Here comes another one, models numbered 3 in the Matchbox range released from 1953 to the end of the Lesney era in 1982. The first model shown in front in the above photo was the 3-A Cement Mixer, first produced in 1953. This blue-bodied model was issued in two basic versions, with orange metal wheels (3-A-1) shown at front left, and later with gray plastic wheels (3-A-2). The Cement Mixer was replaced in 1961 by the model shown behind it, the Bedford Tipper Truck, another one of my favorite models (there are so many!).
The 3-B Tipper is shown here on three different box types issued, in three different versions. The rarest version (#1, not shown here) has a maroon dump with gray plastic wheels, though I willingly just purchased a "fake" of this version tonight! The legitimate model = very expensive! All have gray cabs, but some have silver trim on the fronts, while later issues do not. Shown above are 3-B-3 with a maroon dump and black wheels on a "C" type box, 3-B-2 with a red dump and gray wheels on a "D" box, and 3-B-4 with a red dump and black wheels on a harder-to-find "E" box.

Replacing the Bedford Tipper in 1968 was the Mercedes Benz "Binz" Ambulance, first issued in King-Sized form as K-6 the previous year. The detailing Lesney put into the production of this model is quite impressive for a miniature toy, especially the headlights and grille from the front of the baseplate. Shown on the boxes are regular wheel issues with decals (on the "E" type box, left) and with labels (in the middle of the above photo) on an "F" box. On the right is a Superfast version fitted with thin wheels on a "G" type box from 1970. The "loose" versions shown in front are both Twin-Pack versions issued later in the 1970's, after the original model had been replaced in the 1-75 range. On the left is a white version with darker blue windows, while on the right is an army green version, and the lift-up rear hatch is now sealed shut on these later issues.

This final photo shows the three models issued during the Lesney Superfast era 1969- 1982.The Mercedes Ambulance is shown on the "G" box on the left, while its replacement, the 3-B orange Monteverdi Hai with opening doors was issued in an "I" box in 1973. Finally, the 1979 metallic brown 3-C Porsche 911 was released, with this model continuing well beyond the Lesney era to 1994 in a variety of colors and tampos.