2/23/20 58/100 International Armored Truck

With the success of the International Fire Pumper last year, Matchbox created another version based on the same International platform, this time as an armored band truck.  The look is pretty accurate with a gray color and simple decos that remind you of a Brinks truck, the front has the familiar International hood with tall grille and square headlights/signal lights, while the cab has a more straight-up, sturdy look thanks to the thick armor used for protection.  Every door, bracket, and box looks pretty sturdy and Matchbox did a great job with the details on this casting (even the truck wheels look great here), but the interior takes a sacrifice as there is no interior.  With a bigger size and more weight the Armored Truck would be slower than the fire pumper.  The casting has had many uses, though recently the casting was revised with a plastic body and a metal base (boo!!) so this first example is likely the best of the Armored Truck casting.

Specifications:

· Engine: 7.3L turbodiesel V8

· Transmission: 4-speed automatic

· 0-60 mph: 20.0 sec. est.

· Real vehicle price: #300,000 est. 1999

Rating:  4 out of 5 stars