It is no exaggeration to say that the Ford Model 'T' is one of the most famous and important automobiles in the world. When it was unveiled in October 1908, it truly inaugurated the automotive age. Henry Ford's low-priced Model 'T' transformed the automobile from a plaything and trophy of the rich and powerful to a practical and reliable mode of transportation for the common people. Indeed, when the Model 'T' was introduced, it cost $850 and, as mass production become more efficient, the price of the Model 'T' continually decreased - all the way down to $290 in December of 1924 - while still selling at a profit for Ford. The model featured a 20 horsepower side-valve four-cylinder engine, a two-speed planetary transmission and a top speed of 45 miles per hour. Its fuel efficiency was economical as well, getting more than 25 miles per gallon. The Model 'T' became so popular that, by 1922, it was selling more than one million units per year. One result of the affordability, accessibility and popularity of the Model 'T' was that it was often chosen as the vehicle of choice for civic duties. Police forces, fire brigades and ambulance corps all turned to the spunky Model 'T' as a vehicle they could customise to their own needs. Even the military came to depend on Henry Ford's legendary Model 'T' as can be seen by this authentic die-cast replica of a 1912 Ford Model 'T' field hospital ambulance. Like the original, this ambulance bears the familiar symbol of the American Red Cross, known for its humanitarian efforts all over the globe. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and marked with authentic logos and graphics, your precision-engineered model is produced by - and available exclusively from - Matchbox Collectibles, the greatest name in die-cast.

It used the same basic body castings that had heen fitted to all Ford T Van models since 1979.
Changes were made to the baseplate which were now screwed instead of riveted. The screw holes were filled (blind).
'© 1995 Matchbox Collectibles. Made in China' was deleted and 'YY012/SB' was printed in white capitals adjacent to the transmission housing. The wheels were now Type B* and to improve the lateral movement of the axles, small black washers were fitted before the wheels were pressed on.
All models have the base hole at the rear of the body.
All rear lights were the same colour as that of the painted roof.
The suffix 'SB' in the coding means that the 'S' is for Special Livery and the 'B' shows it to be the second Special Livery.

Total production of 5,000.

Note: *Some wheel hubs were modified so that the axle hole did not go right through the wheel hub; hence the axle end was not visible in the centre of the wheel. This is Type B.

(1997)

Scale: 1:35