CORGI - SKYSCAPPER TOWER CRANE

This model was tooled and produced in Hong Kong. The model had a ‘trucked’ base surmounted by a swiveling body casting, at the rear of which were simulated concrete counterweight blocks. The main tower crane and top boom were diecast. These could be collapsed to fold down for towing away. A red moulded sling carrying a load of building blocks was also included with the model but this one is missing. It was not a factual model.

CORGI 1/36 MAZDA MOTORWAY MAINTENANCE TRUCK

This was the basic 493 Mazda B1600 Pick-up, fitted with a slightly modified version of the 478 Jeep Tower Wagon, but still with the same cage and arms. Bollards and hinged ‘Road Worker’ signs were included, together with self-adhesive labels but this one is missing.

VANGUARD 1/43 MORRIS MINOR 1000 - 60th ANNIVERSARY MODEL

Launched at the 1948 Motor Show, the Morris Minor was the first car to come from Alec Issigonis’ extremely fertile mind. Its stiff unit construction bodyshell, torsion-bar independent front suspension and accurate rack and pinion steering represented a huge advance over the Morris 8 Series E it replaced. The Minor’s lights were raised into pods on the wings in early 1951 and it received BMC’s more up to date A-Series engine in the autumn of 1952, but the basic car remained unaltered throughout its twenty-three year production life. The fact that over 1.6 million Minors were produced is testament to the greatness of Issigonis’ original design.

KYOSHO 1/18 MORRIS MINI MINOR 1959

Kyosho is a Japanese model-maker, but the company loves classic British cars of the sixties. And so it was no surprise when they announced that they would be modelling the first ever production Mini Minor, registration 621 AOK. It has now been released. Over the years, there has been some debate about whether 621 AOK really was the first Mini off the production line as it does not have the lowest build number. But recently the mystery was solved. Peter Tothill, who was responsible for the design of the production line has confirmed that he and four other colleagues built 621 AOK over the Easter bank holiday of March 27 - March 30, 1959. The technical build date of May 8 was merely the day the paperwork caught up! It can be definitely confirmed, therefore, that 621 AOK really is the first ever Mini. And, of course, you can be just as confident that Kyosho has crawled over every inch of it to create a totally authentic replica. We, and you, would expect no less! And finally, for those who seek exclusivity, we have had 100 examples signed by the man who made 621 AOK, Peter Tothill. Very unique. Very special. This fantastic model has been accurately produced as a faithful replica of the original vehicle. Kyosho produce high quality diecast models with a great level of detail and high quality finish. Kyosho 1:18 models tend to feature opening body parts. This Kyosho model will make a great gift or great addition to your collection. Shop here

CORGI 1/50 BEDFORD S DROPSIDE 'W. AND J. RIDING'

The Bedford S comes as a dropside in the livery of W. and J. Riding Ltd, of  Preston and Longridge. The dark blue livery, with bright red chassis, looks smart, perfectly setting off the gold lettering. The model is supplied with a load of drums, which can be positioned as requires when the model is displayed. Shop here

MATCHBOX REGULAR WHEEL NO.52b - BRM FORMULA I RACER

In September, the BRM Forular I Racer (52b) was released to complement the Lotus Racer. The new model, which replaced the Maserati, had plated engine, exhaust pipes and suspension. The first model was painted blue, but rarer red versions appeared in the 1966 G4 Racetrack and 1968 G4 ‘Race ‘n Rally’ Gift Sets. The number 5 on the nose and sides came originally in decal form but later as labels.

The blue BRM was fitted with a No.3 decal for a short time. Tow guides were included with later releases, whilst the engine may be found with eleven or twelve ribs. --Model Collector

MATCHBOX REGULAR WHEEL NO.30C - EIGHT WHEEL FAUN CRANE TRUCK

August saw the release of an eight wheel Faun Crane Truck (30c) with a green body and orange revolving jib. One variation involved a comparatively rare red hook as opposed to the normal yellow version.

