LLEDO VANGUARDS: 1/43 FORD 100E

How many memories will come rushing back with the Ford 100E, another fine rendition by Lledo. Again the once so-familiar shape has been captured perfectly on the model, which once more reveals the careful attention to fine detail that Lledo is ensuring appears on these models.

VANGUARDS: 1/43 ROVER P4

This is the Rover P4, a beautiful model which has captured the distinctive shape of this car, from the era when cars did indeed have distinctive shapes by which they were instantly recognised. This vintage replica features the updated 1959 model. During the P4's 14 year history it underwent no fewer than 11 variants. Features include distinctive grille and its recessed bars, new style number plate and photo-etched chrome detail, the model is mounted on a removable plinth with a hard plastic cover. The model looks particularly smart in the deep maroon chosen for the initial release. Worth nothing are the seperately painted dividers in the rear windows. The radiator, in the characteristic Rover style, is fully chromed.

MATCHBOX: PERSONNEL CARRIER

The six-wheel M3 Personnel Carrier (49a) was the first of ten military vehicles to be issued in the ‘1-75’ range. It was painted in the traditional olive green and the rear pairs of wheels were rollers inside grey trucks, though some of the final issues were found with green tracks. The front wheels changed from metal to grey plastic in 1959, and finally to black plastic. There was usually a correlation between the wheels and the rollers, but examples exist of grey wheels with metal rollers and grey wheels with silver plastic rollers. The wheels and the rollers may be found in different sizes. A bonnet decal featuring a white star in a circle was included on all variants, though models with metal wheels are known to exist without decals. Originally the body was crimped to the base but later a river was used instead. Several minor variations exist around the bogie wheels. The model is comparatively easy to find today, for in the 1960s it proved to be very popular and sold for more than nine years.

KOVAP TIN PLATE: VOLKSWAGEN T2

KOVAP TIN PLATE: VOLKSWAGEN CIRCUS CARAVAN

KOVAP TIN PLATE: VOLKSWAGEN PICKUP

TROFEU: FORD ESCORT Mk I POLICE PANDA CAR

Certain to prove popular is the Ford Escort MkI as a Police Panda car. The car comes in the familiar pale blue and white, with POLICE on the doors and on the roof box. With such detailing as etched windscreen wipers, this is an ideal model for all Police enthusiasts. See more.

1969 PLYMOUTH BARRACUDA

1969 Plymouth Barracuda 383 Diecast Model Red 1/18 Die Cast Car By Yat Ming

The Plymouth Barracuda of 1969 is a well-known car, the sleek lines of which are fully captured by this model. The colour is red, with white stripes. The model includeds a number of operating features, such as opening doors, steering, and opening bonnet to reveal the engine. There are seperately fitted windscreen wipers (which look more authentic than are usually seen), door handles and petrol filler cap. The paintwork is of a high standard, resulting in a first-class model.

MATCHBOX: SCAMMELL MOUTAINEER SNOWPLOUGH

In September 1963 a Scammel Mouantaineer Snowplough (16c) entered the range where it remained for six years. It replaced the Rotinoff Super Atlantic Trailer and though originally shown in the 1963 catalogue in yellow with a grey blade and a Scammell decal, it was released with a grey cab and an orange tipper with either orange and white or red and white stripes on the blade.

The base came with or without a hole and the steps to the cab could be open or closed. A model with grey plastic wheels is a rear variant for these were only fitted in small quantities towards the end of this model’s life. Black plastic wheels are usually associated with the Scammell Snowplough.

WELLY 1/24th SCALE AUSTIN FX4 TAXICAB

Introduced onto the roads of London in 1959, the all-new Austin FX4 taxicab was set to replace the FX3, which had first appeared some ten years earlier. Built to the exacting specifications of the Public Carriage Office, the new cab at last gave full all-weather protection for the cab driver in a purpose-built volume production taxicab. Powered by the trusty 2.2 litre diesel BMC engine or similar capacity petrol engines, the FX4 could still turn on a 25 foot ‘sixpence’ and carry four or five people in comfort with their luggage. The original cabs are easily recognizable by the ‘teddy bear’ turn indicators mounted on the roof sides, small rear lamps and a smoked glass rear screen for privacy. Initially only available in black, the FX4 can now be had in any colour you like. It has been updated and modernized frequently over the last 30-odd years, with the lastest derivative still the only real volume production taxicab on the streets of London. Like the AEC Routemaster, and built at almost exactly the same time, these two vehicles epitomize London and are known world-wide. See more.

