CORGI 1/43 MORRIS J2 VAN MODEL DUDLEY ZOO

The J2 range of 15cwt vans and pick ups was designed by Morris but was very much a BMC product and was the corporations first unitary construction van. Launched in 1956 it continued in production until 1967 by which time over a 120,000 had been built. The J2 was originally fitted with the 1489cc version of BMC's B-Series engine, which was used in many different vehicles including the Austin Cambridge and MGA. In 1962 it gained the enlarged 1622cc engine, which was been fitted in the rest of the corporation's products, and a floor change gearbox. A diesel version using the same engine was also offered. In line with BMC's thinking in the late fifties, an Austin badged version of the J2 was made, which differed only grille shape, the Austin being plainer in style and more rectangular. The BMC JU van that was announced in 1967, and produced until 1974 was actually a very heavily revised J2 under the skin.

Founded in 1937 and celebrating it's 70th birthday in 2007, Dudley Zoological Gardens in the heart of the West Midlands is set in 40 acres of parkland in the shadow of the medieval castle. It is home to more than 1,000 animals and 200 species, many of them highly endangered and heads a prestigious conservation programme. The J2 van featured as a publicity vehicle during the 1960s.

MINICHAMPS 1/18 MORRIS MINOR MILLION PURPLE

MORRIS MINOR MILLION PURPLE 118 MINICHAMPS MODEL

The revolutionary Morris Minor (the prototype was called Mosquito) was launched at the Earls Court Motor Show on 20 September, 1948. Named for an earlier Morris Minor car , it was the work of a team led by Alec Issigonis, who later designed the Mini. Sir Alec became famous for his creation of the Mini but he was really proudest of his participation in designing the Morris Minor. He considered it as being a vehicle which managed to combine many of the luxuries and conveniences of a good motor car with a price suitable for the working classes, while the Mini, introduced in 1959, was a spartan mode of conveyance with everything cut to the bone. The Morris Minor, when compared with competitor products in the late 1940s and throughout the 1950s, excelled as a roomy vehicle with superior cornering / handling characteristics. Morris Minor finished in allover lilac the model has moveable wheels in cream with chrome hubcaps, opening doors, boot and bonnet to show the engine detail, interior seating is in pale beige edged in black, the dash panel is very well represented, length approx 21.5cm.

AUTO ARTS 1/18 LOTUS ELAN SE S3

Lotus Elan SE S3 Diecast Model Yellow 118 Die Cast Car By Autoart

Lotus launched a legend in 1962, the Lotus Elan. Following on from the previous Elite model the new Elan offered improved handling, performance and had a less fragile feel to its overall design. Below the Elan bonnet sat a twin-cam four cylinder engine which would become a legend in its own right, powering other classic Lotus models including the Cortina sports-saloons.Initially the Elan came as an open two seater, from 1964 a fixed head coupe was also available, both bodies being constructed from GRP and mounted on a separate chassis. Lotus Elan finished in bright yellow with black interior and hood, very nice detailed dash board, doors and boot open the bonnet also opens to reveal the engine. Moveable wheels with knock ons.

MONOPOLY '56 CHEVY SCHOOL BUS

Most of the 5th Release of Monopoly vehicles by Johnny Lightning were double ups of properties already done in previous releases. This Community Chest school bus was an original new additional. Community Chest had of course been done before with the Community Chest Ford Mustang Car from release one (and rereleased in release 2) and likewise the bus had been used for the Go Directly to Jail, Do Not Pass Go Bus (which is currently not listed on Amazon but was part of release 3). This time however the bus is yellow but surprisingly the prison bar through the windows remains from the old orange previous bus (keep them kids from escaping before they Pay School Tax of $150 which is written on the side near the back. There is also Mr Monopoly patting some nerdy looking kid on the head (same image as used in game on the card) on the side of the bus. The only disappointing thing however is that they missed a massive opportunity to do anything with the huge canvas which is the roof of the bus. It's just yellow, a nice Monopoly image would have been sensational here! Of course like all 5th series Monopoly vehicles they made the bonus token (a miniature version of the bus) silver to celebrate Monopoly's 70th year. This is a must own! --James N Simpson

