gray plastic wheels | The Race Case MBX

Bluebird Caravans LTD was based in Poole, England, and became a private company in 1940. By 1961, Bluebird was manufacturing 16 different models ranging from small pull-behinds to large residential caravans. The 14-foot Dauphine was equipped with either 2 double beds or 1 double and 2 singles, and included a dinette and kitchen with a hotplate, sink and drainer. In 1963, Bluebird merged with Alperson Products and the name was changed to Caravans International.

The Matchbox Bluebird Dauphine Travel Trailer was first released in 1960 and was produced in about 4 different variations. This metallic tan model with gray plastic wheels is another of my Wichita eBay scores.

The Matchbox Bluebird Dauphine Travel Trailer features an opening door.

The label on the back reads: ON TOW MBS23.

As for a tow vehicle, I think it looks perfectly fantastic behind my 1961 Matchbox #57 Chevrolet Impala (if we can just pretend for a minute that the Impala’s tow hook is not broken.)

Click here to compare to the Matchbox #23 Trailer Caravan, click here to compare to the Matchbox #31 Caravan Travel Trailer, and click here to compare to the Matchbox #57 Eccles Trailer Caravan.

While attending my family reunion at Lake Carlos in Minnesota every summer, it has become a tradition of mine to make a visit to the Now & Then Antique mall in nearby Alexandria. Last June, as I usually do, I found some nice items.

The Matchbox John Deere Tractor was first released in 1964 and was produced until 1969 in two variations; with black plastic wheels or with gray plastic wheels. I found both of these very clean variations at the Now & Then Antique Mall.