4/3/20 98/100 Mercedes-Benz TN T.V. News Truck

Despite the lack of a hood badge this is clearly based on the Mercedes TN van line as it has the look, and like the Highway Maintenance Truck it tends to not identify itself based on a real truck even though it did and showcased the badge on earlier versions.  When this casting was released in 1990 it had the three-pointed star on the grille next to the detailed headlights, but after a few years it was gone and all that remains is a blank circle.  The rest of the van includes detailed taillights, a ladder for the roof, T.V. news graphics on the sides, and yes it is a news van as on the roof it has a working antenna and camera that raises out of the roof when in use and lowers when not in use and also both can rotate 360 degrees.  The downside is that there is no interior and the base sits on slim wheels with working suspension and detailed drivetrain.  I found two with the Matchbox 2000 logo located on the windshield and this van continued to be in use for the next few years though the wheels finally upgrade to larger units, and while the Sprinter replacement van has not been used in the Matchbox line (came close in 2006), the T.V. news van continues as the Ford Transit for 2016 with a plastic body and a more realistic roof antenna that flips up.

Specifications:

· Engine: 2.4L turbodiesel I-4 80 hp. Est.

· Transmission: 4-speed manual

· 0-60 mph: 19.0 sec. est.

· Real vehicle price: $60,000 est. 1990

Rating:  3.8 out of 5 stars