The model comes with and without a tow guide and first releases did not have the central brace to the rear of the jib rivet. A model with a turquoise body was found in a G6 Gift Set. --Model Collector

NOREV 1/18 RENAULT 16 IN WHITE

The R16 was a car ahead of its time, pioneering hatchback motoring. It was always an elegant car, and Norev have done it justice. Superb grille. Shop here

CORGI 1/36 JAMES BOND TOMORROW NEVER DIES BMW 750i - THE DIRECTORS CUT

There's a great new feature for this Beemer-the bonnet badge pops up to reveal a chain cutter. With actual firing roof rockets too, this has play value. Shop here

CORGI 1/43 ROLLS ROYCE - THE DIRECTORS CUT

Rolls-Royce fans should ignore Bond character and trimmings, this is a gorgeous model. Spirit of Ecstasy, interior and bonnet ribbing are lovely! Shop here

VANGUARDS 1/43 AUSTIN 1800 - DURHAM POLICE

The Durham Constabulary were one of several forces that were tasked by the home office to experiment with a black and white livery on it's traffic division cars, similar in style to that used in the USA. Shop here

RICKO 1/18 ALFA ROMEO 147 GTA RACING RED

There sure is a lot of duplication going on, Ricko has produced  a Mercedes 300 and a Z4, and UH an MGB GT and R5 Turbo - these models are also duplicated by Revell, Minichamps or Kyosho in 2003. Thi s is a cup version of the 147 - and it's well finished. Shop here

EXOTO 1/18 1968 LOTUS FORD 49 - GRAHAM HILL #5

This Lotus Ford 49 is crammed full offeatures including: rotating front and rear brake discs, sophisticated steering mechanism, detailed suspension system featuring front and rear hydraulic hoses, removable airbox which exposes polished velocity stacks, photo-etched radiators, individually cast exhaust headers, a detailed cockpit with suede-like seat and fabric seat-belts with metal hardware, detailed engine bay featuring genuine aluminum heat shields, accurate pipes, hydraulic hoses, wires and more, fully wired and plumbed engine. The engine apart, the bodywork is perfectly portrayed, with all the riverts, with all the rivets, the driver in place with full instrument panel, and accurate wheels which include steering and suspension. The whole model is completed by fine paintwork and tempo prining.Here's some more background on the car and driver Graham Hill, courtesy of Exoto.com: Graham Hill finished second to Jim Clark in the 1968 South African Grand Prix with this well raced Lotus 49/R3. Hill had driven this chassis in the last six championship races in 1967; beginning with the British Grand Prix in July. The points scored by Graham Hill, in this car, at South Africa were the first in what was to become his second championship year. Shop here

1957 CHEVROLET 3100 PICK UP (DIXIE GAS PARTS & SERVICE)

A broken fan belt, an empty tank of gas, an overheated radiator. These are easy problems for a mechanic to fix, but they can upset the most pleasant ride. And, when they do occur, a driver hopes for a phone booth where a simple call will send relief and get the car back on the road. For many drivers along the beautiful highways of the south in the 1950s, that relief came from Dixie Gas. With its bright blue and yellow logo on the side of a classic 1957 Chevy 3100, the Dixie Gas Parts & Service vehicle was a gratifying sight to a motorist standing on the side of the road by his broken down car. With friendly service and quality workmanship, the Dixie Gas mechanic examined the problem—and more often than not—fixed it on the spot. This vehicle was often a mobile service station, putting cars back on the road in the quickest time possible. And now the Dixie Gas Parts & Service 1957 Chevy 3100 is part of the Fabulous Fifties Road Service Collection. It has been crafted in die-cast metal by Matchbox Collectibles—“the Greatest Name in Die-cast”


Dixie Oil and Gas Company


From the 1920s onward, the blue and yellow logo of the Dixie Oil and Gas Company was a familiar and welcome sight to American motorists in the South. Crowning gas pumps, oil cans and service vehicles, the logo consisted of a blue ring with the words “Dixie Gasoline” wrapped around a white diamond in a yellow field with the word “Oils.” The sign assured reliable fuel and oil for the increasing number of American automobiles.