Matchbox Lesney 65B Jaguar 3.8

Matchbox Lesney 65B Jaguar 3.8

Something happened to the top paint

Nice piece of continuity here, the 65a Mk1 Jag morphed into the 65b Mk2 Jag, it grows slightly, picks up windows and the neatest little opening bonnet you've ever seen. This is such a pretty little toy car. My daily drive was once a modern S Type Jaguar which is an homage to this icon of the Sixties and favourite of the getaway drivers, I really do like it a lot.

The Jaguar 3.8 Litre (65b) was introduced in 1962 and stayed in the range until 1965. It was produced in metallic red or gloss red and can be seen with silver, grey or black plastic wheels. Although there is some doubt about its engine size, the baseplate says 3.4 Litre but the box was printed 3.8 Litre. The Mk.2 Jag was available in three engine variants, 2.4, 3.4 and 3.8 Litre versions so either is possible.

The one to look for is metallic red with silver plastic wheels, silver wheels on gloss red is sought after too.