Diecast Vans

My diecast Matchbox toy vans

Chevrolet vans have been an important part of the Matchbox van range for decades. The original Chevy Van casting first appeared in 1979 and was released in a variety of colours, stripes and custom designs. Matchbox later introduced a raised 4x4 version, giving the familiar van a tougher, off-road appearance. The 4x4 was based on the existing casting, with changes to the base helping create a different look.

Matchbox Chevy Van
Matchbox Chevy Van
Base: Chevy Van, 2006
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Chrome Plastic
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
Can't Drive 55 - Matchbox Chevy Van
Can't Drive 55
Base: Chevy Van, 2006
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Grey Plastic
Windows: Black Tint
Condition: New
Maintenance Yard - Matchbox Chevy Van
Maintenance Yard
Base: Chevy Van, 2006
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Chrome Plastic
Windows: Black Tint
Condition: New
Water & Power - Matchbox Chevy Van
Water & Power
Base: Chevy Van, 2006
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Chrome Plastic
Windows: Black Tint
Condition: New
Matchbox Chevy Van
Matchbox Chevy Van
Base: Chevy Van, 2006
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Grey Plastic
Windows: Smoke Tint
Condition: New
Matchbox Chevy Van
Matchbox Chevy Van
Base: Chevy Van, 2006
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Grey Plastic
Windows: Smoke Tint
Condition: New
Pro Atom - Matchbox Chevy Van
Pro Atom
Base: Chevy Van, 2006
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Yellow Tint
Condition: New
Matchbox Chevy Van
Matchbox Chevy Van
Base: Chevy Van, 2006 Mattel Inc
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Chrome Plastic
Windows: Clear
Condition: New
Matchbox Chevy Van
Matchbox Chevy Van
Base: Chevy van, 2006 Mattel
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Chrome Plastic
Windows: Clear
Condition: New
Matchbox Chevy Van
Matchbox Chevy Van
Base: Chevy van, 2006 Mattel
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Chrome Plastic
Windows: Clear
Condition: New
LockSmith - Matchbox Chevy Van
LockSmith
Base: Chevy van, 2006 Mattel
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Chrome Plastic
Windows: Clear
Condition: New
Custom Paint Works - Matchbox Chevy Van
Custom Paint Works
Base: Chevy van, 2006 Mattel
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Grey Plastic
Windows: Clear
Condition: Very good
Pepsi Challenge - Matchbox Chevy Van
Pepsi Challenge
Base: Chevy Van, Matchbox toys 1979
Made in: Macau
Base type: Grey Diecast
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: play worn
Mello Yello - Matchbox Chevy Van
Mello Yello
Base: Chevy Van, Matchbox toys 1979
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Grey Diecast
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: play worn
Dr Pepper - Matchbox Chevy Van
Dr Pepper
Base: Chevy Van, Matchbox toys 1979
Made in: Macau
Base type: Tan Diecast
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: play worn
Dr Pepper - Matchbox Chevy Van
Dr Pepper
Base: Chevy Van, Matchbox toys 1979
Made in: Macau
Base type: Tan Diecast
Windows: Green Tint
Condition: New
WIFI+ Repair - Matchbox Chevy Van
WIFI+ Repair
Base: Chevy Van, Matchbox, 2006 mattel
Made in: Thailand
Base type: White Plastic
Windows: Clear
Condition: New
