Editing Matchbox (brand) (section)

===Model numbering:  The "1-75" (or "75") series===
Lesney gradually increased the number of models in its standard Matchbox Series range from three in 1953 to 75 in 1960.<ref name=mbxforum>[https://www.mbxforum.com/ME-Catalog/jnmMCDB31SYear.php MB75 Yearly Standard Range of Regular Models, www.mbxforum.com] Retrieved on 21 November 2017</ref> The "1-75" range would then remain at 75 models for almost 40 years. When a new model was released, an existing model was discontinued, its number being re-allocated. This meant that dealer display stands only had to accommodate 75 models. New owners [[Mattel]] expanded the regular US market Matchbox series to 100 models for 1999<ref name=mbxforum/> but changed it back to 75 models for 2001.<ref name=mbxforum/> The US range was again increased from 75 to 100 models for 2008,<ref name=mbxforum/> and then further expanded to 120 models for 2012 and then to 125 in 2016.<ref name=mbxforum/> These changes were not applied in all markets.<ref name=mbxforum/>

The actual numbering of the ''1-75'' series number ''on'' the individual models (starting in the mid-'50s, numbers were cast onto the baseplates) was discontinued in the Universal era.  This was in part due to the new concept of offering country-specific lines of models for many of the key markets, which led to the same castings being used under different numbers in different markets.  In recent years (Mattel), a sequential casting no. (e.g. MB687) – unrelated to any ''1-75'' number used in any market – is cast onto each baseplate.  The relevant ''1-75'' series number is printed on the blister pack or box.

(Other Matchbox ranges also had identifying numbers cast on their bases, many of which were reallocated as older models were retired and new ones introduced.  The numbering conventions are listed in the Series Overview section below.  However, with the exception of the ''Yesteryear'' line, which was held to 16 models for well over a decade [before being expanded greatly], there was no other case of a strict series size limitation by Lesney.)

====Scales of models====

Matchbox cars are primarily made in two sizes:
* The smaller models ("regular size"; ''1-75'' and related series) are often classified as 1:64 scale (though they range from smaller than 1:100 to much larger than 1:64) and measure about 2.5-3&nbsp;inches, or 6.5-7.5 centimetres, in length.
* Matchbox has also manufactured models in approx. 1:43 scale (sometimes called "King Size"), later labelling them ''Speed Kings'' or ''Super Kings'' (or, later—particularly in the Matchbox Collectibles lines [cf. below]—''Models of Yesteryear'' or ''Dinky''), which measure about 3.5-4&nbsp;inches, or 9-10 centimetres, in length. This was basically the same scale as [[Corgi cars|Corgi]] or [[Dinky Toys|Dinky]].  Matchbox's designers favoured this larger size because it permitted more detail.  The 1:43 models are still made, but are primarily marketed as collectibles rather than as toys. While the actual '''car''' models in these series tend to be around the 1:43 scale, other vehicle types (trucks, construction and farm vehicles, hovercraft, tanks, etc.) vary greatly, in the same manner as do the regular size models.