Commer BF van Matchbox

Brand - Reference

Matchbox 69

Type

“Nestlé’s” van

Comments

Model appeared in 1959, replaced in 1965 with the Hatra tractor shovel, according to the Moko Lesney Matchbox Toy Collecting. See the model in its original appearance (photo vintagebritishdiecasts)

According to the table of dimensions, the probable scale is on average 1:91. It would then be the BF.30.

For this model and others as old as it, the respect of the original is far from ridiculous, as long as it is equipped with decent wheels…

Modifications

Recent improvements:

• Red spray paint.
• Headlight lenses, panes, bumpers painted.
• ⌀ 9.5 mm Wiking wheels reduced to 8.8 and painted.

History

I found (in 2021) on ebay a documentation from 1966 on this van. So now I have much more accurate data.

This is the Commer BF of the English Rootes group. No information on the dates of manufacture, but at least from 1957 to 1966.

This vehicle was supplied with a choice of either a 2266 cc petrol or diesel engine with 42 kW (56 bhp). Two models were offered: the BF.20 with 280 cu. ft. (7.93 m³) capacity and 1 t payload, or the BF.30 with 309 cu. ft. (8.75 m³) capacity and 1.5 t payload. Maximum speed approx. 90 km/h. 7.5 × 16 or 8.25 × 16 tyres.

Documents:

• Wikipedia article.
• aecsouthall.co.uk website
• Specification sheet Commer four cylinder forward control models of July 1966 (8 pages). Preview.
• Photos on flickr.com