Way back some 50 or 60 years ago, it was common for diecast cars to have opening parts. They had hoods that revealed just enough engine detail to get a kid’s imagination running, or doors that were surprisingly well-engineered to crisply stay open or closed as desired. Matchbox recently revived the concept with their Moving Parts series, and for that blast from the past, their Bizzarini 5300 GT is inducted as the 1/64-Scale Model of the Year.
Finding mainline models with opening parts for cheap used to be commonplace in the 1960s and ‘70s. Working steering, opening tailgates, and sliding roofs were also out there to be had for the same price as other basic cars. The concept of moving parts never really went away, but instead became the territory of much more expensive models over the years.
If you’re not familiar with Bizzarinni, they made gorgeous sports cars combining Italian good looks and American V8 power. The result was fast, beautiful race cars, a few of which were made street-legal. Production was very limited, and they were mostly sold in Europe. There haven’t been many made in small scale over the years, either.
What Matchbox is doing here is something of a miracle. The Moving Parts cars sell for around three dollars. Sure, that’s higher than the basic range, but significantly lower than the next price level commonly found at 1/64. The packaging feels like it’s worth a lot more too, although buyers will really be tempted to remove the cars to play with those features.
Combine all of these factors to get a nicely detailed model of a stunning design, featuring an opening hood, and Matchbox has a winner on their hands. For that, the 1/64-Scale Matchbox Moving Parts Bizzarini 5300 GT is the Model Car Hall of Fame’s 1/64 Model of the Year.
The Model Car Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was held at the International Toy Fair in Nuremberg, Germany, on January 30, 2025. Thanks to everyone at Spielwarenmesse for having us as a part of their event.
