Matchbox Jeep Gladiator’s

It’s pretty cool to see Matchbox release a casting that follows the older generation, whether the same model or an old and new set.  In this case the Jeep Gladiator is the subject as the original 1963 version nicely coincides with the 2005 concept truck that was long-overdue for the Matchbox brand.

The Gladiator was introduced to the Jeep line in 1962 and while you could get the pickup body on the traditional Jeep CJ the Gladiator was designed to be a proper pickup for the civilian use.  Based on the new Wagoneer SUV the Gladiator uses a traditional body-on-frame pickup frame that has a conventional cab and fleetside pickup bed common on pickups from other American automakers at the time.  The front-end has the Wagoneer’s headlights and grille setup, while the rear has a conventional pickup bed almost similar to the International 1300 design.  The Gladiator has remained in production for 26 years with the same body design before being replaced by the Cherokee-based Commanche in the 1980’s.  The powertrain was either the 232 CID I-6 or the 327-CID V8 from AMC that produced 250 horsepower through a three or four speed manual transmission and either to the rear wheels or part-time four-wheel drive.  In 2005 the Gladiator name was resurrected as a show truck to preview the upcoming 2007 Jeep Wrangler redesign.  Ever since the Scrambler was dropped the idea of a Jeep Wrangler pickup was still constant in concept forms and this was close to production, though interference with Chrysler’s Dodge Dakota was the issue at the time.  Well for 2019 the pickup will finally reappear at Jeep as a Wrangler, but in the meantime the concept features an extended cab design with half rear doors to access the storage area behind the rear seats.  The design was basic Jeep with some modern touches including the return of the side-mounted spare tire.  The powertrain was also something of a wish for Jeep that also be finally offered in 2019: it is a 2.8L DOHC turbodiesel I-4 that produces 165 horsepower through a six-speed manual transmission and to a part-time four-wheel drive system with live front and rear axles on coil springs.

The classic Gladiator in red is part of the early Lesney series and I believe was Matchbox first pickup truck in the line.  The front-end has that canted forward look. With round headlights, horn vents next to the headlights, and vertical grille.  Adding details to the lights, bumpers, and grille helps make the look more apparent than before.  The sides show a nicely-chisled bodywork with flared fenders and visible hood lines, while the rear has round taillights and JEEP letters on the tailgate.  The bed area is all-metal and functional, while underneath the base only covers the front portion of the truck with the rear bed designed to hold onto the rear axle with thin disc wheels.  The doors open up and when closed have a nice, clean flush appearance and inside you’ll find a bench seat and four-spoke steering wheel.  A simple design that is very effective on this truck.  Next to it is the new modern Gladiator based on the 2005 show truck; now this truck was supposed to arrive all the way back in 2005 but was cancelled at the last minute.  A second revival happened a few years later but again got cancelled.  Third time’s the charm ten years later as the concept finally makes an appearance when the current-generation Wrangler that the concept showcased is going into the new generation and with that new generation the pickup model will finally appear.

The dark green with gray bumpers and fenders are a nice touch to the casting that give it that rugged look and are joined by a new 5-spoke wheel with Matchbox on the sidewalls not only on the wheels but also on the side-mounted spare tire, though it would be nice to see the spare as a separate piece in black.  The front has detailed round headlights, lower signal lights, and seven-slot grille found on current Wrangler’s, a lower bumper with foglights in and above the bumper, and a hood with detailed hinges and latches.  The sides show off flared fenders with attached running boards, exposed hinges with Gladiator logo’s on the front fenders, large exterior mirrors, and a large sunroof that is also found on the concept truck.  Note how the track is stretched to push the wheels to the corners for better approach and departure angles, not to mention cleverly hiding the stretched platform for the first four-door Jeep.  The rear has square taillights and since the spare is on the side JEEP is stamped into the tailgate, while the bed area has a plastic floor yet has plenty of room for cargo.  Against the yellow Willys Jeep 4x4 that arrived the year prior with chrome base the Gladiator faithfully follows the classic Willys Jeep design with a modern touch.

The interior has seating for two up front with a rear cargo area accessed by half doors where the front doors must be open to access them and in the back there is only enough room for cargo.  Note the nifty small access door on the left half-door that is designed to access the cargo area without having to move the spare tire to open the left door.  The dashboard is familiar Wrangler design for the 2007-2010 model years with 4-spoke steering wheel, central radio and HVAC controls, and 6-speed manual and transfer case shifters on the center console.  The base underneath has enough room to show off the frame, front and rear control arms, and drivetrain with transfer case.  It is nice to see Matchbox bring the Gladiator back and even nice to see it alongside its counterparts.