SIGNATURE MODELS - 1950 MERCEDES BENZ 170S

1950 Mercedes 170s Soft Top Diecast Car Model 1/32 Gray Die Cast Car by Signature Models

Shifting through the ashes of World War II, Mercedes Benz found uts was left with the tooling for only its 170 model its mass market car. Although still sporting the pre-war body styles, the 1950 170S and its sister, the 170D, with its diesel engine, showed the progress the company was making to reclaim its right to be called on the world's best automakers. The performances of both engines were boosted by an increase in displacement. Meanwhile, handling and safety were improved by the addition of telescopic shock absorbers, a wider rear axle track and the use of more effective brakes. Comfort was not neglected, either, with seats enlarged and the interior of the passenger compartment widened. Access to the trunk was also improved and molding was added to the front windows to protect passengers from drafts. The post-war 170 models were finally retired in 1955 with 153,475 built.

CORGI JUNIORS AND HUSKY MODELS BOOK

Corgi Juniors and Husky Models brings together the story of these small-scale model cars and other toys into one book for the first time. Once the #3 brand in many markets, they competed head-to-head with Mattel's Hot Wheels cars and Lesney's Matchbox Series. This widely collected line of diecast toy cars and trucks are examined in every detail. Over 500 full color photos and well-researched text presents the entire history of these cars, from the introduction of Husky Models in 1964, to the Corgi Classics of today. Here are Corgi Juniors, Corgi Rockets, Husky Toys, Whizzwheels Conversions and many more. The text includes never before published information on prototype, pre-production, and promotional models. An extensive section of variation listings, and details on every known model. The alphabetical cross-reference section provides readers with easy access to model numbers and current values. Buy it now

Mustang memorabilia abounds in this all-color look at the collectible treasures used over the years to promote America's favorite pony car. Filled with promotional models, clocks, drinking glasses, posters, and more! Nostalgic Mustang collector's items are featured in stunning color photos complemented by lively descriptions that tell the unique story behind each collectible piece. Contains a beneficial price and value guide for hard-core collectors. Mustang Collectibles is in the same format as the best-selling John Deere Collectibles. Buy it now

VW BEETLE TOYS (SCHIFFER BOOK FOR COLLECTORS WITH PRICE GUIDE)

Volkswagen Beetle toys and models from the late 1930s to today are all displayed in this lively book dedicated to this enduring, endearing automobile. Over 350 color images display tin, die cast, sheet metal, and plastic Beetles by major manufacturers, including Corgi, Matchbox, Hotwheels, Lledo, Tonka, and many others. Also included are examples of glass and ceramic Beetles, along with a Beetle Transformer*TM. Additionally, a history of the Beetle and Beetle toys, guidelines for developing and maintaining a Beetle collection, current market values, and a bibliography are all included. This book is a must for anyone who has an affection for this unique little car that has been on the roads for over seventy years! Buy it now

Schuco 1/18 VW T2a Porsche Support Minibus

In 1968, the second generation Volkswagen T2 Minibus was introduced. It was built in Germany until 1979. Models before 1971 are called T2a while models after 1972 are called T2b. This second-generation Minibus was slightly larger and considerably heavier than its predecessor. At 1.6 liter displacement and 48 hp, the engine was also slightly larger. The new model had half-shaft axles fitted with CV joints, which raised ride height.The T2b was introduced by way of gradual change over three years. The first models had unique body features, such as curvaceous bumpers with the front bumper wrapping around to form the step when the door was opened, front doors that opened to 90 degrees from the body and crescent air intakes in the D pillars. They also had unique engine hatches, and up until 1972 front turn signals set low on the nose, giving rise to their German nickname 'Low Lights'. Over its long life, VW made the T2 in a wide variety of configurations including the classic Minibus, delivery van, and the Combi, a useful platform for custom commercial designs. See more

