocked often.Very true on both of these statements! One per case right now and not very quick turnover.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Managed to score another last night - with less than 10 Matchbox on the pegs!

So here is the difference in packaging, as previously mentioned. '09 card on left, '10 on right. Same information is still there, although much less obvious:

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/6020/63amb.jpg

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

For those that are trying to catch Matchbox cars still while still on the pallets, this may help:

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/5018/dsc02950a.jpg

Matchbox cars come 36 to a box; opposed to Hot Wheels 72. The box stampings I've seen so far containing the '63 ambulance are 997M1 and 997M2. (Shown here minus the last digit on the long sides of the box. Short sides have the full stamp.)

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/5434/dsc02949f.jpg

Beautiful sight huh? There may be slight variation in the contents between M1 and M2 - haven't paid attention.

Last night was fantastic!

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/9658/dsc02951a.jpg

Now that you know *specifically* what to look for - go get 'em! I have some customizing to start.....;)

[Cary Livingston]

I have freinds and family in 2 states looking and no luck.....I have looked everywhere near me....the nearest "metropolitan" area is 45 minutes away. I found one on the shelves and remnants of the "cases". I figured the gas I was using chasing these lil damn things down and I caved in and bought 4 off ebay last week for $16 (including shipping). Like Atti Im thinkin Im gonna hafta drill one out and do a repaint. Will post a link later for correct scale beacons I found :)

[Jonathan Murphy]

Just snagged one at the local Dollar General......for a dollar:rolleyes:

When I got home, I compared it to the hearse. The ambo sits on higher (or bigger) wheels for sure. It looks like it is hopping, ready to go while the hearse looks like it is sittin low and goin slow!

[Sarah Snook]

I'm still having awful luck - I haven't even found one yet. Any chance someone would like to trade a couple of them for some of the '53 Hot Wheels flower cars? I have a ton of the gold ones and I picked up eight of the light blue ones today.

[Charles E Snyder, II]

Sarah, I still have a purple flower car here for you if you need it. I will put an ambulance into the box along with it if you want me to.

[Sarah Snook]

Sarah, I still have a purple flower car here for you if you need it. I will put an ambulance into the box along with it if you want me to.
Thanks! That would be great!

Sarah

[Jeremy D. Ledford]

Like Sarah I've had no luck eather. May have to buckle under and getum off eBay I guess.

[Brendan Martin]

Like Sarah I've had no luck eather. May have to buckle under and getum off eBay I guess.

Jeremy I have two of them send me a PM with your address I'll send you one.

[Charles E Snyder, II]

Please, please, please...

Just like Brendan offered, I have a couple to spare also. If anyone here needs one, please contact someone here first and see if we might have one or two to spare before going to eBay. It will for sure save you a few dollars. I have been collecting more than my fair share just so that I can share them here with PCS friends. As long as I have one saved for VP Rick Duffy (I promised him one a long time ago), I will share the rest with anyone here. As of right now, I have 4 extra here on the shelf and at least 6 more coming from a die cast friend.

As long as the Gods are willing, I will be at the Micro Meet in Flint in February. I will have at least a couple with me and hopefully quite a few more than just a couple.

[Steve Lichtman]

A friend found one of the ambulances and brought it over for me - that was nice. Later that day, I went to our local Wal-Mart and found one on the rack and bought it. Then the friend called and said, "Hey, after I stopped by your place, I went to your Wal-Mart and bought a bunch more." :eek: What a guy - I guess I got the one he missed!

...more coming from a die cast friend...He must be quite stiff and metallic.

[Brendan Martin]

I'm off to Wal-Mart and some local Rite Aid stores today to have a look. I'll get what I can and post with what's available, if any. Weather is lousy here so this will keep me busy.

[John ED Renstrom]

I broke down and got on off e-bay last week. they have dropped down to 5 bucks. if you keep looking and don't try to out bid someone else. figure I got to run 60 miles to find a wally world that's cheaper then I can go get one if they had one.

