Matchbox Ford Courier Panel and RS200

Matchbox is known for making some really neat cars based on real life with excellent detailing and accuracy and also without the wild colors and hyped-up look that can be found at the blue brand from Mattel.  Here are two examples of Ford vehicles not sold in the U.S. that have a unique niche of their own.

Ford Courier Panel

The name Courier has been long-serving in the Ford line, yet it's model designation varies between years and countries.  The original was a panel truck for Ford's other World markets, then morphed into the pickup based on the Mazda B-series pickup in the 1970's and 1980's.  By the 1990's the Courier returned to the panel truck roots with a panel van based on the Ford Fiesta.  The basic layout starts with a Fiesta-like front-end from the B-pillar forward then from after that a tall and boxy panel box is added for more cargo versatility.  Some models were offered as pickup trucks and even an all-electric version was offered as well.  The interior has the same dashboard layout as the Fiesta, but with more cargo room and better access thanks to the dual panel doors at the rear.  The engine is a 1.5L SOHC ZETEC I-4 that produces an estimated 95 horsepower through a 5-speed manual transmission to the front wheels, while the rear suspension uses a torsion bar setup for better durability under loads.  The Courier panel was eventually replaced with the Ford Transit Connect in 2003.

This version shown here is the more common version: the purple Milka Chocolate version.  There were a few rare promotional models and an even more rare passenger vehicle in red with side windows and a rear seat.  The look is smooth and very 90's despite the tall boxy roof at the rear.  The front has flush headlights that are part of the window trim, a narrow grille just above the front bumper that is part of the interior trim, and a lower grille that is part of the body-colored plastic base.  The side profile has a conventional look with a stretch length, boxy roof at rear, and over the cab is a sloping roof to meet up with the taller rear section.  The rear has dual panel doors with detailed hinges and tall taillights, a very similar setup used in the Transit Connect in 2003.  The plastic base underneath has just an exhaust detal and the 8-dot wheels come with a working suspension.  The interior has a left-hand drive layout with two bucket seats, shifter on the floor, 2-spoke steering wheel, and simple dashboard layout of an econo-car.  It's a very unique offering that no other diecast manufacturer makes and considering the very limited promotional release of this casting throughout its life it's a special one to hold on to.

Ford RS200

Now for a more rowdy side to Ford with the RS2000 rally car.  This was the result of Ford's entry into the Group B rally car segment and in order to comply with rules Ford had to offer road-going versions during its two-year run from 1984 to 1986.  Ford started getting into rally car racing with the Escort and after the new 1980 Escort they wanted to try and see how it works, but thanks to everchanging rules and increase competition from the winning Audi Quattro models Ford went to work creating a Group B rally car that is mid-engine and has the four-wheel drive to counter the successful Audi's.  The body is made out of fiberglass sourced from Renault, the transmission is mounted at the front for better weight distribution to the mid-mounted engine, and while the body was unique there were some Ford parts bin sharing with the windshield, modified doors, and rear taillights from the Ford Sierra.  The engine is a 1.8L SOHC turbocharged I-4 that produced 250 to 450 horsepower depending on street or track models and through a 5-speed manual transmissions.  The cars had great poise but suffered from turbo lag and was underpowered compared to the competition.  With several crashes, a few of them fatal ones, and the cancellation of Group B rally racing the RS200 was done after one season.

This is one unusual model that looks cool and it's great to see Matchbox doing a replica right when the car first came out.  This white version with blue Ford racing decals looks great and uses eight-spoke treaded tires for ultimate grip (and grinding noises with the body with the working suspension).  The front has a smooth hood with round headlights bulging up from the hood, lower grille with RS200 plate, and blue foglight covers with RS logo's.  The side profile shows off that wedge shape mid-engine coupe design like the Lancia Stratos with taller side scoops after the B-pillars and on the roof to aid in airflow to the rear engine.  At the rear the rear spoiler is a wedge shape design, the taillights are clearly Ford Sierra, and the rear bumper has more holes for better ventilation for the engine.  The rear window also has open slots for even more ventilation.  Behind the vented rear glass you can see the I-4 motor and the associated exhaust plumbing and fluid resovoir's surround the engine cover; it would be nice if the rear engine cover could be opened.  The metal base underneath shows off the front-mounted transmission and the dual driveshafts for the four-wheel drive system, the off-set lower engine, and the rear exhaust muffler.  The interior has a two-person layout in right-hand drive layout with a very basic race-car interior with only the necessities: a 3-spoke steering wheel, comprehensive gauges, shifter, and maybe a radio system.  This is one interesting rally car and even after years of play wear this RS200 still looks good today.