SCHUCO 1:43 VOLKSWAGEN T1 SOLINGEN FIRE DEPARTMENT VAN

The classic Volkswagen T1 Minibus was first produced in 1950 and continued to be made until 1967. Its duties ranged from functional to fun, seeing duty as delivery van, service truck, emergency vehicle, family car and getaway camper. With its low cost, high reliability and ease of maintenance, it was a hit with all its owners, but is probably best remembered as an iconic symbol of ‘60s counterculture. The VW van was among the first 'forward control' designs in which the driver was placed above the front wheels. Thanks to wind-tunnel testing, the Minibus was aerodynamically superior to the Beetle despite its slab-sided shape. Never known for its power, the Minibus started out with only an 1131cc engine making 25 hp. By the end of its production, engine displacement grew to 1.5 liters, producing a whopping 42 hp. No matter the size, however, the engines were always air-cooled, a VW hallmark. Buy it now

LLEDO DAYS GONE - 1937 SCAMMELL TRACTOR 'BERTRAM MILLS'

A slight change of plan at the end of 1996 saw DG80, the Scammell Tractor, released in the livery of Bertram Mills Circus. The orange and blue livery will fit in well with a 'circus' display. See more

SCHUCO 1:43 OPEL CORSA - THE CITY OF NURNBERG

The front-wheel drive Opel Corsa was first launched in April 1983 to replace the Opel Kadett C. The first Corsas were three-door hatchback and two-door saloon models, with four-door and five-door versions arriving in 1984. The basic model was called just the Corsa, which was followed by the Corsa Luxus, Corsa Berlina and the sporty Corsa SR. Six years later, the Corsa received a facelift, with a new front fascia and some other minor changes. The models were then labeled LS, GL, GLS and GT. Power came from a variety of displacements including 1.0 liter, 1.2 liter, 1.3 liter and 1.4 liter gas engines which were short on performance but strong on economy. There was also a 1.5 L diesel engine available.

Feature:
Limited Edition of 1000 pieces worldwide
Accurate 3.25" long model of Opel's supermini painted for the city of Nurnberg Public Works
Exquisite detailing including orange roof beacon, multi-color Nurnberg city crest, gloss orange paint with corner warning markers, windshield wipers (including rear window), clear plastic headlight lens and tinted tail light lens
Superb interior includes steering wheel, floor-mount shifter, legible dashboard dials, rearview mirror and even red seat belt recepticles
Diecast metal construction with plastic detail parts Includes clear display case and base

Buy it now

ITALIAN WITH BAGGAGE

In the same month of July, the Fiat 1500 (56b) with a roof-rack joined the range. It is probably one of the most common regular wheel models to be found at swapmeets and of course the real vehicle can still be seen today as a Lada with only minor alterations.

The plastic interior was modified to include extensions ahead of the ‘M’ in Matchbox on the base. The roof luggage was originally brown but this was subsequently changed to tan. The main variation came in the 1968 GI Gift Set, when the Fiat was painted in all-over red with tan luggage. This is considerably harder to find than the normal green version.—Model Collector

THE TAYLOR JUMBO CRANE

The Taylor Jumbo Crane (11c) replaced the ERF Petrol Tanker in June. It was usually found in all-over yellow with a red double chain hook. When the weight box was painted red, a few hooks appeared with single chains in either red or yellow plastic.
The jib was subject to a number of casting changes. These centered upon the top and bottom lattice work which originally was cast open but this gap was later closed. The final jib version included a small cross brace between the top plates.

A King size version, also in plain yellow, was released at the same time. The miniature model was available for five years before it was replaced in April 1969 by the Scaffolding Truck.

ERTL 1/18 - 1996 PONTIAC FIREBIRD TRANS-AM

The 1996 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is a sleek-looking car, and this model certainly captures the shape. While it does have such features as steering, opening bonnet and doors, perhaps by today's standards it is lacking a little. For example, the interior looks somewhat plain, while the seats do not tilt; equally on our sample the side doors were not a perfect fit. However, if such details do not worry you, this will prove an enjoyable model to own. Buy it now

CORGI 1/43 ROVER MINI AND BMW MINI

The two cars depicted in this boxed set are two of the cars which took part in the 2004 Lord Mayor’s Show in the City of London. In this show the Mini Cooper Register supplied 45 cars, to celebrate 45 years of Mini – H314 AEC is a 1990 Rover Mini Cooper which actually led the Mini Cooper Register display of 45 cars in the 2004 Lord Mayor’s Show, as it did in 1994, 1996 and 2001. The most modern car is the September 2004 built New MINI ONE D, 8996 DF. This is the 4th time that the Mini Cooper Register has supported the Lord Mayor’s Show, the previous times being 1994, 1996 and 2001. Shop here

