Matchbox (brand)

Matchbox is a toy brand introduced by Lesney Products in 1953, and is now owned by Mattel, Inc, which purchased the brand in 1997. The brand was given its name because the original die-cast "Matchbox" toys were sold in boxes similar to those in which matches were sold. The brand grew to encompass a broad range of toys, including larger scale die-cast models, plastic model kits, slot car racing toys, and action figures. Universal Toys purchased most of Lesney's assets and acquired what is now present-day Matchbox and founded Matchbox International Ltd. to continue production in 1982 when Lesney Products closed down. In the 1990s, Tyco Toys acquired Matchbox from Universal Toys in 1992. During the 1980s, Matchbox began using plastic and cardboard "blister packs" that were used by other die-cast toy brands such as Hot Wheels. By the 2000s, the box style packaging was re-introduced for the collectors' market, such as the 35th Anniversary of Superfast series in 2004, and the 50th Anniversary of Superfast in 2019. Products currently marketed under the Matchbox name include scale model plastic and die-cast vehicles and toy garages.