We chat 70 years of Matchbox cars with Mattel senior designer Julian Payne

Mattel is celebrating the 70th anniversary of its iconic Matchbox die-cast car brand and to mark the milestone, they have released a line of special limited-edition vehicles, paying tribute to the brand's heritage of creating highly detailed and realistic vehicles.

Julian Payne, who has worked with Mattel for over 25 years as a lead design visionary, has revealed to carsales his insights about what goes into designing and manufacturing the iconic collections of Matchbox cars over the span of his career and what the future holds.

carsales: How did you find yourself with a career in creating some of the most iconic vehicles into die-cast models? 

Julian Payne: I trained as a car designer for the automotive industry at Coventry University in England. After graduating and searching for jobs I took a job designing Action Man vehicles in a design consultancy in London. I applied the same design process from university to the toys I was working on. After a few years doing this, I moved to Mattel to design for the Matchbox and Hot Wheels brands. 

carsales: What is your most prized creation? 

Julian Payne: In Matchbox it might be the Land Rover Discovery LR4 that recently launched in the collector line. I based the model directly referencing my personal car.  

carsales: What is the process in deciding which cars get the Matchbox treatment?  

Julian Payne: The process of selecting vehicles for the Matchbox 70th anniversary collection involves a variety of factors. Our aim is to capture a diverse range of vehicles that will resonate with both kids and collectors. We keep an eye on current trends in the automotive world, including classic models and the latest innovations in vehicles across the globe. Consulting with enthusiasts, collectors, and even kids helps us gauge the appeal of potential models. Ultimately, we strive to provide a comprehensive representation of vehicles, from everyday cars to aspirational luxury vehicles.

carsales: Is there much creative flair able to be added, or do you stay faithful to the original?  

Julian Payne: Balancing creative flair with faithfulness to the original design is crucial in our design process. While we stay committed to capturing the essence of the real vehicles, we do infuse creative elements to enhance the storytelling and visual appeal of the die-cast models. We aim to strike a balance where the iconic features and design cues of the original are faithfully translated into the miniature form, while still making the models engaging and captivating. 

carsales: What has been the most challenging car to recreate?  

Julian Payne: Recreating cars accurately as die-cast models can present unique challenges. One particularly challenging car was the Land Rover LR4, due to our wish to incorporate flush-fitting rear side windows to match the real car. Ensuring that every detail is accurately represented at a smaller scale requires innovative techniques and dedicated craftsmanship. 

carsales: How has the car creation process changed over the last 25 years?  

Julian Payne: Over the past 25 years, the car creation process has undergone remarkable transformations. The introduction of digital sculpting using CAD technology and 3D printing has significantly expedited the design and refinement phases. This allows us to make precise adjustments to scale and details in a matter of days, whereas it used to take weeks. Additionally, inkjet printing has revolutionised the level of detail and colour options we can achieve, enhancing the realism of the final products. 

carsales: How have the materials used in creating cars changed?

Julian Payne: The shift towards sustainability has been a significant change in recent years. In response to environmental concerns, we have incorporated more sustainable materials into our production. Initiatives include using ISCC-certified plastics, removing plastic bags from packaging, and developing die-cast cars made from recycled materials. We're committed to further exploring recycled, recyclable, and bio-based plastics to create an eco-friendlier collection. 

carsales: What does the future of diecast cars look like?  

Julian Payne: The future of die-cast cars holds exciting possibilities. We anticipate a continued focus on sustainability, aiming in future to produce die-cast models using 100% recycled, recyclable, or bio-based plastics. Advancements in technology will likely allow for even finer detailing and increased realism. As automotive trends evolve, our range will reflect the latest innovations while still honouring classic designs that have captured the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors for decades.

Related: Mattel aims to use 100% recycled materials in its Matchbox cars by 2030

Related: The history of Matchbox cars

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