MAISTO: 1/18th SCALE PORSCHE BOXSTER

Porsche Boxster Diecast Model Red 1/18 Die Cast Car By Maisto

The Porsche Boxster Cabriolet is an extremely fine model, correct in shape, beautifully painted and with fine detail. As with most models in the larger scale, there are operating feautres such as steering, opening doors and so on, but these are all a good fit. A stunning model which has the sleek lines of the actual car just right.

AUSTIN HEALEY 3000 MkII (GOLDEN BEIGE)-50th ANNIVERSARY

The original Austin Healey entered production in 1953, after BMC’s Chairman, Leonard Lord, bought the design of the Austin based Healey 100 prototype Donald Healey’s company showed at the October 1952 Earls Court Motor Show. Eventually the Austin 2.6-litre big four used in the 100 was superseded in BMC’s range by the 6-cylinder 2.6-litre C-Series engine, so the car was substantially redesigned to take the new power unit; creating the Healey 100-Six of 1956. However, the iconic Healey 3000 was launched in 1959 when the 3-litre version of the C-Series was installed. The model then continued in production until 1968.

KOVAP TIN PLATE: VW 1200 BEETLE

The Volkswagen 1200 Beetle in Deutsche Bundespost livery was made available between 1968 and 1979. It was designed and produced by Kovap. in Czechoslovakia. The model is made from tin plate pressing which are clipped together by folded edges. The main shell is finished in vivid yellow, pressed accurately with details to the bonnet (including the air intake and VW badge), the rear engine cover, vent and bumpers. ‘Deutesche Bundespost’ and a horn is printed in black on both doors.

KOVAP TIN PLATE: VOLKSWAGEN T2 AMBULANCE

In 1/143th scale tin plate from Kovap comes a VWT2 transporter bay window ambulance in cream with the usual red crosss, blue doom light. This is nice looking model, with tinted rear saloon windows masking the lack of any detail in the ‘patient’ area.

KYOSHO: 1/18 SCALE CATERHAM SUPER SEVEN

This is Caterham Super Seven from Kyosho, for this really is a superlative model. This time the model comes in silver, with a green nose. Sensibly the model is packaged with the bonnet off, so that the fully detailed engine can be admired. However, as you exmine the model closely, you see many other fine details, such as the chrome headlights, the Caterhan Super Seven badge on the bonnet, the dashboard and steering wheel detail, and the incredible seatbelts. Steering is provides, and while not really needed on a model such as this feature in no way detracts from the overall look. Once more, this is a first class model. See more

MATCHBOX: BEDFORD 'EVENING NEWS' VAN

The Bedford 12cwt appeared with the ‘Evening News’ van, no.42a. The yellow body had a signboard with ‘First With The NEWS’ on the roof and front door decals proclaiming ‘Football Results’ and ‘Evening News’ on both sides. Metal, grey and black plastic wheels were all applied as well as silver trim to the grille and headlights. It was a popular model as it lasted in the range for almost eight years.

1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

1958 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Diecast Model Red 1/18 Die Cast Car By Motormax

A 1/18th scale model is certain to look impressive in the display cabinet, and that certainly is the case with the Chevrolet Corvette of 1958 as modelled by Motormax. This open version looks stunning in its red and white, with plenty of chrome trim. This trim extends to such areas as the interior of the car, with the instrument panels neatly shown.

The bonnet opens to reveal a highly detailed engine, while the boot like wise opens. The front wheels steer, and have suspension, while the doors also open.

Fortunately all the opening features are a good fit, so do not detract from the overall appearance of this fine model.

CORGI JUNIOR: ROADLINE VAN

Roadline was the name used by the BRS parcels service back in the late 1970s, and is now long gone. The clever ‘r’ symbol for ‘junction ahead’, and it was carried on a Corgi Junior Leyland Terrier box van in the deep green colour used on the fleet. The Corgi Junior range was used for promotional purpose but this particular version was a general issue and is now quite rare in perfect condition.

