MATCHBOX: THE 5A BUS

It was not until the London bus, 5a, was added to the range in mid-1954, the sales of the newly-launched Matchbox Toys expanded rapidly. The 5a bus initially advertised �Matchbox series� but later models featured �Player Please� for a comparatively short time and for a long time �BP Viscostatic�. The BP company was one of a number which paid for the privilege of having its name advertised on Matchbox vehicles. The bus had paper labels advertising the �Matchbox series�. It was by far the smallest Lesney bus, as it measured only 52mm. The bus had paper labels advertising the �Matchbox series�. It comes with or without a number plate recess at the rear. The undetailed grille was decorated with gold trim.