MONOPOLY PARK PLACE PONTIAC TEMPEST

This nicely detailed Pontiac Tempest is one of only two properties (not including rail roads or utilities) in the first release of twelve vehicles. The other incidentally was the red '57 Chevy (Illinois Ave). This dark blue Pontiac represents Park Place the second most expensive property on the board. It is a bit of weird selection with so many more luxurious and expensive cars out there to choose from (in series two Boardwalk is a BMW) but it is one of the better looking vehicles of release one. Also like all other vehicles in series one it comes with a bonus game token which is also very well detailed even with the little top of the engine coming out of the bonnet. On the boot of this vehicle (trunk) is an image of the Park Place card you get when you purchase the property in the game. It is very well detailed with everything that is on the actual game card. On the roof is the moustache top hat guy holding his cane (like on the packaging as seen inside the Monopoly word). That very word symbol in the red rectangle is also on the doors and bonnet. I have all of the 12 first release Monopoly Johnny Lightning cars and can testify that this is one of the best vehicles of that release. These vehicles were also rereleased with an additional six new vehicles as series two, but with different packaging. So depending on if you're into keeping your vehicles in their packaging you may want to consider which series to buy from. Series one's packaging is purple on the left, and green on the right. Has the Monopoly Man in a car on the purple side and getting given some cash on the right. The five properties behind the car are Boardwalk, Luxury Tax (obscured by dice), Park Place, Chance and Short Line. There was a competition mentioned in the top left corner and on the back of the card. Series two replaced the dice with a big "bonus game token" red and yellow arrow, just in case you hadn't noticed the token before. The properties were replaced by the orange ones as well as Community Chess, and the top half of the packaging has a blue background. The initial twelve cars and their bonus token including this one are exactly the same. If you're going to take them out and throw away the packaging then it matters not which series you buy, get whichever is cheaper. Johnny Lightning cars are always well done and much better detailed than anything Matchbox, Hotwheels or anyone else puts out.-- James N Simpson.

MONOPOLY ILLINOIS AVE'57 CHEVY CAR

The Illinois Ave red Chevy is definitely one of the best cars to not just come out of release one of Johnny Lightning's Monopoly series but all the Monopoly series as well. This nicely detailed Chevy is one of only two properties' (not including rail roads or utilities) in the first release of twelve vehicles. The other incidentally was the Park Place Pontiac Tempest. These vehicles were also rereleased with an additional six new vehicles as series two, but with different packaging. So depending on if you're into keeping your vehicles in their packaging you may want to consider which series to buy from. Series one's packaging is purple on the left, and green on the right. Has the Monopoly Man in a car on the purple side and getting given some cash on the right. The five properties behind the car are Boardwalk, Luxury Tax (obscured by dice), Park Place, Chance and Short Line. There was a competition mentioned in the top left corner and on the back of the card. Series two replaced the dice with a big "bonus game token" red and yellow arrow, just in case you hadn't noticed the token before. The properties were replaced by the orange ones as well as Community Chess, and the top half of the packaging has a blue background. The initial twelve cars and their bonus token including this one are exactly the same. If you're going to take them out and throw away the packaging then it matters not which series you buy, get whichever is cheaper. On the bonnet of this vehicle (hood) is an image of the Illinois Avenue card you get when you purchase the property in the game. It is very well detailed with everything that is on the actual game card. On the roof is the moustache top hat guy holding his cane (like on the packaging inside the Monopoly word). That very word symbol in red rectangle, is also on the doors and boot (trunk). --James N Simpson See more.

MONOPOLY 70th ANNIVERSARY '57 CHEVY BEL AIR - ORIENTAL AVE

If you're collecting these Johnny Lightning (note not Hasbro as the seller selling through Amazon has listed, Hasbro owns the rights to the Monopoly name licence) vehicles and you're having trouble finding the Honda race car detailed Oriental Ave from the fourth release of Monopoly vehicles then this will fill that property square nicely instead of or as an temporarily. Being that it is a double up of a previous Monopoly property car has made this a lot less sort after (as is the case with most of the 5th series or 70th anniversary as they are called cars) than most other Monopoly cars so you can get it fairly cheap. The Release 4 Honda is usually a lot more expensive probably also due to the fact that it is the only Honda car of its type on the board and this is not the only 57 Chevy Bel Air. Illinois Ave from release 1 (also rereleased with release 2) was also a Chevy 57 Bel Air, it was red. It is a nice looking car though, it even has those old school tyres with the white circle on them. Disappointing though it doesn't have an Mr Monopoly in action pictures on the car, all it has is the Oriental Ave property card on the doors. Like all 70th anniversary vehicles the bonus token that looks like the die-case car is a lot shinier silver than the grey of most previous bonus tokens. --James N Simpson See more.

