K-III Missile Launcher

Review by JoshB

Matchbox Battle Kings (and by association, Super Kings) is a toy line that I don't actively collect, but am compelled to pick up whenever I see one. Their diecast construction and futuristic design was way ahead of its time.

I reminisced fondly about my Super Kings Car Transporter years ago, and now I bring you another of the "Kings" - the Missile Launcher from the Battle Kings line.

Back in the 70s, Lesney of England had their standard Matchbox line of cars. But they also experimented with larger versions of their cars called "Super Kings". Based on the success of Super Kings, Lesney came out with a military themed line called "Battle Kings". The line didn't do well.

At first the toys came out with shiny metallic paintjobs and weren't well received. They quickly re-released the toys in military colors and found more success, but the line didn't last long, ending in 1979.

The K-III Missile Launcher is one of the smaller vehicles in the line. It's a six-wheeled truck with a working missile launcher on the back.

The toy sports a mesmerizing green paint job with exquisite molded detail throughout. Check out the tools molded onto the side.

Each side of the opening bay doors has a retro-futuristic sticker, a feature which the recolor lacks.

When you roll the toy across the ground the radar dish on the roof rotates.

Push down on the orange lever on the back and the doors pop out and the launcher raises up.

The small choking hazard missiles snap into clips on either door. Often the missiles are found wedged underneath the clips instead of inside them.

The missile clips into the launcher with a simple mechanism. With a push of the lever the missile launches far with surprising force.

The launcher can raise and lower on a hinge.

The repaint version came out a year later and features a more subdued traditional military paintjob. I don't like it as much.

I'll continue to pick up Super Kings, Battle Kings, Speed Kings and even Sea Kings as I come across them at yard sales, estate sales. They are too cool to pass up.