Image: MomJunction Design Team
Matchbox cars are made on a scale of 1:64 or 1:58 and are mini replicas of the original cars with intricate detailing. If you plan to gift your child these miniature toys, here’s our list of the best matchbox cars for you to choose from. Their small design can easily fit well into a matchbox. Although they are tiny, they function as any regular toy car and help children explore and experiment and develop their imagination and motor skills. Explore our list to learn more about the features of the top time-tested Matchbox cars and bring home some to make your child’s playtime fun.
Top Picks
25 Best Matchbox Cars
1. Best For Role-Play: Matchbox Mattel Gift Pack Set
Join your kid in an action-filled role-play scene with the Matchbox Mattel Gift Pack Set. This set includes nine die-cast vehicles of 1:64 scale with one exclusive car. The collection consists of racing speedsters, specialty vehicles, heavy-duty workhorses, and more exciting vehicles. Here’s a tester’s experience in a review video to help you get a better understanding of the product.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Includes an exclusive vehicle
- Highly detailed racing cars
- Inspired by adventure themes
- Sturdy and heavy
Cons
- Colors and decors may vary from pack to pack.
- Cars might be smaller than expected
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It's no wonder that this quality product has earned over 8,669 positive reviews on Amazon.
2. Best Road Trip Model: Matchbox Polaris Slingshot
Matchbox Polaris Slingshot is a road trip model that comes with smooth wheels. This vehicle is designed as a 1: 64 die-cast model. It has three wheels – two on the front and one on the rear. This allows the car to move smoothly, especially on soft surfaces. Matchbox introduced the first edition of this model in 2014. Click here to check out a detailed personal review where a user tests the thrilling toy car.
Pros
- Strong and durable construction
- Realistic design
- Made of high-quality metal
- Ideal gift for Slingshot fans
Cons
- Some may find it smaller than expected
"Recently bought this charming Matchbox slingshot for my collection. This miniature is a pretty accurate replica of the real thing. The consistent craftsmanship makes it a pleasant find."
3. Best Assorted: Matchbox Instant Collection
Matchbox instant collection includes 50 assorted cars. These cars look pragmatic and are an ideal gift for your children. They come in multiple themes and have realistic detailing to ignite children’s minds and encourage storytelling. Each replica is constructed on a scale of 1:64.
Pros
- Great variety of cars
- Suitable for children aged three years and up
- Made of polypropylene material
- Each car is packed separately
- Strong and durable construction
Cons
- Some may find them lighter than expected
- Some packs may contain more construction vehicles than usual
"As someone who's really into collectibles, this Matchbox set is an absolute delight. It has a mix of vehicles that is great for imaginative play, a sturdy paint finish, and is a great option for gifting."
Trivia4. Best Candy Theme: Matchbox Candy Theme Car Set
The Matchbox candy theme car set includes six vehicles with different colors and decor. All the cars come with textured wheels to move quickly and smoothly. The time-tested collection includes a chow mobile, Austin mini-van Volkswagen beetle, and a Volkswagen caddy delivery, a Ford GT 40 02, and a Hummer H2 Suv concept. Each die-cast vehicle in the car set is made on a scale of 1:64. To understand the nuances of the product in detail, you can check out this review video.
Pros
- Made of high-quality metal and plastic
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Realistic designs
- Ideal for ages three and up
Cons
- Might look smaller than expected
5. Best County Patrol: Matchbox MBX Rescue ‘51 Hudson Hornet
Let your children patrol their imaginative town and keep it safe from nasty thieves. The county patrol Matchbox MBX Rescue ‘51 Hudson Hornet comes with narrow wheels. It has a clear window color, and the car is made of metal and plastic material. This die-cast car is made on a scale of 1: 64 scale diecast and was first introduced in 2019.
Pros
- Ideal for pretend-play
- Sturdy body
- Suitable for children aged three years and up
- Easy-moving wheels
Cons
- Some may not like the plastic wheels
"I was a bit skeptical about its authenticity, but the classic design and commendable paint job eased my worries. On the whole, its realistic design has made it an excellent addition to my existing collection."
