Catalog
Matchbox > 2026 > Basic
Let’s not look for any changes in the 2026 mainline compared to last year – 125 models are planned, plus 4 chase models, just like in the previous season. The first two waves will be released before the end of 2025.
Wave A includes 13 models, neatly released in sequence from number 1 to number 13. Models in positions 11, 12, and 13 are new releases – 2024 Honda Civic Type R, 1993 Toyota Celica and MBX Gritter King in Matchbox Construction livery. Collectors lucky enough may also come across the first chase model 1985 Porsche 911 Rally. This is followed by Wave B, where the continuous numbering continues up to position 19; beyond that, the cars have various numbers, so expectations that each wave would feature cars strictly in numerical order remain unfulfilled. In any case, this wave brings another 10 pieces, including two new models – Ridge Raider II and 1958 Chevrolet Corvette.
Next in line is wave C again with 10 new cars, of which 3 are new - Polestar 5 (which was supposed to be released in the basic line in 2025, but there was a delay), Toyota RAV4 Off Road (with left/right steering wheel options) and Jeep J10 Stepside. In the following wave D there are 9 models + super chase 1977 Jaguar XJ6C. There is only one new casting in this wave, namely a model of a fire truck with an electric motor Pierce Volterra EV.
And now for a bit of confusion. During the production of the fifth wave, 9 models were initially released on long cards and were correctly assigned to Wave E (Mix 5). However, the wave was not supposed to contain only 9 models - it should have included all 15 models from the start. Once the mistake was discovered, the next production batch correctly contained all 15 models, but the case was mistakenly labeled as Wave F (Mix 6). As a result, there will be thirteen waves in 2026 instead of the planned twelve, because the models found in Waves E and F were originally intended to be released only in Wave E. As mentioned, this error affected only the long-card releases. For short cards and Power Grabs, all 15 models were correctly packed together from the beginning, but they were assigned directly to Wave F, with Wave E being skipped entirely. So, technically speaking, Wave E of 2026 contains nine new designs, including no fewer than five new castings: the 1997 McLaren F1 GT, 2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Ambulance, 2019 Toyota 4Runner, 2024 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible, and 2023 Chevy Tahoe Z71. That's an impressive number of new releases in a single batch. Wave F then contains the remaining six vehicles that were originally meant to be part of Wave E. Among them there is only one new casting, but it is a major highlight 2002 Mazda RX-7 Spirit R.
In the seventh wave of G we find 8 new models, neatly arranged from number 61 to 69 (65 omitted), of which two are new. The 2024 GMC Sierra 3500 Wrecker Tow Truck model and the 1974 Ford F-100 Ranger, which is especially popular with collectors in America. Mix 8, also known as wave H, contains 11 new releases – or 12 if you're lucky. That's because this batch includes the Super Chase 1997 Acura Integra Type R in yellow. What's even more interesting is that the wave also features a "regular" white Acura Integra, giving JDM enthusiasts one more reason to be excited.
Fans of the INC work livery will be pleased as well, as this design has been applied to the MBX Turf Hauler II. The wave also introduces three new castings: the 2025 Jeep Recon, 1963 Unimog 406, and Sherp N1200. Sherp, a vehicle manufacturer based in Ukraine, is a new addition to the Matchbox lineup, known primarily for producing versatile ATVs and amphibious vehicles.
The ninth mix, designated as wave J (the letter I is skipped to avoid confusion with the number 1), introduces two new castings of vehicles released in 2025: Ford Mustang Police and Aston Martin Vanquish. Completing the total of eight new releases in the batch are six additional models featuring new color schemes.
