Matchbox VW Concept 1 | Mattel Wheels Series 18/100
Item Specifics
- Brand: Matchbox
- Model: Volkswagen Concept 1
- Vehicle type: Concept car
- Color: Iridescent White
- Collector number: 18/100
- Product code: 36562
- Manufacturer: Mattel
- Material: Die-cast metal / plastic
- Licensed vehicle: Yes – Volkswagen
- Manufactured in: China
- Packaging: Factory-sealed blister card
- Release year: 1996
- Variant year: 1999
- Scale: 1:61
- Series: Top Class
- Number in series: 3/5
- Vehicle make: Volkswagen
- Vehicle model: Concept 1
About This Item
The Matchbox Volkswagen Concept 1 Top Class Series 4 #18/100 is a 1999 die-cast release based on Volkswagen’s Concept 1 show car, the design that previewed the production New Beetle. This 36562 variation features an iridescent white body with blue lower-side striping and Volkswagen graphics, clear windows, a turquoise interior, chrome-style wheels, and a black plastic base. The Volkswagen Concept 1 combines rounded retro-inspired bodywork with modern 1990s concept-car styling.
Its arched roof, circular fender shapes, short overhangs, compact hatchback proportions, and Beetle-influenced silhouette reflect the design direction that later became the Volkswagen New Beetle. Matchbox captured those distinctive curves in a compact casting while retaining recognizable Volkswagen badging and trim details.
Condition
This Matchbox Volkswagen Concept 1 is factory sealed in its original blister-card packaging. The supplied photos show the clear blister attached to the card with light age-related surface and edge wear visible on the packaging.
We may have multiple units of this item available, so the item you receive may differ slightly from the one shown in the photos.
Product appearance and packaging details may vary slightly from the photos shown.
The sealed-package presentation keeps the Matchbox vehicle, printed card or box artwork, series details, and identifying information together for storage or display. Minor differences in package edges, corners, surface marks, or clear blister appearance can occur between individual retail examples.
Why Collect This Model
The Volkswagen Concept 1 is significant for its direct connection to the design that evolved into the Volkswagen New Beetle, making it especially relevant to collectors of Volkswagen models, 1990s concept cars, Matchbox Top Class releases, and early modern-retro automotive designs. The iridescent white finish, blue side graphics, vintage 1999 packaging, and long-discontinued Matchbox casting give this version a distinctive period-correct appearance.
VW Concept 1 also works well in collections organized by Matchbox series, casting, manufacturer, vehicle type, or complete themed sets. The packaging and series identifiers help distinguish this particular issue from other versions of the same model.