6. Best With Textured Wheels: Matchbox 2024 Auto Bahn Express Vehicle Set
Make your little one’s day by gifting them this Matchbox 2024 Auto Bahn Express vehicle set. It includes a Volvo wagon, Audi R8, Bentley Continental GT, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, and Lamborghini LMoo2. Each vehicle has textured wheels, comes with front and rear detailing, and looks realistic.
Pros
- Ideal for pretend-play
- Durable metal body
- Fits perfectly in little hands
- Cool wheels
Cons
- Some may find them a tad too small
7. Best With Die-Cast Material: Matchbox MBX 2019 Jeep Wagoneer
Matchbox MBX City Jeep Wagoneer is made of die-cast material with a 1: 64 scale. It has a plastic base, and the vehicle comes in a lime green color. The front and rear detailing of the car ensure that it is well-finished. Its textured wheels allow a smooth motion, making it ideal for all kinds of fun adventures.
Pros
- Durable metal body
- Sturdy construction
- Attractive and realistic design
- Suitable for children aged three years and up
Cons
- Some may not like the plastic wheels
Quick tip8. Best With Smooth Wheels: Matchbox MBX Road Trip ‘55 Cadillac Fleetwood
Here is another realistic and detailed vehicle by Matchbox – MBX Road trip ‘55 Cadillac Fleetwood. This historic vehicle has front and rear detailing and comes with smooth wheels. It is made on a 1:64 scale and could be the perfect gift for collectors looking to expand their die-cast collection.
A car enthusiast and the owner of the YouTube channel Timmys10again Toys and more, says, “All the pink and gray on top is all metal — die-cast metal with some real weight to it. It has got that matchbox sound and is a cool car.”
Pros
- Durable and sturdy construction
- Bright color
- Makes an ideal gift
- Rides smoothly
Cons
- May look smaller than expected
9. Best For Imaginative Adventure: Matchbox MBX Happy Holidays
Go on an imaginative adventure with the Matchbox MBX Happy Holidays vehicle set. The set includes five vehicles – a ‘65 Mustang GT in green with “Happy Holidays” written on the door, a red ‘64 Austin Mini Cooper with white ribbon accents, a pearl Ford F-150 lightning with “Happy Holidays” written on the door, a red MBX with attractive green tires, and a ‘62 Volkswagen Beetle in red with the phrase “winter wonderland & snowflakes.” These vehicles are made of diecast metal and plastic material. All the cars have either soft or textured wheels.
Pros
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor play
- Attractive colors
- Highly detailed cars
- Special Christmas edition
Cons
- May not be compatible with other Matchbox car sets
"I really enjoy having this replica in my collection. It is well-detailed and has great craftsmanship. I recommend it if you want to expand your Matchbox collection or as a gift for enthusiasts."
Did you know?10. Best With Detailing: Matchbox MBX Rescue ‘17 Ford F-350 Skyjacker Superduty
Chase the culprits in your imaginative world with the Matchbox MBX Rescue ‘17 Ford skyjacker. The realistic Skyjacker is built with blue tinted windows, Stephanie on top, and front and rear detailing. Stanley Morgan, a car collector and owner of the YouTube channel diecastcarguyforlife, says, “The car’s got a lot of detail, a lot of utility features on it. It’s got a nice graphic on the hood, a nice heavy-duty front bumper, and nice step boards on the side — a great piece for off-roading and to add to the police collection.” This toy car is constructed using metal and weighs 0.11lb. The die-cast vehicle has been built on a scale of 1: 64.
Pros
- Encourages pretend-play
- Ideal addition to your collection
- Textured wheels
- Durable car
Cons
- May contain plastic parts
"This car looks amazing. I am very impressed by the details of this replica, and it is built to last. I love how vibrant the colors are. Overall, a solid choice for collectors."