BEL AIR CRUISER; 1954 CHEVROLET 'POLICE'

Chevrolet gave the top-line a backward-slanted C-pillar, a wrap-around grille, and new taillights for 1954, all of which Sun Star has modeled very accurately for this 1:18 scale Police Car. But the prominent Bel Air side trim and badges are missing and I’ve never seen the ‘bow-tie’ emblems used on the fenders of any version. The diecast body has no mold lines or other flaws and its two-tone black and white paint is smooth and glossy but does have some orange peel. The white stripes, ‘Powerglide’ logo, and glossy but does have some orange peel. The white stripes, ‘Powerglide’ logo, and ‘hockey-stick’ rocker panel trim are all hot-printed, but all other trim is done with carefully fifted chromed parts. Besides the classic black and white paint, the model has generic ‘Police’ markings, flashers, spotlight, and dog dish hubcaps. Although the engine bay is a one-piece molding, details are neatly painted and it looks pretty good.-- SMI April 2007. See more.

ATLANTIC AVE'75 MUSTANG COBRA II RACER

From the 3rd release of Johnny Lightning Monopoly vehicles comes the Atlantic Ave 75 Mustang Cobra II bee coloured Racer. The car is mainly yellow (as the property set it is a part of is) with a black stripe going from the rear end of one side, around the front to the other rear end, along the back to where it started. There is also a black stripe going across the bonnet, roof and boot. On the roof you will also find a miniature version of the Atlantic Ave property card. Of course like all Johnny Lightning Monopoly vehicles in release 3 the bonus game token is a golden coloured one. It is a very nice miniature of the Mustang Cobra car. There were actually quite a few different series of Monopoly themed vehicles released after the initial 12 cars (which were incidentally released again with six additional vehicles as series 2). The 5th and 6th were both called 70th Anniversary Release. Johnny Lightning pretty much always make great vehicles, with attention to detail far better than anything Matchbox, Hot Wheels and other rivals put out and the Monopoly series is one of their best! --James N Simple Read more.

FORD MUSTANG MONOPOLY PLAYING PIECE

The only vehicle specifically promoting Community Chess cards in the game of Monopoly from Release One's twelve Vehicles. This remained the case even when these vehicles were also rereleased with an additional six new vehicles as series two, but with different packaging. So depending on if you're into keeping your vehicles in their packaging you may want to consider which series to buy from.

Series one's packaging is purple on the left, and green on the right. Has the Monopoly Man in a car on the purple side and getting given some cash on the right. The five properties behind the car are Boardwalk, Luxury Tax (obscured by dice), Park Place, Chance and Short Line. There was a competition mentioned in the top left corner and on the back of the card.

Series two replaced the dice with a big "bonus game token" red and yellow arrow, just in case you hadn't noticed the token before. The properties were replaced by the orange ones as well as Community Chess, and the top half of the packaging has a blue background. The initial twelve cars and their bonus token including this one are exactly the same. If you're going to take them out and throw away the packaging then it matters not which series you buy, get whichever is cheaper.

This nicely detailed Mustang looks really good, yellow with a black grill and racing stripe down the side. This vehicle also has no side windows so if you're ever shrunk down to a really small size, you can get in and out Dukes of Hazzard style. The little guy with the moustache makes a few appearances on this car as well. The image where he receives $10 for coming second in a beauty contests is on the side as is his get out of jail free image. On the roof is the image of him going directly past Go wearing the giant boot.

