A speedy trip down memory lane

How the #mazda #rx500 conquered the childhood bedrooms of the 70s...

The year was 1970: The Beatles released their album 'Let It Be' and the failed Apollo 13 space mission inspired the world-famous quote "Houston, we have a problem". But 1970 was also a busy year for the #automotive world. Visionary, wedge-shaped designs dominated the look of supercars, and a wide range of manufacturers were testing the technically sophisticated rotary engine in their concept cars.

It was in this context that #mazda unveiled the radically angular and streamlined #rx500 at the 17th Tokyo Motor Show, which also marked the company's 50th anniversary. The yellow mid-engined sports car quickly became a crowd favourite, captivating the public with its aviation-inspired #design and upward-opening doors. Equipped with innovative rotary piston technology, it was hardly surprising that the futuristic #rx500 generated strong media interest worldwide.

FROM THE SHOWROOM TO THE TOY BOX

These circumstances provided an excellent backdrop for turning the spectacular vehicle into a model car. Matchbox recognised the potential of the #rx500 and included it in its Superfast programme, a response to the 1968 introduction of Hot Wheels by Mattel, which featured thin axles and new wheels that made them faster and more fun to play with.

Why did Matchbox decide to include the Japanese supercar in its portfolio? Hot Wheels designed its products specifically for the US market, Matchbox's largest sales market at the time, and scored points with various custom cars that appealed to the distinctive American taste. To keep up, Matchbox was also looking for futuristic fantasy and concept cars. The #rx500 perfectly matched the requirements of the American market, and there was a lot of interest in #mazda and the rotary engine in Europe as well. No wonder that the orange Matchbox #rx500, introduced in 1971 as the MB66, immediately became a global bestseller.

Further information in the press release to download