11. Best Well-Constructed:Matchbox Lamborghini Gallardo Police
Matchbox Lamborghini Gallardo Police is designed to look as realistic as you could imagine. The slanted hood, gold paint, and doors pointing to the sky when opened, imitating a bird, make the toy car attractive. This well-constructed Matchbox model car is made of plastic and has clear windows. As per reviews, the front and rear are well-detailed and well-structured.
Pros
- Open-and-close doors
- Highly detailed design
- Durable construction
- Ideal for pretend-play
Cons
- Some might find the car tiny
12. Best Detailing: Matchbox 2018 Bugatti Divo
Matchbox 2018 Bugatti Divo is specially constructed with the same allure and appearance as the original car. The vehicle comes with a detailed blue-trim tampo and smoky window color. The rear and front of the car feature excellent detailing.
Pros
- Easy rolling wheels
- Durable and sturdy construction
- Shining body finish
- Metal body
- Suitable for children aged three years and up
Cons
- May contain plastic parts
13. Best Metal:Matchbox 2019 64 Austin Mini Cooper
Go around the imaginative city and enjoy smooth travel with the Matchbox 64 Austin mini cooper city-center taxi constructed from metal. This taxi has excellent front and rear detailing. The transparent windows of this collectible car allow you to see the inner detailing. The mini cooper comes in bright yellow.
Pros
- Durable and sturdy design
- Suitable for children aged three years and up
- Encourages pretend-play
- Ideal for the Mini Cooper collection
- Smooth-rolling wheels
Cons
- May contain plastic parts
14. Best Authentic Design:Matchbox Metro Die-Cast Vehicles
Matchbox Metro Die-Cast Vehicles are made on a 1:64 scale and feature realistic front and rear detailing. This set includes 12 vehicles, cars, trucks, and vans. It encourages your little one to explore and boosts self-confidence.
Pros
- Promotes imaginative play
- Each car is individually wrapped
- Easy-to-roll wheel
- Stimulates storytelling
Cons
- May have tiny plastic parts
- Emergency lights may be uncolored
"Opening this Matchbox Utility Vehicles set felt like a dose of nostalgia and excitement to me. The presentation was great, and the concealed vehicles surprised the kids. I wish they were metal instead of plastic, but it is still a good variety for pretend play and a great choice for gifting."
15. Best For Outdoors:Matchbox 2024 Rescue Cars set
Join the rescue team and rescue people with the Matchbox 2024 Rescue car set. The unique vehicle set includes a yellow and white sea hunter helicopter, yellow fire service trail tracker, pink grizzly bear trail riders, Subaru Impreza police car in silver, and a pierce dash fire engine. The vehicles can be used indoors and outdoors and are built with die-cast metal on a scale of 1:64.
Pros
- Ideal for children aged three years and up
- Attractive colors
- Suitable for sea-themed play
- Durable quality
- Great detailing
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
"I enjoyed trying out this Matchbox rescue vehicle set. The mix of plastics and die-cast metal gives each piece a substantial feel, and the attention to detail in the paintwork doesn't disappoint. A stand-out addition for those looking for a rescue theme in their collection."
16. Best Real Roadster:Matchbox ‘63 Austin Healey Roadster
Add the MBX Matchbox ‘63 Austin Healey Roadster to your collection. This offroad car comes in a light blue metal flake color with a smoky window. It has excellent interior and exterior detailing and is a replica of the real roadster in the mini version.
Pros
- Durable quality
- Easy-to-roll wheels
- Suitable for children aged three years and up
- Good casting and finish
Cons
- May contain plastic parts
17. Best Smooth Wheels:Matchbox Mercedes MBX Highway
Matchbox Mercedes MBX Highway is built using plastic material in pearl white with a smoky window. This Mercedes is designed with front and rear detailing. The car comes with smooth wheels that help move the vehicle smoothly. It is a highly detailed model in the MBX series, and the die-cast car is designed on a 1:64 scale.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Realistic design
- Ideal for children aged three years and up
- Shiny finish
- Encourages imaginative play in children
Cons
- Some may find the design a bit plain
"The 2020 Mercedes Matchbox really stood out to me. Even without any extravagant details, it solidifies itself as a consistent piece and is a steady choice for those who appreciate understated craftsmanship."