21st National Truck-in - Matchbox Chevy Van
21st National Truck-in
Base: Superfast, Chevy van, 1979
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Grey Diecast
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
Vanpire - Matchbox Chevy Van
Vanpire
Base: Superfast, Chevy van, no 68, 1979
Made in: England
Base type: Plain Diecast
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
Vanpire - Matchbox Chevy Van
Vanpire
Base: Superfast, Chevy van, no 68, 1979
Made in: England
Base type: Grey Diecast
Windows: Med Blue Tint
Variation: windows and base colour
Condition: playworn
Vanpire - Matchbox Chevy Van
Vanpire
Base: Superfast, Chevy van, no 68, 1979
Made in: England
Base type: Silver Diecast
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: Average
Matchbox Chevy Van
Matchbox Chevy Van
Base: Superfast, no. 68, Chevy Van
Made in: England
Base type: Plain Diecast
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
Dale Ernhardt, Goodwrench
Dale Ernhardt, Goodwrench
Base: Superfast, Chevy Van
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Silver diecast
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
50th Anniversary superfast
50th Anniversary superfast
Base: Chevy Van
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Black plastic
Windows: dark smoke
Condition: New
Matchbox Chevy Van
Matchbox Chevy Van
Base: Superfast, Chevy van, no 68, 1979
Made in: England
Base type: Plain Diecast
Windows: Blue Tint
Variation: blue main stripe with little white stripes
Condition: New
Matchbox Chevy Van
Matchbox Chevy Van
Base: Superfast, Chevy van, no 68, 1979
Made in: England
Base type: Plain Diecast
Windows: Blue Tint
Variation: blue main stripe with little red stripes
Condition: New
Matchbox Chevy Van
Matchbox Chevy Van
Base: Superfast, Chevy Van, no 68, 1979
Made in: England
Base type: Plain Diecast
Windows: Orange Tint
Variation: red main stripe with little black stripes
Condition: New
Matchbox Chevy Van
Matchbox Chevy Van
Base: Superfast, Chevy van, no 68, 1979
Made in: England
Base type: Plain Diecast
Windows: Blue Tint
Variation: red main stripe with little black stripes
Condition: New
Matchbox Chevy Van
Matchbox Chevy Van
Base: not sure, 1 of 25,000 made
Made in:
Base type: Chrome Diecast
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
Matchbox Chevy Van
Matchbox Chevy Van
Base: Superfast, Chevy van, no 68, 1979
Made in: England
Base type: grey Diecast
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: chipped
Salmon - Matchbox Chevy Van
Salmon
Base: Not sure
Made in:
Base type: Chrome
Windows: Black
Condition: New
'95 Custom Chevy Van - Matchbox Chevy Van
'95 Custom Chevy Van
Base: Custom '95 Chevy Van
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Chrome
Windows: Black
Condition: New
Matchbox Adventures - '95 Custom Chevy Van
Matchbox Adventures
Base: Custom '95 Chevy Van
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Black plastic
Windows: Black
Condition: New
Matchbox Vanner - '95 Custom Chevy Van
Matchbox Vanner
Base: Custom '95 Chevy Van
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Chrome plastic
Windows: Black
Condition: New
Green Lantern - Matchbox Chevy Van
Green Lantern
Base: Chevy Van, Matchbox, 2006 mattel
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Black plastic
Windows: Light Black
Condition: New
Tiki - '75 Chevy Van
Tiki
'75 Chevy Van

