This encyclopedia documents fifty years of Matchbox toy production, from 1947 to 1996. It covers a vast array of items, including diecast vehicles, playsets, dolls, plastic kits, robots, and ephemera, detailing the international scope of the brand through catalogs, boxes, and labels in multiple languages. The book also addresses the evolution of the numbering system for miniatures, which changed in 1982, highlighting the infinite variety of Matchbox toys produced.

This comprehensive encyclopedia is a valuable resource for collectors and enthusiasts of Matchbox toys. Its detailed cataloging of items produced over fifty years, including a wide range of toy types and international variations, makes it an authoritative reference. The inclusion of ephemera and details on the numbering system further enhances its utility for serious collectors. The book serves as a definitive guide to the history and diversity of Matchbox collectibles.