4/29/20 Avon Coca-Cola Ford Truck 2-pack: 1956 Ford F-100 and 1998 Ford Expedition

Back in the 1990’s Avon was all the rage with women who were either housewives or wanted a catalog to look at for work, and this was before the internet shopping age we are in today.  Despite the catalog being catered toward women there were other items that were focused on men and kids, and with the popularity of Avon it was normal for Hot Wheels and Matchbox to cash in with some specifically unique models to sell in the catalog.  One of those items shown here is the Avon Coca-Cola 2-packs that consisted of two vehicles (usually a then-and-now pairing of brand models) and I always liked trucks so this Ford truck set was a nice one to get.  The 1956 Ford F-100 has appeared in the time capsule many times before and here it sports a two-tone red with white fenders and a vintage advertisement in green on the hood, while the 1998 Ford Expedition that also has appeared in the time capsule before, appears here in white with the glass Coke bottle on the sides.  The look of these is very clean with the graphics nicely laid out without being too overly complex, allowing the details of these castings to show especially on the Expedition where the ribbed taillights are visible and the tan interior nicely stands out from the exterior.  Both were nice choices even though there are no special treatments like metal base or rubber tires, and was a nice addition to any Ford truck collection.  Avon and Matchbox would make more two-packs a few years later before the end of the Avon hype right around the time internet shopping started to ramp up and Mattel would look elsewhere to sell these special promo models.

1956 Ford F-100 Specifications:

· Engine: 256 CID V8 140 hp.

· Transmission: 3-speed manual

· 0-60 mph: 13.0 sec. est.

· Real vehicle price: $3,000 est. 1956

Rating:  4.9 out of 5 stars

1998 Ford Expedition Specifications:

· Engine: 5.4L SOHC V8 280 hp.

· Transmission: 4-speed automatic

· 0-60 mph: 9.0 sec. est.

· Real vehicle price: #35,000 est. 2000

Rating:  4 out of 5 stars