Base: Chevy Van, Matchbox, 2020 mattel
Made in: Thailand
Base type: silver plastic
Windows: Black
Condition: New
S.W.A.T - Ford Panel Van
S.W.A.T
Base: Ford Panel Van
Made in: Thailand
Base type: grey plastic
Windows: Frosted
Condition: Average

Over the years, these vans have appeared with different wheels, graphics and trim details. Comparing the standard and 4x4 versions is a good way to see how Matchbox reused existing tooling to create new variations.

Claws
Base: 4x4 Chevy Van, 1981
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Grey Plastic
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
S.O.S
Base: 4x4 Chevy Van, 1981
Made in: China
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Black Tint
Condition: New
S.W.A.T
Base: 4x4 Chevy Van, 1981
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Grey Plastic
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
Ridin' High
Base: 4x4 Chevy Van, Lesney, 1981
Made in: England
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
Ridin' High
Base: 4x4 Chevy Van, Lesney, 1981
Made in: England
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Blue Tint
Variation: No tampo on bonnet
Condition: New on card
Ridin' High
Base: 4x4 Chevy Van, Lesney, 1981
Made in: England
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
Coco Cola
Base: 4x4 Chevy Van, 1981
Made in: China
Base type: Grey Plastic
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
Tokyo Giants #2
Base: 4x4 Chevy Van, 1981
Made in: Magau
Base type: Black Diecast
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
Tokyo Giants #6
Base: 4x4 Chevy Van, 1981
Made in: Magau
Base type: Black Diecast
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
Tokyo Giants #8
Base: 4x4 Chevy Van, 1981
Made in: Magau
Base type: Black Diecast
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
Tokyo Giants #15
Base: 4x4 Chevy Van, 1981
Made in: Magau
Base type: Black Diecast
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
Tokyo Giants #20
Base: 4x4 Chevy Van, 1981
Made in: Magau
Base type: Black Diecast
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
Tokyo Giants #24
Base: 4x4 Chevy Van, 1981
Made in: Magau
Base type: Black Diecast
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
Tokyo Giants #26
Base: 4x4 Chevy Van, 1981
Made in: Magau
Base type: Black Diecast
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
Tokyo Giants #30
Base: 4x4 Chevy Van, 1981
Made in: Magau
Base type: Black Diecast
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
Matchbox Racing
Base: 4x4 Chevy Van, 1981
Made in: Magau
Base type: Black Diecast
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
Matchbox Motorsports
Base: 4x4 Chevy Van, 1981
Made in: Magau
Base type: Plain Diecast
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
Matchbox
Base: 4x4 Chevy Van 1981
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Chrome Plastic
Windows: Black Tint
Condition: New (loose and on short card)
4x4 Chevy Van
Base: 4x4 Chevy Van, 1981
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Grey Plastic
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
4x4 Chevy Van
Base: 4x4 Chevy Van, 1981
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Grey Plastic
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: worn
4x4 Chevy Van
Base: 4x4 Chevy Van, 1981
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Grey Plastic
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
4x4 Chevy Van
Base: 4x4 Chevy Van, 1981
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Grey Plastic
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
4x4 Chevy Van
Base: not sure, 1 of 10,000 made
Made in:
Base type: Black diecast
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
4x4 Chevy Van
Base: 4x4 Chevy van
Made in: China
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
4x4 Chevy Van
Base: 4x4 Chevy van
Made in: China
Base type: Diecast
Windows: Yellow Tint
Condition: New
4x4 Chevy Van
Base: Matchbox, 1985, Parasite
Made in: macau
Base type: Grey Plastic
Windows: none
Condition: New
4x4 Chevy Van
Base: Matchbox, 1985, Parasite
Made in: macau
Base type: Grey Plastic
Windows: none
Condition: chipped
View extra photo
4x4 Chevy Van
Base: 4x4 Chevy Van 1981 Mattel Inc.
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Grey Plastic
Windows: med Blue tint
Condition: New
4x4 Chevy Van
Base: Matchbox, ...
Made in:
Base type: Chrome diecast
Windows: Black
Condition: New
Castrol GTX
Base: Matchbox, ...
Made in:
Base type: Black diecast
Windows: Blue tint
Condition: New
Vantom
Base: Matchbox, Vantom
Made in:
Base type: Black
Windows: yellow tint
Condition: New

First released in 1972, the Stretcha Fetcha is one of Matchbox's more unusual fantasy vehicles. Designed as a futuristic ambulance, it has a distinctive high-sided body, large windows that extend into the roof and an opening rear tailgate. It also came with a small patient figure.

Although the basic casting had a relatively short production run, it appeared in several interesting variations. These included the familiar white ambulance, a red German emergency version marked "Unfall Rettung", and the bright green "Viper Van". Differences in window colours, base colours and emergency markings make the versions worth comparing.

Stretcha Fetcha
Base: Stretcha Fetcha 1971
Made in: England
Base type: Red Diecast
Windows: Light Blue Tint
Condition: playworn
Stretcha Fetcha
Base: Stretcha Fetcha 1971
Made in: England
Base type: Red Diecast
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
Stretcha Fetcha
Base: Stretcha Fetcha 1971
Made in: England
Base type: Silver Diecast
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: Good
Stretcha Fetcha
Base: Stretcha Fetcha 1971
Made in: England
Base type: Red Diecast
Windows: Med Blue Tint
Variation: No tampos
Condition: playworn
Stretcha Fetcha
Base: Stretcha Fetcha 1971
Made in: England
Base type: Red Diecast
Windows: Orange Tint
Condition: Scratch on front, no back doors

Matchbox has produced several Ford panel van designs, including models that frequently appear in multi-packs. These are generally more conventional commercial vans than the older custom Chevrolet models, with simpler body shapes and decoration.

Some newer versions have a noticeably basic appearance, with simplified detailing and less interior detail than collectors might expect from older models. They may not be the most elaborate vans in the range, but they still show how Matchbox continues to include vans in its everyday releases. Different colours, roof equipment, lights and side graphics provide useful ways to compare examples.