SCHUCO 1:43 MERCEDES-BENZ 170V WOOD FUELED

Bio fuels are nothing new. In the fuel-starved Germany of the 30’s and 40’s, “wood gasification” generators were fitted to cars when gasoline wasn’t available. This novel model replicates the burner affixed to the rear of a Mercedes-Benz 170 sedan, with plumbing to the front part of the device that fuels the engine. Completing the scene is an extra bag of wood slung over the right front fender. A fascinating model made all the more interesting because of its scarcity. Buy it now

VANGUARDS 1/43 BEDFORD S TYPE TANKER 'REGENT'

The Bedford has the oval tanker body and is finished in the red "REGENT" livery with front mounted ladder, which looks correct and is certainly not over-scale. The tank is all metal and is painted, avoiding the problem of trying to match the colour of plastic tank to metal parts. . In addition to admiring the basic model, look at the 'By Appoinment' coats of arms on the cab doors, which have been superbly printed. Buy it now

SCHUCO 1:18 PORSCHE 356 A SPEEDSTER SILVER

The Porsche 356 was the company's first production automobile. It was a lightweight and nimble 2-door sports car available as coupe and convertible. Production started in 1948 in Austria and in 1950 the factory relocated to Germany. In 1955, after numerous changes, the 356A was introduced. Production continued until April 1965. Little noticed at its inception, the first 356s sold primarily in Europe, but by the early 1950s the 356 had gained renown among enthusiasts on both sides of the Atlantic. Like its cousin, the VW Beetle, the 356 was a four-cylinder, air-cooled, rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive car utilizing unitized pan and body construction. While the 356's body was an original design by Porsche, its engine, suspension and chassis were derived from the Beetle. However, Porsche quickly re-engineered and refined the car so by the late '50s many fewer parts were shared. Cabriolets were offered from the start, and in the early 1950s sometimes comprised over 50% of total production. One of the most desirable collector models is the 356 Speedster, introduced in late 1954. With its raked windshield, bucket seats and minimal folding top, the Speedster was an instant hit, especially in Southern California. Buy it now

HOT WHEELS 1/18 FERRARI F50

The Ferrari F50 is a high-performance Supercar, introduced in 1996 to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary. The car is a two-door, two-seat convertible with a removable hardtop and has a 4.7L naturally aspirated sixty-valve V-12 engine that was developed from Ferrari's F1 powerplant. Only 349 cars were made, one less than Ferrari estimated they could sell.

This car has been superbly modelled by Hot Wheels in their ever increasing 1:18 scale Ferrari range. As we have said in the past in other Ferrari reviews, this model is excellent quality and extremely good value for the collector! Hot Wheels have captured the power and grace of these incredible machines, and of course the red paintwork and prancing horse speaks for itself!! Buy it now

BRUMM 1/43 SIMCA D-DAY APERTA 1944

An interesting model has appeared on the Simca 5, in military guise as it would have appeared on D-Day in 1944. Perhaps the paint finish is a little too glossy in places, but pleasing touches are hooded healights (portrayed in black) and the fact that the seats actually tip forward. Buy it now

SCHUCO 1:43 VOLKSWAGEN T1 SERVICE VAN FOR JOHN DEERE-LANZ

The classic Volkswagen T1 Minibus was first produced in 1950 and continued to be made until 1967. Its duties ranged from functional to fun, seeing duty as delivery van, service truck, emergency vehicle, family car and getaway camper. With its low cost, high reliability and ease of maintenance, it was a hit with all its owners, but is probably best remembered as an iconic symbol of '60s counterculture. The VW van was among the first 'forward control' designs in which the driver was placed above the front wheels. Thanks to wind-tunnel testing, the Minibus was aerodynamically superior to the Beetle despite its slab-sided shape. Never known for its power, the Minibus started out with only an 1131cc engine making 25 hp. By the end of its production, engine displacement grew to 1.5 liters, producing a whopping 42 hp. No matter the size, however, the engines were always air-cooled, a VW hallmark. Buy it now