Matchbox’s exotic performance cars are some of my favorite models in my collection. They typically sell fast, attract lots of attention, and offer massive appeal to collectors. Yet, every once in a while, it’s lovely to be reminded of the utility vehicles that keep my Matchbox city running.
When I was growing up, emergency vehicles, construction equipment, and utility vehicles like this 1987 GMC Wrecker dominated the line. As a kid who was into heavy machinery, those vehicles are what originally attracted me to the Matchbox line long before I cared about performance vehicles. I’ve always loved building out matching police and fire department fleets, but models like this tow truck always had the highest play value.
The GMC Wrecker casting dates back to the late 1980’s, while this particular Ron’s Towing example was released around the turn of the century. It features some surprisingly modern design choices, like the use of the window piece to form the lightbar on the roof, while also featuring a chromed, metal base – something we rarely see today. Of course, the highlight is the moving tow hook, which can either be tucked up to stow it away, or pulled out to tow a broken down Matchbox model. Sure, its comically oversized cartoon hook is far from realistic, but it sure is fun!
Over time, moving parts began to disappear from the mainline as cost cutting forced Matchbox to make their models simpler to construct. In its 2014 retool, the hook became part of the model’s base, losing its ability to move. Even so, the model remained a cool one, and it has seen some great decos in recent years. My personal favorite is this NYPD tow truck that was released as part of a Police Rescue 5 pack in 2016. As a dedicated collector of NYPD models, I was always going to like this model, but it’s surprisingly realistic too! The NYPD actually operates a fleet of branded tow trucks, making this toy version even cooler.
While it’s still cool to see the classic GMC wrecker pop up periodically, it’s clearly showing its age. How many wreckers from the 1980’s are still on the road in active service? Luckily, Matchbox finally has a solution: the new 2024 GMC 3500 Wrecker. It looks thoroughly modern, with all the casting detail and printing that we would expect from a new Matchbox model. Plus, it’s a licensed casting – a rarity among modern Matchbox utility vehicles.
Luckily, this new GMC hasn’t fully given over to modernity, as it features the return of a moving tow apparatus! The old-school hook is gone, replaced by a more realistic towing system that picks a model up by its front wheels. While this example’s tow bar looks a bit silly in bright orange, I still think it’s super cool! It can be stowed in an up position when not in use, or lowered to allow another model to be towed. The grooves that hold the towed model’s tires are deep enough that this Wrecker can actually tow around other models, giving it some of the best play value in the current Matchbox mainline. Usually, features like this are reserved for the Working Rigs line.
This model shouldn’t just appeal to kids looking for play value, however. It’s a great, licensed model that should appeal to collectors too! While the Scotty’s Towing deco is a generic livery based on the designer’s name, it’s very well done and feels plenty realistic.
Plus, it features some fun Easter eggs like a compartment for “Spare Zinc & Diecast Parts” which is exactly the sense of whimsy I want from my Matchbox models!
Thankfully, even with the extra cost of the moving part, the Matchbox team managed to find enough budget to include a third printing pass for the front of this GMC. When I saw the first prototype of this casting at the Gathering, I was worried that it would have an ugly, blank front end, so I’m thrilled to see this realistic grille with its big, red GMC logo! I hope all future versions of this casting continue to get this printing treatment, as the front end of this casting is otherwise just a flat void.
As with most modern Matchbox emergency models, and the 1987 GMC Wrecker that came before it, this Sierra has a lightbar made from the window piece, which means it has to make do with yellow windows. For whatever reason, I find these yellow windows less objectionable than the bright red or blue ones we often see on Matchbox police cars. Perhaps the crazy amount of detailing on this model makes me more forgiving of this model’s only meaningful budgeting compromise. As you would expect, this new model features a slimmer, LED-style lightbar.
One of the best examples of how much Matchbox’s attention to detail has advanced over the past couple decades is in the Sierra’s bed. Here, we get to see all the various hydraulics and gizmos that make its operation as a tow vehicle possible. I also appreciate how the lightbar is now supported by two beams at the back, rather than floating like it was on the original Wrecker.
You might be surprised by how much I like this model, given my ceaseless calls for more everyday enthusiast cars in the Matchbox lineup, but I’ve always had a soft spot for utility vehicles like this too. I think they’re an important way to get kids interested in the Matchbox brand, and they can make for great models when done correctly. Sadly, so many of the utility vehicles we see in the modern Matchbox lineup are generic models with high plastic content, designed to reduce the cost of whatever case assortment they appear in. Is it really any surprise that those models end up warming the pegs?
In contrast, this GMC has proven to be one of the most popular models in its case, thanks to its premium-feeling diecast construction, licensed design, three printing passes, and moving parts. I don’t really want to see a return to the Matchbox of my childhood that was dominated by utility and construction vehicles, but when used sparingly and executed brilliantly – as this GMC is – I think they make an excellent addition to a well rounded Matchbox lineup.
Who knows, maybe we could even see this model sporting an NYPD livery in the future. A guy can dream, right?
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