This rare “All Original” Matchbox Lesney Models of Yesteryear 1910 Benz Chartreuse Roof Limousine is in very good condition for being over 50years old.  I was taught early on by my parents to take good care of all my toys.  My parents never allowed me to take my Matchbox cars outside or around any water source.  Special care was taken to preserve this car.  When I was not playing with my 1910 Benz Chartreuse Roof Limousine I was required by my parents to carefully wrap the car in holiday tissue paper and place it in my in one of several plastic shoebox containers for safe keeping.  By following these rules, I was rewarded with additional Models of Yesteryear vehicles. 

This car is part of a limited edition of the 1910 Benz Limousine. The body color was supposed to be dark green with a light green roof, but they ran out of dark green paint.  They subsequently made a limited version that comprised of a light cream body with the light green roof.  The light green color chosen was called Chartreuse, which is a color between yellow and green.  It was named because of its resemblance to the green color of one of the French liqueurs called green chartreuse, introduced in 1764. 

The 1910 Benz Chartreuse Roof Limousine driver's side view (left side) is shown in the first attached high resolution photograph.  This image highlight’s the car’s rare light cream color and also displays the car's other key features including the rare chartreuse color hardtop, rear door and side window, rear burgundy seat, front burgundy seat, light cream color steering wheel, gold hand brake and gearshift, gold coach lantern, wide side front and rear fenders and running board.  In addition, the car has front and rear gold spoke wheel rims and black tires.  There is also a spare tire mounted on this side. The length of the car is approximately 3 ¼ inches long and its height (surface to roof top) is 1 ¾ inches high. Note:  There are some minor paint chips on the driver’s side front and rear fenders and running board which were from normal play. 

The 1910 Benz Chartreuse Roof Limousine passenger’s side view (right side) is shown in the second attached high resolution photograph.  This image highlight’s the car’s light cream color and displays several of the same features as noted on the driver's side.  Most noteworthy is the open entry to the driver’s front burgundy seat.  Note:  There are some minor paint chips on the driver’s side front and rear fenders, running board, body side and hood which were from normal play. 

The front view of the 1910 Benz Chartreuse Roof Limousine is shown in the third attached high resolution photograph.  This image captures the car’s light cream color which provides an excellent contrast to its front gold round headlights and gold radiator and burgundy grill.  Other key features include the dual gold coach lanterns, light cream steering wheel, burgundy driver’s seat and gold double window frame and the front potion of the chartreuse color roof.  Lastly the classic period light cream color car frame and fenders, silver axle and front black tires are also extremely prominent in this photograph.  The width of the car is 1 3/8 inches wide.  Note:  There are some minor paint chips on the front fenders and front spring holders which were from normal play. 

The rear view of the 1910 Benz Chartreuse Roof Limousine is shown in the fourth attached high resolution photograph. This image exhibits the car’s rear features including the rear top portion of the chartreuse color roof, lowered burgundy canopy top, light cream color car body with high rear side fenders. Underneath are the rear spring holders, centered gas tank, silver rear axle and black tires.  Note: There are some minor paint chips on the rear fenders, rear spring holders and centered gas tank which were from normal play. 

The top view of the 1910 Benz Chartreuse Roof Limousine is shown in the fifth attached high resolution photograph. This image captures the car's lowered burgundy canopy top and burgundy rear seat, chartreuse color on the limousine’s roof, light cream color front side fenders and front hood.  Also exhibited is the top of the black spare tire, gold radiator and gold round headlights.  Note:  There are some minor paint chips on the front and rear fenders and running boards which were from normal play. 

The 1910 Benz Chartreuse Roof Limousine’s chassis bottom view is shown in the sixth attached high resolution photograph. From this vertical viewpoint, you can observe the two silver axles and black tires.  Note:  There are some minor paint chips on the undercarriage which were from normal play. 

In addition, the manufacturer’s information is contained in the following raised text:  "MODELS OF YESTERYEAR”, 1910 BENZ LIMOUSINE, Y-3, MADE IN ENGLAND BY LESNEY" as shown horizontally in the seventh attached high resolution photograph. 

Tremendous care was taken over the years to properly preserve this1910 Benz Limousine.  Although there are several paint chips, they were from normal play wear.  This toy came from and was stored in a smoke free home. Overall this “All Original” and rare color combination 1910 Benz Limousine is in very good condition considering its age and active use.  This is a superb opportunity to start or expand your Matchbox Models of Yesteryear car collection. 

Note:  Photographs are an important part of my description; please review all photographs before purchasing.  If my photographs and or description are lacking something of importance, please ask questions prior to purchasing. Thanks!