Matchbox Lesney Models of YesterYear D1 Box Issues are the first colour picture boxes with the model featured on a plain yellow background.

The banner header on the front face is "Models of Yesteryear" in a Old West Cowboy style font. The new text style is heavier block font than the banner on the earlier line-drawing boxes.

The lower banner is 'A Lesney Product' in a drop-shadow effect of black on red which looks like the colour registration was incorrect, but it is by design.

The end flaps are plain blue with white lettering for the model reference number and name.