The monopoly white texted words inside the red rectangle are on the bonnet and boot. As mentioned like all other vehicles in series one and two it comes with a bonus game token which is also very well detailed. Of course the ultimate Community Chess vehicle was released in the 70th Anniversay collection (release 5) and was the '56 Chevy school bus. I have all of the 12 first release Monopoly Johnny Lightning cars and highly recommend this vehicle to add to your collection. Johnny Lightning cars are always well done and much better detailed than anything Matchbox, Hot Wheels or anyone else puts out. --James N Simpson. See more.

'QUICK FIX' - 1:24 SCALE PRESIDENTIAL LINCOLN

After the assassination of President of President Kennedy the Lincoln ‘X-100’ Parade Car was returned to Hess & Eisenhardt for a ‘quick fix’. After six months it emerged with a ton of additional armour that included a permanently attached bulletproof glass top, ‘run flat’ aluminum disks inside the tires, and much more. In the process it was updated with a 1964 grille and painted black instead of the original dark blue, and it went on to serve four more presidents. Yat Ming has added this very accurate 1:24 scale model of the ‘Quick Fix’X-100 to their Presidential Series of diecast models. Its muti-piece body is clean and smooth, but the glossy black paint does have some orange peel. Photos show that the model is fully detailed; small badges are hot printed but all the rest of the trim – and there’s lots of it – is done with separate chromed parts. The big V-8 is modeled well, but there’s no wiring or plumbing. The interior makes up for that, though, with soft carpets, two-tone upholstery with wood-grain panels and chrome trim, a fully detailed dash with legible instruments, and fold-away jump seats. --SMI Februaey 2007 See more.

THE LAST ADVENTURE; 1961 DESOTO

DeSoTo ended production only 47 day after the 1961 line, which consisted of only two-and four-door Adventure models, was introduced. Although DeSoTo, like all the Chrysler marques, had been re-styled in 1960, the short lived ’61 models got a new, more attractive horizontal grille, canted headlights, a ‘shoulder’ at the leading edge of the big fins, and new taillights. There are no mould lines in spite of the complex shape and the script logos and wheel arch moldings are hot-printed, but accurate 361 cid V-8 is wired and the accessories are neatly done and the interior is impressive, with authentic three-tone upholstery, separate chromed handles, nicely detailed dashboard and a legible speedometer. Very few 1961 DeSoTo Adventures were built but Yat Ming’s model has all the ’61 details, including the revised fin, exactly right. ~SMI April 2007 See more.

AUTO ART 1/18 SHELBY GT500

The original Shelby Mustang was the 1960's GT500 and GT500 KR, or 'King of the Road', powered by a big block 428-cubic-inch 'Cobra Jet' V-8, making the GT500 one of the most powerful and memorable muscle cars of that period. With the look and legend you would expect from Shelby and the kind of power and performance enthusiasts have come to expect from the GT500 it's a brand-new era in the Mustang's future.

AutoArt have superbly captured the elegant and powerful line of the new GT500 eith their new model of the beast, made special by the addition of the Shelby Cobra badge on the grille and the wheel centres. This is a vehicle that any muscle car fan will have on their list as a 'must have'!Buy it now.

MAHOGANY DISPLAY CABINET

Display your prized collections and memorabilia in the Small or Medium Display Cabinet. Each cabinet is designed to fit between common 16" wall studs. By installing a recessed cabinet you will save space and have a custom design for your home. It is easy to install the two available sizes. Just cut either a 17.5"H x 14"W hole for the small cabinet or a 30.5"H x 14"W hole for the medium cabinet. Then use the adhesive to snap cabinet into place! The Medium Display Cabinet includes a light to emphasize the features of your collection. Available in Natural, Honey, Colonial, Cherry, and Mahogany finishes. Assembly level/degree of difficulty: Complex or Lengthy. A restocking fee will be deducted if this item is returned. See more.

COLLECTOR DISPLAY CASE

The Display case was designed to hold 1/24th scale die cast collectibles. However it can be used for so much more. With its spacious shelving and large surface are you can put anything that has a height of 5.5 inches or less on the shelves. Some assembly required. Buy it now.

WALL DISPLAY CASE

This horizontal wall display case is perfect to display your various collectibles. Holds up to 1/24 Scale Cars and figurines. Fine felt background to create an elegant contrast. 3 tempered glass shelves are removable to hold larger items. The display case is made of Solid wood, not cheap plastic or veneer. Glass door to protect from dust and damage. Wall brackets on the back of the display case for hanging. See more.

