This was an inevitable post, wasn't it?
We could have titled this post "Matchbox vs Hot Wheels Tesla Model S", but the outcome is a forgone conclusion. We have all seen previews of the Matchbox Tesla, and we already showcased the Hot Wheels version last week. It has been well determined that the Matchbox version is far better than the Hot Wheels offering.
But, because these models were released within a few days of each other, here they are side-by-side:
Did anyone change their opinion? We actually don't mind the Hot Wheels as much as we thought, and when looking at both, we don't mind the difference in direction, but there is a huge gap in execution. The Hot Wheels is a little sloppy, and the Matchbox is a sign of how good Matchbox can be.
There really isn't much else to say about these two together, so we went another direction. We decided to pair the Matchbox Tesla with what was once its rival, but like the Matchbox and Hot Wheels Teslas, there was no competition.
I remember when Felix Holst stood up at the Matchbox Gathering and mentioned the Fisker Karma was going to be a new model the next year. I had no idea what it was, and I don't think anyone else did either. That of course led many of us online, where we saw this stunningly beautiful car that was going to run on batteries.
The only other thing that was close was the Tesla Roadster, and while its technology was cool, its looks were not. So all the attention went to Fisker. Matchbox released its versions, and as seven different colors were released over subsequent years, Fisker released the Karma in much lower numbers than anticipated, filed for bankruptcy (that is the VERY short version of that interesting story), and the company was sold to a group from China. They came and then they went.
Whether or not we will ever see Fisker again remains to be seen, but for those few minutes the company actually existed, the Karma was one of the prettiest things on the road. And the Matchbox version didn't disappoint either. Fisker licensors demanded the solar panel roof be included, and Mattel obliged. They must have demanded front and rear tampos as well, because all seven versions include all those details. The most recent version (and maybe the last version ever) highlighted the deco wonderfully in all black with black rims.
And that is the story of the Matchbox Fisker. It is, for all intents and purposes, history. We can't imagine there will be much interest in it moving forward, but it definitely has a place in this post showcasing the Tesla Model S.
In contrast, the Model S has found its place. Every movie producer in LA traded in their Panamera for a Tesla (always a good indicator), and the car is popping up everywhere. It is here to stay, and it looks like the Matchbox will be around for awhile as well.
The same amount of detail has been put into the Matchbox Model S as was put into the Fisker. The casting is fantastic, the color realistic, and the front and rear tampos well placed. We have said it a hundred times, but it is Matchbox at realistic best, and it is exactly what collectors would love to see more of from the orange brand.
This is easily our favorite Matchbox of 2015 so far, and we plan on parading it out a lot to showcase what we love about Matchbox. Hopefully we see more like it...
(Find the Fisker Karma
and Tesla Model S on eBay...)Matchbox Tesla Model S (2015 New Models):
