Editing Matchbox (brand) (section)

===Moko; growth & development of the ''1-75'' and other core series===
[[File:Esso Wreck Truck Matchbox.jpg|thumb|A Lesney-era Matchbox "Ford Heavy Wreck Truck" in [[Esso]] livery]]

In the earliest years of the regular, or ''1-75'' series – well before the series actually numbered 75 models – Lesney was marketed/distributed by Moko (itself named after its founder, '''Mo'''ses '''Ko'''hnstam). Boxes in that era mentioned this, with the text "A Moko Lesney" appearing on each.  Lesney gained its independence from Moko in 1959<ref>{{cite web |last1=Houghton |first1=John |title=Moko Lesney History |url=http://www.mokolesneymatchbox.com/Articles/moko-lesney-history.html |website=Moko Lesney Matchbox |access-date=18 October 2019 |ref=1}}</ref> by buying out Moko's share in the joint enterprise, leading to a period of growth, both in sales and in size. Early models did not feature windows or interiors, were made entirely of metal, and were often about 2" (5&nbsp;cm) in length.  By 1968, Matchbox was the biggest-selling brand of small die-cast model cars worldwide. By this time, the average model in their collection featured plastic windows, interiors, tyres (often with separate disc wheels), and occasional accessories; spring suspensions; opening parts; and was about 3" (7&nbsp;cm) long. Some even featured steering, including the pressure-based AutoSteer system debuting in 1969.  The line was very diverse, including lorries, buses, tractors, motorcycles, and trailers as well as standard passenger cars.

[[File:Matchbox Mercer Raceabout.jpg|thumb|left|Models of Yesteryear no. 7: Mercer Raceabout]]
The three dominant brands in the world at the time, all British-made ([[Dinky Toy|Dinky]], Matchbox and [[Mettoy-Corgi|Corgi]]), were very successful.  Each had its own market niche and its own strong reputation, while innovations and advances by one were adopted by the others within a matter of a few years. Each also expanded to some extent into the others' territory, though this never seemed to seriously affect the sales of any brand's core series.

As part of Lesney's expansion activities, four further die-cast model ranges were introduced during the 1950s and 60s. The ''Models of Yesteryear'', introduced in 1956, were renditions of classic vehicles from the steam and early automotive eras. These were often about 3½–4" in length. ''Accessories Packs'' were also introduced in 1956 and included petrol pumps, garages, and the like. ''Major Packs'', which were larger-scale models, often of construction vehicles, were added in 1957. The ''King Size'' series of larger-scale trucks and tractors was added in 1960 and was diversified from 1967 onwards to include passenger car models in a scale similar to that used by Corgi and Dinky. Major Packs had been absorbed into the King Size range by 1968.