Matchbox toys were introduced in the UK in 1953, so called because they were originally sold in little boxes, pictured below. That was because the company founder's daughter went to a school that only allowed children to bring toys to school which were matchbox sized.

Unlike some other brands of small scale toys, Matchbox didn't focus on just cars. There was earth moving equipment, airplanes, fire engines, tractors, boats, WW-II soldiers, cement trucks, tanks, busses. Even hovercraft and American old-west covered wagons. Some are shown below. There's a bewildering variety.

While they were not as fast as Hot Wheels cars, they quickly moved from rough to highly detailed models. Some even featured functional steering wheels that could turn the car's wheels, or doors that could open. They were also more true to scale. Due to competition from Hot Wheels' faster cars, Matchbox would add a Superfast low-friction line to compete on track performance too.

Matchbox went bankrupt in 1982, but the rights were sold and today it is owned by Mattel.

This is a 1953 road roller, one of Matchbox's first toys.

Matchbox airplane, 1/64 scale,

Matchbox boxes,

Vintage ad,