matchbox

A matchbox is a small rectangular container used to hold matches. Traditionally made of cardboard or paperboard, it may include a tray of matches and a striking surface on the side or bottom. The term is also used to refer to the matches themselves and the convenience of this compact packaging.

Matchbox is also the name of a line of die-cast toy vehicles introduced in 1953 by the British company Lesney Products. The packaging supposedly resembled a matchbox, which helped the brand pursue a wide, affordable market for miniature cars, trucks, and other vehicles.

Typical Matchbox models are metal-bodied with plastic parts and are commonly produced at around 1:64 scale, though sizes vary. The line has included a broad range of real-world vehicle types and themes, and its packaging has long been a recognizable part of the product identity.

Over time the Matchbox brand passed through several owners as Lesney faced financial changes. In the late 20th century the brand became part of Mattel, which continues to market and develop Matchbox products alongside other die-cast lines.

Matchbox vehicles have a substantial collector following, with interest centered on vintage models, packaging variations, and regional releases. The brand remains an enduring feature of toy history and the broader die-cast toy market.