Below are three Matchbox 3-Packs I found at my grocery store here in Canada this holiday season. I thought I'd ask since I've never seen these before. Are these a regular pack, or just a holiday filler? Some differences I noticed on the packaging are things such as:

-No theme logo/decal/name on front or side of box.
-Colours featured in the packs are those of the 5-Packs? (Yes, some are available in singles too)

If anyone has information regarding what these 3-Packs are intended to portray, please post. Each package is labeled "Ready For Action" (As is every Canadian Matchbox blister pack) with the numbers "C3713".

By the way, another reason why I'm posting these here is because I bought them on sale for $1.57 CAD. per pack. Certainly beats our average here of $1.09 CAD. (The last picture was taken with my mobile, because I didn't want to buy that pack.)

http://hondageek.250free.com/HOST/HPIM0282.jpg

http://hondageek.250free.com/HOST/HPIM0283.jpg

http://hondageek.250free.com/HOST/IMG00006.jpg

These 3-packs contain standard issues from a variety of ranges. Most of the models are from the basic range, with some 5-pack models and playset models. The 2 sets you purchased actually contain only basic range models. The set you left behind contains the green Emergency Rescue 4x4 which is from one of the new 2009 playsets. Therefore it is cheaper to buy it in the 3-pack. It is very rare to find anytyhing unique in 3-packs as they are just fillers.

However, oddly enough, the next assortment will contain a green Austin Mini Van that was due for another project but canceled after production started. Therefore rather than waste the model, they simply added it to the 3-packs. Therefore it will be a 3-pack exclusive. But that is a one-off occasion. Usually, as said, they are simply models from the basic range (with a few 5-pack or playset models thrown in).

:) :D :p

Well that is definitely some good information to know in the future. I was given a heads up from the store employees that they'd still be getting cheaper, because the store got the batch for the holidays. So maybe I'll pick up the one I left behind anyways for collection purpose.

Thanks again for the info.