Matchbox > 1998 > Star Car

In 1998, Matchbox introduced an exclusive collector's series called "Star Cars", released in two limited editions, each featuring six models. This collection was inspired by iconic American films and television series. Each series included models that either directly referenced famous vehicles from popular movies or were carefully selected casting to best match the theme.

The first series, released in spring, featured:

1933 Willys Street Rod – inspired by the film Grease (1978)
Ford Taxi LTD – from the movie Taxi (1978)
Mercury Stable Wagon – from the sitcom The Brady Bunch (1969–1974)
'56 Ford Pick-Up – from the family comedy series Happy Days (1974–1984)
4x4 Jeep – from the cult war series M*A*S*H (1972–1983)
TV News Truck – from the action thriller Mission: Impossible (1996) starring Tom Cruise

The second series, released in autumn, included:

Ferrari 308 GTS – from the crime series Magnum P.I. (1980–1988)
Ferrari Testarossa – from the action series Miami Vice (1984–1990)
Police Launch – from the legendary thriller Jaws (1975)
1962 Corvette – from the comedy film Animal House (1978)
Plymouth Gran Fury – from the police series Adam-12 (1968–1975)
Pontiac Firebird T-Roof – from the action-comedy series Smokey and the Bandit (1977–1983)