The Matchbox Lotus Racing Car was first released in 1966. The earlier issues have either green or orange paint with black plastic tires on yellow hubs. In 1970, it was given purple paint and Superfast wheels. This clean example of the green model with intact labels is another of my Wichita eBay scores.
The Matchbox #19 Lotus Racing Car features a plastic driver and an unpainted metal base, engine and exhaust.
Matchbox | 1966 | #19 | Lotus Racing Car | green with 3 decals, white driver and steering wheel, unpainted metal engine and base | England | black plastic wheels with yellow hubs
This orange model with missing labels is another one I landed from my Wichita eBay friend.
Matchbox| 1966 | #19 | Lotus Racing Car | orange, missing number labels, white plastic driver, unpainted metal base, engine and exhaust | England | black tires with yellow hubs
The Race Case MBX 