Mission Base Shuttle - Ford Panel Van
Mission Base Shuttle
Base: Ford Panel Van, 1:80 1999 Mattel Inc
Made in: China
Base type: Grey Plastic
Windows: Black Tint
Condition: New
USA Police - Ford Panel Van
USA Police
Base: Ford Panel Van, 1:80 1999 Mattel Inc
Made in: China
Base type: Blue Plastic
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
Ford Panel Van
Ford Panel Van
Base: Ford Panel Van, 1:80 1999 Mattel Inc
Made in: China
Base type: Grey Plastic
Windows: Black Tint
Condition: worn
M-Force - Ford Panel Van
M-Force
Base: Ford Panel Van, 1:80 1999 Mattel Inc
Made in: China
Base type: Grey Plastic
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
Hong Kong New Year - Ford Panel Van
Hong Kong New Year
Base: Ford Panel Van, 1:80 1999 Mattel Inc
Made in: China
Base type: Green Plastic
Windows: Yellow Tint
Condition: New
Plumber - Ford Panel Van
Plumber
Base: Ford Panel Van, 1:80 1999 Mattel Inc
Made in: China
Base type: Grey Plastic
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
Ford Panel Van
Ford Panel Van
Base: Ford Panel Van, 1:80 1999 Mattel Inc
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Grey Plastic
Windows: Black Tint
Condition: New
Paramedic - Ford Panel Van
Paramedic
Base: Ford Panel Van, 1:80 1999 Mattel Inc
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Chrome Plastic
Windows: Smoke Tint
Condition: couple of small chips
Parts & Delivery - Ford Panel Van
Parts & Delivery
Base: Ford Panel Van, 1:80 1999 Mattel Inc
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Silver Plastic
Windows: Dark Smoke Tint
Condition: New
Parts & Delivery - Ford Panel Van
Parts & Delivery
Base: Ford Panel Van, 1:80 1999 Mattel Inc
Made in:
Base type: Silver Plastic
Windows: Dark Smoke Tint
Condition: New
Ford Panel Van
 
Base: Ford Panel Van, 1:80 1999 Mattel Inc
Made in: China
Base type: Blue Plastic
Windows: Orange Tint
Condition: New
Sheriff - Traffic unit - Ford Panel Van
Sheriff - Traffic unit
Base: Ford Panel Van, 1:80 1999 Mattel Inc
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Dark Smoke Tint
Condition: Chips on mirrors
Speedy X-Press - Ford Panel Van
Speedy X-Press
Base: Ford Panel Van, 1:80 1999 Mattel Inc
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Grey Plastic
Windows: Black
Condition: New
S.W.A.T - Ford Panel Van
S.W.A.T
Base: Ford Panel Van, 1:80 1999 Mattel Inc
Made in: Thailand
Base type: Grey Plastic
Windows: frosted tint
Condition: As new

Matchbox produced the Supervan, capturing the unusual combination of commercial van shape and racing vehicle. The model appeared in numerous colours and decorations over the years, making it interesting to compare different releases. The real Supervan also evolved through later generations, so not every full-size Supervan represents the same design.

Good Year - Ford Supervan II
Good Year
Base: Ford Supervan II 1985
Made in: Magau
Base type: Black Diecast
Windows: Black
Condition: play worn
Ford Supervan II
Ford Supervan II
Base: Ford Supervan II 1985
Made in: Magau
Base type: Black Diecast
Windows: Black
Condition: New
Ford Supervan II
Ford Supervan II
Base: Ford Supervan II 1985
Made in: Magau
Base type: Black Diecast
Windows: Black
Variation: Light blue tampos
Condition: New
Starfire - Ford Supervan II
Starfire
Base: Ford Supervan II 1985
Made in: Magau
Base type: Black Diecast
Windows: Black
Condition: chipped
EMS - Ford Supervan II
EMS
Base: Ford Supervan II
Made in: China
Base type: Black Diecast
Windows: Black
Condition: New
EMS - Ford Supervan II
EMS
Base: Ford Supervan II
Made in: LChina
Base type: Black Diecast
Windows: Black
Condition: New
QXR - Ford Supervan II
QXR
Base: Ford Supervan II 1985
Made in: Magau
Base type: Black Diecast
Windows: Dark grey
Condition: worn
QXR - Ford Supervan II
QXR
Base: Ford Supervan II 1985
Made in: Magau
Base type: Black Diecast
Windows: Solid Black
Condition: Play worn

Later models and versions from other manufacturers can complicate the story of the casting. Where the tooling was reused or transferred, the base markings and body details can help distinguish the different examples. The exact history of the mould transfer should be confirmed before attributing a particular version to another manufacturer.

Police
Police
Base: CF 900
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Yellow Tint
Condition: worn
Police
Police
Base:
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Orange Tint
Condition: New
 
Base:
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Orange Tint
Condition: New
Fire Dept.
Fire Dept.
Base:
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Orange Tint
Condition: New
Supervan
Supervan
Base:
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Orange Tint
Condition: New

Of course there is always the odd ball

Caravan
Caravan
Base: Caravan
Base type: Diecast
Windows: clear
Condition: Slight wear

and the larger scale

Michelin
Michelin
Base: Super Kings, Dodge Van
Made in: England
Base type: Black plastic
Windows: clear
Condition: Slight wear
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