[Brendan Martin]

Just got back, no luck at Wal-Mart, K-Mart, or Stop and Shop, so i'll check again next week.:bonk:

[Cary Livingston]

I have found 2 off the racks so far and got 4 off ebay reasonably. One Walmart in town and nearest other Walmarts or Kmarts are 25 miles away...I was tired of looking. Ones already stripped and repainted all red, pics coming soon :)

[Cary Livingston]

Now for the detailing....rivets drilled out....stripped of the white.....primed and painted red........
http://i47.tinypic.com/i35qon.jpg

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Well since Cary threw a teaser out... Likewise, much detailing left. 3 straight repaints and one fairly modified so far. :D

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/259/dsc03319a.jpg

[Cary Livingston]

Lookin good Atti......I like the 2 tones......now to find the time and patience for detailing.....:yum:

[Mary Pinner Bowman]

I will be shopping forever now trying to find these matchbox ambulances.:D:D:Exclamation:

[Richard Vyse]

I will be shopping forever now trying to find these matchbox ambulances.:D:D:Exclamation:

eBay it. It's the GREENER way to shop and prices have come down on them. No use of gas, then add in lunch. Pay a bit more and wait for the package to arrive. :my2cents: Here's one for 0.99 cents plus shipping.

http://cgi.ebay.com/63-CADILLAC-AMBULANCE-MIP-LIMITED-RUN-2010-CARD_W0QQitemZ120517566311QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDieca st_Vehicles?hash=item1c0f681f67

[Brendan Martin]

I really like the green and white!:thumb:

[Martyn Donaldson]

Awesome work Cary and Atti! Here's my small collection of Matchbox Cadillac Ambulances....:cheers:

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab281/Lesneyfan/IMG_5207.jpg

[Richard Vyse]

For those attending the Micro-Meet in Flint next month, I have a number of Pro-Car diecasts I will be selling or to be used in a raffle. :bonk:

[Martyn Donaldson]

Here's the next color to look out for later this year...


http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab281/Lesneyfan/100_6695.jpg

[John ED Renstrom]

I'm not getting anymore till the put a dab of silver on that siren. thats getting tight to leave that off.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Cary - Is that a pre-production advertising piece? Can't recall the Pierce's model number offhand but the '63 is #56. Perhaps they're merely accidentally reversed.

[Charles E Snyder, II]

Cary - Is that a pre-production advertising piece? Can't recall the Pierce's model number offhand but the '63 is #56. Perhaps they're merely accidentally reversed.Attilla, I believe that the picture that Cary posted is from the 2010 poster. The numbers may actually change from what is printed on the poster to actual production. The car may actually change number from 2009 cards to 2010 cards if MB needs to change the lineup a little also.

This picture is thanks to Steven on another site that I frequent. (I think Cary borrowed his picture from the same person ;) ) This is the whole poster. Not a lot of detail, but you can see on the right side about half way down the emergencey vehicle section.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/speters999/100_6669.jpg

[Brendan Martin]

I found another 63 Cadillac Ambulance Matchbox at the grocery store today. Since I have what I need I will send this to another PCS member in need of one. First PM gets it.

[Mark Trask]

I would like to buy the 63 from you if it is still available

Mark Trask

[Brendan Martin]

I would like to buy the 63 from you if it is still available

Mark Trask

Mark it is send me your info.

[Mark Trask]

Thanks Brendan,
I pm'd you yesterday. Did you get the message?
Mark

[Mark Trask]

Brendan,
I am not sure if my im's are going through.
I can be reached at mtrask@ghmp.com
or
morbilia@verizon.net.

[Mark Trask]

Hi,
I meant pm's.
My private Message inbox is empty.

[Sarah Snook]

Finally! The '63 ambulances have arrived in Northeast Ohio. I picked up three of the white ones with the red stripes today. Perhaps I'll start to find more soon.