Volume VIII, Number 9/10

No One does Jeep Like Matchbox
by Doug Breithaupt


When you think of toy Jeeps, does the name Matchbox spring to mind? It should. Over the past 40 years, Matchbox has produced more Jeep vehicles than any other toy car maker. The Jeep castings have seen many variations, with new wheels and accessories. Since the late 1990's, a new Jeep casting has appeared almost every year. The year indicated here is the casting date and not the release date as many of these models have had long production histories. I remember driving the original Matchbox Jeep CJ-5 through Jungle adventures in my parent's garden. My seven-year old daughter, Amelia, does the same with her Matchbox CJ-5. I guess it's a family tradition.


Jeep Gladiator Pick-up (1964)
Jeep Gladiator Pick-up (1964)
The first Jeep model by Matchbox is also the only pick-up truck. It came with opening doors. Pick-up style has not changed much in 40 years. 

Jeep CJ-5 (1998)
This recent version of the current CJ-5 sports a full roof rack and antenna and is ready for off-road adventure. This version is owned by by my 7 year-old daughter, Amelia.


Jeep CJ-5 (1998), courtesy Amelia Breithaupt


Jeep CJ-5 (1966)
Jeep CJ-5 (1966)
The classic Jeep looked great in yellow and red. The yellow, plastic wheels added a perfect touch but the tires came off rather easy. At least it came with a spare. 

Jeep Grand Cherokee (1999)
The popular Grand Cherokee represents one of the most successful SUV models. An inflatable on the roof was offered.


Jeep Grand Cherokee (1999)


Jeep CJ-6 (1977)
Jeep CJ-6 (1977)
This extended version of the Jeep CJ came with a soft-top and Superfast wheels. By this time, Jeep was owned by American Motors Corporation. 

Jeep Grand Cherokee (1999)
A more recent version of the Grand Cherokee was offered without a boat on the roof and with fire department graphics. The red tinted windows are an odd touch.


Jeep Grand Cherokee (1999)


Jeep CJ-5 (1982)
Jeep CJ-5 (1982)
A new Jeep CJ-5 was offered in the 1980's by Matchbox. It has seen many variations including this very un-Jeep like pink color scheme. 

Jeep Liberty (2000)
Jeep's small SUV, the Liberty, became just the second Jeep by Matchbox with opening doors. This red version is actually a police vehicle.


Jeep Liberty (2000)


Jeep CJ-5 (1982)
Jeep CJ-5 (1982)
One of many variations for this CJ-5 casting was a military medical version representing the M.A.S.H. TV show for the Star Cars series. 

1960 Willy's Jeep (2000)
The oldest Jeep model represented by Matchbox was first offered in the Elvis series. This 2004 new Superfast version displays the unfortunate wheel choice then in use.


1960 Willy's Jeep (2000)


Jeep 4x4 (1986)
Jeep 4x4 (1986)
The third version of the Jeep CJ-5 is set off by a full roll-cage and whip antenna. By this time, Jeep was owned by Chrysler. It sports side exhaust. 

Jeep Willys concept (2002)
Matchbox has offered a variety of Jeep concept vehicles in recent years. The new Willys concept revived the name of this automotive pioneer and one carried by the first Jeep.


Jeep Willys concept (2002)


Jeep Cherokee (1987)
Jeep Cherokee (1987)
The Jeep Cherokee was perfect for a variety of graphic schemes including this 'Mr Fixer' variation. It also came in police colors. Jeep's Wagoneer and Cherokee represent the first U.S. SUV's. 

Jeep Compass (2003)
This Jeep concept has moved into production and provides the utility of a Jeep CJ-5 with the protection of a hard-top. The black-tinted windows seem out of place.


Jeep Compass (2003)


Jeep CJ-5 (1998)
Jeep CJ-5 (1998)
The fourth and most recent CJ-5 casting is shown here in forest ranger graphics. The spare tire is back on the tail and the huge tires of previous models are gone. 

Jeep Hurricane (2004)
The most recent Jeep casting is a double-engine monster called the Hurricane. This would limit any cargo options not to mention a spare tire.


Jeep Hurricane (2004)

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