Matchbox 40b; Leyland Royal Tiger Coach

We are used to concept cars getting into the die-cast car makers' ranges. This one is unique as far as I know in that it is a concept bus which never made it on to the roads. It was based on the very successful Leyland Tiger chassis but remained a design exercise.

The Matchbox Long Distance Coach (40b) was introduced in 1962 and remained in production until 1967. It is always the same pale silvery blue with green windows. The only variation which is both obvious to the eye and makes a difference to value is the colour of the wheels. They can be grey plastic, silver plastic or black plastic. Look out for the buses with grey plastic wheels as they are the hardest to find and most valuable models.