Matchbox 35c; Merryweather Fire Engine

This Merryweather Fire Engine is a classic 1960s design on an AEC Ergo chassis. I'm guessing an AEC Mercury from about 1968. It was released by Matchbox into its core range as a narrow wheels Superfast model in 1969 although a regular wheels version is known from the previous year but this is super-rare and very valuable. Up to 1971 it was ,metallic red and thereafter non-metallic red gloss. It stayed in the core range up to 1975, but a 'Code Red' special in Los Angeles Fire dept livery was released in 1981.

The base can be grey, black or cream/tan, the ladder black or white and the wheels either wide or narrow Superfast. The rarities to look out for are promotionals for 'flame proof wool' these being even more desirable if in a promotional box. Of the core releases look out for a cream/tan base.