18. Best Black Interior:Matchbox ‘62 Merced-Benz 220 SE Sedan
This mini Matchbox ‘62 Merced-Benz 220 SE sedan is the debut series of Ewy Rosqvist. The vintage car features a matt gray body and chrome chassis and is equipped with ringed disc wheels and blue windows with a black interior. The toy comes in card version packaging and can be a great gift for collectors.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Realistic design
- Easy-rolling wheels
- Ideal for Mercedes-Benz collection
- Die-cast 1:64 scale
Cons
- May contain small parts
"I've always had a soft spot for collectibles, and this Mercedes-Benz model has been a great addition to my collection. It looks sophisticated and regal. I am excited to have gotten my hands on it."
19. Best Die-Cas:Matchbox MBX Highway Polaris Slingshot
Polaris Slingshot is a three-wheeled vehicle with an open cockpit. It is built practically like the original one. This series of Matchbox toy cars is made in a blue and orange combination with a Polaris logo. The die-cast highway car is modeled on a scale of 1: 64.
Pros
- Durable body
- Attractive design
- Ideal gift for Slingshot admirers
- Good casting and finish
- Easy-to-roll wheels
Cons
- Available in one color combination only
"I recently added the miniature SlingShot to my collection, and its unique design has been an intriguing conversation starter. Love the paint job as it showcases fine details beautifully. It is a quirky model that adds flair to any display."
20. Best Smooth Ride:Matchbox Limited Road Trip Volkswagen Beetle
Go on an imaginative road trip and enjoy a smooth ride with this 8/20 Road Trip Volkswagen Beetle by Matchbox. The mini Beetle car comes with a gray plastic base and has clear windows highlighting the interior view. The detailed headlights at the front and rear are structured with internal gray color.
Pros
- Durable die-cast body
- Realistic design
- Easy rolling wheels
- Age-appropriate for three years and up
Cons
- May be smaller than you expect
21. Best Tail Lights:Matchbox MBX Adventure City Tesla Model S
Tesla Model S is an electric door liftback model car. MBX Adventure City Tesla Model S comes in a metal flake, dark blue exterior, and gray interior. It has a clear window and is built with clear head and tail lights. This Tesla also comes with a gray plastic base and black tampo.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable
- Eas-rolling wheels
- Suitable for children aged three years and up
- Realistic design
Cons
- Some may find it a bit small
"I've found this miniature Tesla to be a delightful replica of the original. It is nicely detailed for its size and also makes for a great gift. Overall, a worthwhile purchase."
22. Best For Adventure:Matchbox City Series City Adventure II
Matchbox City Series City Adventure II set includes Honda civic hatchback, Cadillac escalade, Mercedes Benz GLE Coupe, Chow Mobile, and Meter Made. Orange Meter Made security unit, 3, is designed with a light gray interior and clear window. Metal Flake orange Mercedes Benz GLE coupe is designed with a gray interior and smoky window with detailed trim. The Metal Flake Black Honda Civic hatchback has Honda logos on the front and back and a clear window.
Pros
- Strong and durable
- Attractive colors and designs
- Easy-rolling wheels
- Ideal for children aged three years and up
Cons
- Cars may be tiny
"I love the value this multi-pack of cars provides. It includes fan favorites like the orange Mercedes and the white Escalade, which makes the collection stand out. All in all, a delightful find."
