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FASTEST MATCHBOX SUPERFAST
(LESNEY) CARS (1969-1982) |
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With the release Hot Wheels in 1968, Matchbox was under pressure to compete. Their cars had less "play value" when compared to the faster cars from Mattel. The wheels used were simply not fast. Matchbox responded with their Superfast line of cars, featuring low-friction wheels. The early cars from 1969 and 1970 featured narrow wheels, but over time the new wheels were widened as new castings were created. The Superfast brand has continued on in various forms, but this page is about the original Superfast models from 1969 through about 1982.
These vintage cars are very collectible, but ones in good condition can be acquired for much less than typical Hot Wheels redlines.
These vintage cars are very collectible, but ones in good condition can be acquired for much less than typical Hot Wheels redlines.
Wheel evolution from the narrow wheels of '69 and '70 to medium and wider wheels
See the home page for more details on testing methods, speed tiers, weight classifications, etc.
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My top Lesney Superfast cars: the pink Vauxhall Guildsman is #1, followed by the Sun Burner, Blue Shark, Lotus Super Seven and BMC 1800 Pinnifarina. Vauxhall Guildsman and Sun Burner are 3-star performers.
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Matchbox Lesney ranked cars 6 through 10. Porsche 910, the orange Tanzara, Mazda Savanna RX-7, Lamborghini Marzai and Road Dragster.
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11 through 15th fastest. Mod Rod, Ford Group 6, Hairy Hustler, the black Midnight Magic and Lamborghini Countach.
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The next group. Wildcat Dragster, Gruesome Twosome, Siva Spyder, Chevy Van and De Tomaso Pantera.
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Wrapping up the top 25. Model A Ford, Stretcha Fetcha, Alfa Carabo, the yellow Woosh-N-Push and Soopa Coopa.
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Top 25+ Fastest Matchbox Superfast (Lesney) Cars
1969-1982
Observations:
- I have nearly 70 of these cars and all in nice condition, Although these cars have some speed, overall this is not a strong racing series. No 4 or 5-star performers and only 2 were 3-star performers. Most of the cars are competitive (aka just better than an average Hot Wheels mainline) or just below. But they are fun to collect.
- Despite the all-metal chassis, nearly all the ranked cars are Welterweights or Middleweights. Just one Light Heavyweight and one Heavyweight.
- 3 of the top 5 cars are Welterweights including the top car Vauxhall Guildsman, so no skew towards the somewhat heavier models, which is unusual in diecast racing
- Some of the original narrow wheel cars were among the fastest
The next fastest cars were the Hi-Tailer, Pontiac Firebird, Ralleye Royale, Pontiac Firebird T-Roof, Monteverdi Hai, Lotus Europa, Maxda RX 500, Renault 17TL and Atlas Truck. I also have 30 others and they were un-competitive or worse.