Matchbox/Lesney 49b; Mercedes-Benz Unimog

This is a model of the third generation Unimog and to me the most familiar version. The Unimog is the ultimate go-anywhere truck, sharing its underpinnings with the MB Trac tractor range. It is more of a tractor with bodywork than a modified car.

The Matchbox version spanned the introduction of Superfast wheels, early versions having yellow plastic hubs and black plastic tyres, if they've not fallen off by now that is. It started life with a light brown body and sea-green base, this was changed to light blue over red during the regular wheels phase of production, this continuing into the Superfast era, although there are variations to the shades of blue in the Superfast version. There was a later release (after general production had finished) in military drab.

The Mercedes-Benz Unimog was released in 1967, it was converted to Superfast in 1970 and remained in production until 1972. In the regular wheels model there is one super-rare version which combines the early tan body with the red base. This is very rare indeed and if found would be very valuable. No other variants attract a significant premium.

Matchbox/Lesney 49b; Mercedes-Benz Unimog; Blue, Red Base, Yellow Regular Wheels; F Box	Matchbox/Lesney 49b; Mercedes-Benz Unimog; Blue, Red Base, Green Windows, Unpainted Grille (Superfast)	Matchbox/Lesney 49b; Mercedes-Benz Unimog; Metallic Blue, Red Base, Green Windows, Unpainted Grille (Superfast)

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Last Edit: 12/06/2024		Page Added 27/03/2021