THIS PRODUCT IS IN-STOCK AND READY TO SHIP.  Please Note; this is a very difficult to find Matchbox Collectibles diecast armor model that is ONE of SIX from this release series in 2003.  This is the last one that we have in stock and will not be able to restock this hard to find, out of production diecast model. PLEASE NOTE; THIS IS FROM THE TURNER FAMILY COLLECTION AND THIS IS AN OPEN BOX, DISPLAY DIECAST ARMOR MODEL, SO TAPE SEALS WERE OPENED. If you purchase THREE or more of the Matchbox Collectibles 1/72 Scale diecast armor models, we will send you a Special Coupon that you can use on your next order besides the Customer Purchase Points you can earn and apply to future orders as well, but you need to Setup a Customer Account with JT’s Collectibles which only takes a few minutes to do. PLEASE NOTE: The Image may be slightly different than the Actual Product.

Matchbox Collectibles German Panzer IV F1 Tank, "Village in the Middle, Eastern Front, 1944", #91739. •  Type of Model:  Pre-Assembled Diecast Metal Model with Small Detail Parts Consisting of Plastic and Composite Materials •  Year of Release:  2003 (Product Packaging Copyright shows date of 2002, but this release occurred in 2003) •  Scale:  1:72 Scale •  Product Attributes:  Pre-Assembled, Pre-Painted, Static Display Model, Diecast Metal, Highly Detailed, Diorama Display Base with Clear Acrylic Cover •  Nature of Manufacture and Status of Moving Parts:  Sometimes turrets easily rotate and sometimes they do not, and Sometimes gun barrels easily rotate, sometimes they do not and on some models, the gun barrel loosens over time  •  What Is Included With Your Purchase: Product Box, Diecast Model and Diorama Display Base with Clear Acrylic Cover Open Box Display Models, Excellent Condition; Models have been carefully repacked.  PLEASE NOTE that all product packaging and boxes will have some shelf ware and may have minor imperfections like creases, folds, indentions or small tears in the boxes.

Some Interesting Background Information regarding Matchbox Collectibles 1/72 Scale Diecast Military Tank Models:  Several of the 1/72 Scale diecast armor models were produced under license from the famous pioneer in early, high quality diecast armor models, CDC Armour from Italy.  CDC fell on hard times and eventually went out of business.  Other 1/72 diecast armor models from Matchbox Collectibles were designed in-house.  The first release series was in 1998, the second was in 2003 and the final release series was in 2004.  At the time of our listings, we have been able to offer all SIX diecast armor models from the 2003 Release Series. The 1/72 Scale diecast armor tank models were ahead of their time from a quality, detail and cost standpoint.  Though, Mattel did manufacture a number of the models under license from CDC Armour, at the time of introduction in 1998, the Matchbox Collectibles Series models were hard to beat. Based upon market information from Matchbox Collectible Groups and Forums, Mattel has no plans in the near future to bring back the Matchbox Collectibles 1/72 Scale diecast armor and airplane product lines.  Mattel has been focused on turning Matchbox around over the past few years by improving on the basics before they will consider new product lines again.  In the past, Mattel became too focused on the Hot Wheels brand at the expense of the Matchbox brand. About the German Panzer IV Tank: The Panzer IV is the common name of a medium tank that was developed in the late 1930s by Germany and used extensively during the Second World War.  The official German designation was Panzerkampfwagen IV (abbreviated PzKpfw IV) and the tank also had the ordnance inventory designation SdKfz 161.    Initially designed as an infantry-support medium tank, to work in conjunction with the Panzer III which was intended to engage enemy tanks, it was later up-gunned and up-armored during the war.  This allowed it to take over the tank-fighting role of the Panzer IIIs, as this vehicle became increasingly obsolete.  The Panzer IV was the most widely manufactured and deployed German tank of the Second World War and was used as the base for many other fighting vehicles including tank destroyers and self-propelled anti-aircraft guns.  The Panzer IV was the workhorse of the German tank corps, being produced and used in all combat theaters throughout the war.  The Panzer IV has the distinction of being the only German tank to remain in continuous production throughout all of World War II, with over 8,500 produced between 1936 and 1945.  This is exemplified by the various upgrades it received throughout the war.  It also remained in production during the last months of the war, showcasing the measures taken by the government to simplify manufacturing (including the removal of firing ports).    The Panzer IV also receives the distinction of being the most widely exported tank in German service, sold to countries such as Finland, Spain, Bulgaria and other European allies during the Second World War.  After the war, the French and Spanish sold dozens of Panzer IVs to the Syrians, using them against Israeli Centurion tanks.    The final production version of the Panzer IV was the Ausf. J.  This version of the tank was considered a retrograde from the earlier Ausf. H out of necessity to decrease production time and increase the tank's mobility.  To increase the tank's road range, the electric generator for turret traverse was removed to allow the installation of an auxiliary 200 liter (43.99 gal) gas tank—range was increased to 320 kilometers (198.84 mi).  Without the electric generator, turret traverse was now manual.  Furthermore, the pistol ports and vision ports in the turret were removed, while the engine's radiator housing was simplified by exchanging the slanted sides with straight sides.  The cylindrical muffler was replaced by two flame-suppressing mufflers.  By late 1944, Zimmerit was no longer applied to the tank, the side-skirts were replaced by wire mesh, while the number of return rollers was reduced from four to three to cut production time.    There was a bid to fit a Panther turret on a Panzer IV hull, carrying the longer 75-millimeter (2.95 in) L/70 tank gun. The inability to do so confirmed that the chassis, by this time, was clearly overloaded in both weight and available volume.

Matchbox Collectibles 1:72 scale diecast armor models are a great compliment to Hobby Master, Easy Model, Dragon Armor, Forces of Valor, CDC Armour, Altaya or any brand of kit diecast armor model in 1:72 Scale. Very good detail and a pleasure to display. Don’t wait...these items won’t last. If there is a specific model that you're looking for, please let us know and we will try to find it for you. Now is the time to start a collection or expand your collection. Remember, collecting is fun! We want you to enjoy yourself. If you have any questions, please contact us before making any purchases at questions@jtscollectibles.com Welcome to JT's Collectibles.    As our customer, you will be pleasantly surprised by our "Knowledge, Quality, Product Selection and Exceptional Service".  We serve customers Worldwide and invite you to join us. We have four programs (CAP, POP, CRP, SOP) that are designed to reward our valued customers with SPECIAL DISCOUNTS, FREE MODELS, SPECIAL ORDER PURCHASE OPTIONS and IMPORTANT MARKET NEWS. Please contact us for more information at questions@jtscollectibles.com As a JT's Collectibles customer, you can be assured that you will receive excellent service, competitive pricing and will receive In-Stock product releases in a timely manner. CHECK OUT THE REST OF OUR STORE FOR HARD TO FIND AND NEW RELEASE DIECAST MODELS FROM MATCHBOX COLLECTIBLES AND OTHER BRANDS. SPECIAL PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR THIS PURCHASE: Please Ensure that your Customer Account is Setup Correctly when paying by VISA, MasterCard or PayPal. Your Address MUST BE either Address Verified or Address Confirmed in order to purchase this item(s). PAYMENT OPTIONS: We accept payment by Paypal, VISA and MasterCard.     SHIPPING COSTS AND POLICIES: Please review the Information Sections of JT’s Collectibles web site to learn more about our Business and Customer Programs, as well our other policies. Shipping Communication Privacy Security Conditions of Use Refund Cancellation