Uploaded May 2018 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
The Matchbox Motorway system looked superficially like a conventional slot car track system, with curves and straights (with a pair of slots) that could be connected together to produce loops or figure-of-eight track layouts.
Where MM differed from most other systems was that the grooves carried no electrical power – instead, each groove opened into a box-channel, and once the track was assembled, the user would have to thread a long helical metal spring through the channel and hook it up to itself to make a closed loop of spring. The two springs would then be made to circulate around the track by an electric motor.
One could then use sticky-tape to fit a long plastic prong to the underside of a standard Matchbox car (or other toy car), place the car over a slot so that the prong engaged with the spring, and the car would be pulled around the track.
brightontoymuseum.co.uk/index/Category:Matchbox_Motorway
Welcome to your new world of action with your exciting "MATCHBOX" Motorway. A dual roadway designed exclusively for all your "MATCHBOX" models – you can drive, race and control them all!!
Apart from batteries your set is complete, including dual speed controls and two "MATCHBOX" cars. The track is made of high quality durable plastic parts, which you will find easy to put together and pack away.
Any of your "MATCHBOX" models can be used and more than two vehicles can be driven at any time to make your Motorway realistic. You can even reverse directions to have two lines of opposing traffic. Or, you can race your own "MATCHBOX" Grand Prix.
There is no end to the excitement and thrills with your "MATCHBOX" Motorway.
— , Matchbox, , "Matchbox Motorway" instruction booklet
Matchbox is a popular British toy brand which was introduced by Lesney Products in 1953, and is now owned by Mattel, Inc, which purchased the brand in 1997. The brand was given its name because the original die-cast Matchbox toys were sold in boxes similar to those in which matches were sold. The brand grew to encompass a broad range of toys, including larger scale die-cast models, plastic model kits, and action figures.
During the 1980s, Matchbox began to switch to the more conventional plastic and cardboard "blister packs" that were used by other die-cast toy brands such as Hot Wheels. The box style packaging was re-introduced for the collectors' market in recent years, particularly with the release of the "35th Anniversary of Superfast" series in 2004.
see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matchbox_(brand)
The Matchbox Motorway system looked superficially like a conventional slot car track system, with curves and straights (with a pair of slots) that could be connected together to produce loops or figure-of-eight track layouts.
Where MM differed from most other systems was that the grooves carried no electrical power – instead, each groove opened into a box-channel, and once the track was assembled, the user would have to thread a long helical metal spring through the channel and hook it up to itself to make a closed loop of spring. The two springs would then be made to circulate around the track by an electric motor.
One could then use sticky-tape to fit a long plastic prong to the underside of a standard Matchbox car (or other toy car), place the car over a slot so that the prong engaged with the spring, and the car would be pulled around the track.
brightontoymuseum.co.uk/index/Category:Matchbox_Motorway
Welcome to your new world of action with your exciting "MATCHBOX" Motorway. A dual roadway designed exclusively for all your "MATCHBOX" models – you can drive, race and control them all!!
Apart from batteries your set is complete, including dual speed controls and two "MATCHBOX" cars. The track is made of high quality durable plastic parts, which you will find easy to put together and pack away.
Any of your "MATCHBOX" models can be used and more than two vehicles can be driven at any time to make your Motorway realistic. You can even reverse directions to have two lines of opposing traffic. Or, you can race your own "MATCHBOX" Grand Prix.
There is no end to the excitement and thrills with your "MATCHBOX" Motorway.
— , Matchbox, , "Matchbox Motorway" instruction booklet
Matchbox is a popular British toy brand which was introduced by Lesney Products in 1953, and is now owned by Mattel, Inc, which purchased the brand in 1997. The brand was given its name because the original die-cast Matchbox toys were sold in boxes similar to those in which matches were sold. The brand grew to encompass a broad range of toys, including larger scale die-cast models, plastic model kits, and action figures.
During the 1980s, Matchbox began to switch to the more conventional plastic and cardboard "blister packs" that were used by other die-cast toy brands such as Hot Wheels. The box style packaging was re-introduced for the collectors' market in recent years, particularly with the release of the "35th Anniversary of Superfast" series in 2004.
see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matchbox_(brand)