LOUIS PHILIPPE WALL CURIO CABINET

Display Your Items in Style with this Curio Cabinet Add an elegant touch to your decor as you showcase your collectibles with the Louis Philippe Wall Curio Cabinet. This beautiful piece is expertly crafted of hardwood veneer so that it will last for years. The glass-paneled door of this cabinet protects your belongings from dust while the stylish design will update the look of any room. Be sure to order today.Glass panels, glass shelves and a mirrored back let in plenty of light for maximum visibility.Smooth finish adds lasting appeal.Classic design will fit in with any decor. See more.

COLLECTIBLE DISPLAY CASE

Case shown is finished in Cherry Wood. Case measures 13 1/2" High x 11 3/4" W ide x 1" Diameter. Multiple Level Shelves. Easy Wall Mount Assembly. Has a Glass door with latch to keep the dust out. Beautiful Mirror Back with Glass Front Door. Buy it now.

THE WINNING PRINCE

Author by Wiwat Chang

Thailand was to have had its first top level race – the Bangkok Grand Prix – way back on December 10, 1939, when Prince Chula Chakrabonsge successfully pitched the idea to the prime minister of the time.

Having won the BRDC Road Racing Gold Star for three consecutive years from 1936 and 1938, Prince Chula’s cousin – Prince Birabongse Bhanutej Bhanubandh, better known as Prince Bira – was set to be the star local attraction.

But things were disrupted with the outbreak early in the year of World War Two, and the plans had to be scrapped.

It was not until 1988 that the Bangkok Grand Prix was actually held as a memorial exhibition drive in Bangkok, and as an historic race at Bira Circuit with MR Narisa Chakrabongse – Prince Chula’s daughter – driving Prince Bira’s most successful car, Romulus, among dozens of participants.

Prince Bira won 16 Grand Prix events between 1935 and 1938 including the 1936 Coupe du Prince Rainier, which later became known as the Monaco Grand Prix.

After the war he continued grand prix racing between 1950 and 1955 but managed to win only the non-championship New Zealand Grand Prix in 1955.

Prince Bira was the son of Rama V, King Chulalongkorn. He was born on July 15, 1914, in Bangkok and was sent to boarding school in England under the care of Prince Chula, who spotted his driving talent and first entered him in a race in 1935.

During the war years, Prince Bira was a glider instructor with the Royal Air Force. After his motor racing days, he represented Thailand at the summer Olympics in yachting in 1956, 1960, 1964 and 1972, and was instrumental in having the Varuna Club in Pattaya host a World Championship yacht race in 1978.

He passed away of a heart attack on December 23, 1985, in a London tube station.
His achievements in motor racing and sailing are honoured by the Bira International Circuit and the annual Prince Bira Memorial Regatta.

When the inaugural Bang Saen Thailand Festival of Speed was held last year, a temporary shrine was erected in his honour and will be reopened this year within the street circuit. Thailand no longer has a grand prix driver, so let this image of Prince Bira remind us that without perseverance, success can be elusive.

Article from Bangkok Post Newspaper November 2-8, 2008

1979 POINTAC FIREBIRD TRANS-AM

The Pontiac Firebird was built by the Pontiac division of General Motors between 1967 and 2002. The Firebird was introduced the same year as its platform-sharing cousin, the Chevrolet Camaro. This coincided with the release of the 1967 Mercury Cougar, which shared its platform with another pony car.

The vehicles were, for the most part, powered by various V8 engines of different GM divisions. While primarily Pontiac-powered until 1977, Firebirds were built with several different engines from nearly every GM division until 1982 when all Pontiac engines were dropped in favor of corporate units.

The Pontiac Trans Am, was named for the series. Interestingly, according to SCCA archives, the car which is named for the racing series has only taken 7 wins in the 42 year old series 446 events. The last win by a Pontiac Trans Am was in 1984.

This is a very highly detailed 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am diecast model car 1:18 scale die cast by Yat Ming, opening doors and hood, mounted on plastic stand. See more.