The Matchbox King Size K-23 Mercury Commuter Police Station Wagon was first released in 1969. For 1969 and 1970 it had regular wheels – two piece wheels consisting of a chrome hub with a black plastic tire. From 1971 to 1973 these larger models (this Mercury wagon is about 4.25″ long) were now called Speed Kings and the Commuter was given Superfast wheels. This example of the Speed Kings version – another find from my Holiday break visit to the Paramount East – is a little rough, but it makes a nice addition to my small collection of larger scale Matchbox models.
The Matchbox Speed Kings Mercury Commuter Police Station Wagon features opening doors and a tow hook (although, on this one the tow hook is broken off).
Other Matchbox King Size models in my collection include the Ford LTS Tractor and Articulated Petrol Tanker, D.A.F. Building Transporter, Bertone Runabout, Javelin AMX, Range Rover, Boat Trailer and Ambulance.
Matchbox | 1971-1973 Speed Kings | K-23 | Mercury Commuter Police Station Wagon | white with Police labels, clear windows, red plastic interior, unpainted metal base | England | Superfast wheels
The photo below compares the base of the King Size K-23 (top), which had regular wheels and the unique Auto-Steer suspension, with the base of the Super Kings K-23 (bottom) and its Superfast wheels.
The Race Case MBX 