To celebrate King Charles III’s Coronation, Matchbox will release the iconic historic Gold State Coach model that enabled the creation of the brand 70 years ago. One of the most recognisable pieces of royal memorabilia has been recreated to mark both King Charles’ Coronation and the 70th anniversary of Matchbox.

A Matter Of History

Strictly made to order, a 1:64 scale model of the Gold State Coach has been announced by Matchbox, which owes its foundation to the coach used in the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

Seventy years ago, London-based die-casting business Lesney sold over one million of its 11.8cm Coronation Coach produced to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne. Its sales success enabled Lesney to fund the launch of the newly conceived Matchbox brand. Today the iconic die cast brand has produced over three billion cars and counting.

Made To Order

Available to order from 26 April, the 2023 Matchbox die cast set measures 23cm long and captures the majestic presence of the 261-year-old, four-tonne Gold State Coach. This specific coach has been a prominent feature in every Coronation since King George IV in 1821.

With the goal to create a model ‘fit for a king’, Matchbox creators set out to produce its most detailed version of the coach to date. Packed with features, it is the most comprehensive edition of the four iterations to date, including ‘tampo printed’ reins on the die cast horses, rolling wheels with a front turning axle, windows – a first for a Matchbox Coronation Coach – and, inside the detailed red interior, metal figures of King Charles III and the Queen.

Attention To Detail

Designers also seized the opportunity to correct elements of the original 1952 model. The tritons on the front of the coach are now accurately depicted as blowing horns, while the painted side panels are represented for the first time with additional printed decoration. Collectors searching for more detail will be pleased to find that the designers of Matchbox have, for the first time, incorporated three cherubs, representing England, Scotland and Ireland, on the roof.

Ideal for display, the coach can be removed from its custom display box and textured plinth; the latter is modelled to reflect the surface of The Mall. As a nod to the very first model, the 2023 Gold State Coach features the draw chains between the four pairs of horses and comes in a red presentation box.

The 2023 Matchbox Gold State Coach is available to order between 26 April and 18 May, priced at £60 exclusively on MattelCreations.com

(Images: Matchbox)