Matchbox Toys Limited in 1983 agreed with Hoover to produce with them a special run of blue liveried Y12 Ford "T" Vans. Security arrangements at Matchbox Toys were tight for these special models were produced within the confines of a steel cage. Several trial run colour combinations were shown to Hoover. The original model was a metallic blue with black lettering which was shortly followed by a metallic blue with gold lettering. The Hoover management eventually chose an 'aral' blue livery with gold lettering. 540 blue Hoover vans were manufactured and were given authenticating certificates. A further twenty blue Hoover vans were produced for the top management at Matchbox Toys Ltd, these did not have authenticating certificates. Hoover eventually presented one of these blue Hoovers with certificate to Her Majesty the Queen at a race meeting. Acknowledged, now by the manufacturers as causing much annoyance to collectors, this model has a Code 2 status as it was not made available to the general public through retail outlets.

Livery: (Tampo) - 'THE HOOVER IT BEATS AS IT SWEEPS AS IT CLEANS' in gold with a picture, in colour, of a woman doing housework within gold body line surround.

(Source "MODELS OF YESTERYEAR - THE COLLECTION")

Other Comments/Identifying Features: The model has no opening parts. The vehicle roof is white, the seats are tan plastic, type 3 engraved rear doors, white rear lights, no hole in base of rear body, and no Y12 on base. The baseplate is held in place by three machined rivets. There is no glazing.

The model comes packed in the original straw coloured box with 75th Anniversary logo and is accompanied by the Certificate of Authenticity identifying it as number of 500 produced. Considered rare due to the low numbers issued. Models without certificates may be models issued to Matchbox directors (very rare) or models where previous owners have lost the certificates.

Scale: 1:35

Hoover 75th Anniversary

Accompanied by the Certificate of Authenticity