MATCHBOX: WEATHERILL HYDRAULIC EXCAVATOR

Construction vehicles always featured strongly in the ‘1-75’ range and the Weatherill Hydraulic Excavator (24a), in its two forms, remained for eleven years. It appear either with an orange-yellow or a plain yellow body, with a ‘Weatherill Hydraulic’ rear decal. The bucket could be raised or lowered. This model was the first to include model numbers cast on to the metal wheels and also the first model to have its number cast on the base. This numbering technique occurred because it was part of a ‘family mould’. In the manufacturing process a body, base and wheels would all be derived from one small mould. When plastic wheels were introduced in 1958-59, these could all be of a common type, and it was no longer necessary to number the wheels. Although most models were fitted with the appropriate wheels, there were inevitably some mistakes. Perhaps the most odd detail was that a model numbered as 24 was fitted with wheels which had ‘23’ cast upon them.

MATCHBOX: EUCLID QUARRY TRUCK

In August a 6-wheel Euclid Quarry Truck (6c) replaced the earlier version. In fact, the model looked as though it had ten wheels but the heavy duty rear wheels were of a single moulding. Later ten individual wheels were fitted. All were of black plastic though there are variations in design, particularly with the front wheels.

The tipper could be fixed in any position. The model was originally decorated with silver trim but this was dropped before the model’s of minor casting variations with this truck affecting the body, chassis and base.

1968 CAMARO SS 396

This is the 1968 Camaro SS 396 from Welly, a stylish car finished in red with a white flash and silver trim. The models in this series are finely detailed, especially in such aspects as the wheels, while the paint work, of both exterior and interior, has been finely executed. The result is an attractive addition to the American car collection. See more.

LLEDO VANGUARDS: MINIVAN 'RAC'

This model is the Austin Mini van, which comes in a version without roof ribbing. This really is a delightful model, and proportions of this famous van. The shape of this vehicle is not easy to reproduce, so Lledo is to be congratulated on achieving a model that looks right from whatever angle it is viewed.
A pleasing touch is that only the window on the driver’s side is shown in an open position.
The livery chosen for this first release is RAC Road Service, in the familiar blue with white roof. A roof board is included, bearing the legend ‘Caledonian Patrol’

MATCHBOX: THE AVELING BARFORD ROAD ROLLER

The first miniature model was the Aveling Barford Road Roller. It may be distinguished from the three subsequent Road Rollers by its full length canopy. This first Road Rollers was descended from the early Lesney toy which had its own origins in the Dinky model already available at this time. In 1958; Lesney enlarged the size of the model and box. The third version of the Aveling Barford Road Roller (1c) was painted either with a light or a dark green body. The rollers continued to be red metal but the towing hook of the preceding models was replaced by a flat towbar.

BMW Z3 ROADSTER

BMW Z3 M Roadster Diecast Model Blue 1/18 Die Cast Car By Bburago

This model is the MBW Z3 Roadster, depicted as featured in the film Goldeneye. Even without the 'film-related' connection, this is a superb model. It is well up to the very high standards set by Bburago in this scale. It features a wealth of fine detail, particularly under the bonnet and in the cockpit. While there are some 'working' features, such as steering, opening doors, and an opening bonnet, fortunately, these are a good fit.

ROUTE 66 - THE ROAD THAT BUILT AMERICA

A 2448 mile ribbon of highway that stretched from Chicago to the Pacific Ocean. Since its cration in 1926 Route 66 was the road of salvation for some, a treasure trove of popular culture for others and for the rest the ultimate motoring high! Many of America’s classic cars first felt tyre on tarmac on Route 66. Today it is still the road of discovery bringing miles of adventure and the freedom to go as you please.

This is 1939 Dodge Streamliner Route 66, finished in white and red.

LLEDO VANGUARDS: VW BEETLE

Similarly the Volkswagen Beetle has been uprated, this version being with the oval, split rear window. Again the shap of this familiar car has been beautifully captured, and all the trim has been detailed, particularly the aspects picked out in silver. This version is offered in blue and green.

LLEDO VANGUARDS: AUSTIN 7 MINI

The Austin 7 Mini now forms part of the Vanguard range, and as such has been upgraded with its chassis detail, chromed bumpers, headlights and radiator, plush door handles, petrol filler cap and other similar detail picked out in separate colours. This is a very pleasing model of the Mini, for we feel Lledo has captures the difficult shape perfectly. It is offered in red and blue.