23. Best Attractive Design:Matchbox MBX City Mazda MX-5 Miata
Metal flake orange MBX City Mazda Miata is designed with detailed trim and a black plastic base. The clear window and open cockpit make the car attractive, and the black interiors and front and rear detailing add an oomph factor to the vehicle. Diecast MX5 Miata is built on a 1:64 scale.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Easy-rolling wheels
- Good casting and finish
- Ideal for children aged three years and up
Cons
- Some may find it a bit small
24. Best For Gifting:Matchbox 100 Years Anniversary Chevrolet Trucks
Matchbox Chevrolet truck set includes Chevrolet AD 3100, Chevy K1500, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevy Avalanche, and Chevy Stepside. All these trucks are crafted on a 1:64 scale and made of polypropylene material. These die-cast Matchbox models are suitable for gifting on any occasion.
Pros
- No batteries required
- Realistic front and rear detailing
- Textured tires
- Has no sharp edges
Cons
- May not have functional doors or windows
- May not be suitable for children below three years
25. Best Off-Road:Matchbox MBX Off-Road Mercedes Benz G63 AMG
Mercedes Benz G63 AMG by Matchbox is a mainline version designed with blacked windows and no visible interiors. The red off-road car comes with detailed trim and has soft narrow wheels and a dummy Stephanie. This highly detailed, realistic diecast vehicle is made on a scale of 1:64.
Pros
- Strong metal construction
- Ideal for the die-cast car collection
- Easy rolling wheels
- Suitable for children aged three years and up
Cons
- May be smaller than you expect
"I've always appreciated the aesthetic of this car and love having it in my collection. It's got charm and is true to the original design—a nice find for enthusiasts. The material is also impressive."
How To Choose The Right Matchbox Car?
Review and consider the vital factors that help you in buying matchbox cars.
- Mobility: The cars may look practical and yet fail to provide movement. Well-balanced movements are an excellent advantage for any toy car. So pick a car that travels smoothly on the surface specified for the vehicle.
- Material: Matchbox cars are either constructed from metal, plastic or in combination. Metal cars with plastic bases withstand the test of time and rough play better, making them durable. Vehicles that have plastic opening and closing doors may not withstand usage. Therefore, pick a car mindfully.
- Style: Ensure the car you choose looks as described and is built on a specified scale. If you are a massive fan of Matchbox and desire to collect different vehicles, pick your favorite style without delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Matchbox cars worth collecting?
Matchbox cars are worth collecting for people who are enthusiastic about cars. These are mini car replicas of the originals with intricate detailing.
2. Which Matchbox cars are the most valuable?
Matchbox toy cars that are replicas of retro cars, toy cars, or limited-edition vehicles are considered the most valuable.
3. Are Matchbox cars still made?
Yes, Matchbox cars are still being made. The most recent die-cast Matchbox car is the Tesla Roadster Matchbox launched in 2024.
4. Do doors open on Matchbox cars?
Some Matchbox cars have doors that can be opened and closed.
5. What materials are Matchbox cars made of?
The early versions of Matchbox cars were entirely of metal, similar to older versions of Scalextric and Hot Wheels. The recent versions have plastic components too, and the latest Tesla Roadster Matchbox is made of 99% recyclable materials, including recycled zinc and plastic and stainless steel.
If your child is a car enthusiast, surprising them with these matchbox cars would leave them ecstatic. With intricate details and high-quality build, these cars can be a suitable addition to your child’s collection. They promote motor skills and creativity, and you can buy single pieces or sets to meet your child’s needs. However, before choosing the right one, ensure it is made from durable materials, comes in the desired style, and moves smoothly on most surfaces. We hope our list of the best matchbox cars can help you gain better insight into the available options.
Infographic: Things To Consider Before Getting A Matchbox Car
Tiny Matchbox cars can be the perfect-sized toy for children. Matchbox cars are modeled after regular-sized cars and can engage your child for hours. Follow the infographic to get your hands on a fun Matchbox car. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose is a product writer who specializes in writing about children’s toys and games. Here, she brings a collection of the best-selling and consumer-tested matchbox cars for an action-filled pretend-play session for your children. Our writer explores and compares various products available in the market before composing detailed product descriptions so that you get to choose from the best of the lot. We have included a buying guide with all the necessary information to help you make the right purchase.
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