MATCHBOX: FORD FAIRLANE

The Ford Fairlane first seen as a police car was also used as the base for a Fire Chief's car. It was released in June to replace the Singer Van. This model had not previously been announced and so it is presumed that it was a sudden decision to use the same vehicle as 55b in a change of colour and guise in that it was now a red Fire Chief's car (59b), instead of the police car. At the same time a large Matchbox Fire Station was manufactured and so this car complemented the release.

The red Fairlane came with door and bonnet decals in two sizes. Though the interior was ivory, the roof light was white. Black plastic wheels were normally fitted but grey plastic wheels have also been found. Silver wheels have also been reported but not authenticated.

YAT MING 1/18 SHELBY COBRA 427 S/C DIECAST MODEL

1964 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C Diecast Model Red 1/18 Die Cast Car By Yat Ming

I started out with an idea to build a sports car powered by an American V8 at a time when most European sports cars were being imported with four-cylinder 1918 taxi cab engines.I went to AC Cars, because they had an available chassis, and i went to see Lee laccoca at Ford for a little money and a couple of engines to help me get started.We never dreamed we'd build a car to win the world championship and everything else, or become the legend it has.The Cobra has become the most replicated car there has ever been.I think that says it all right there. --Carroll Shelby

Shelby Cobra 427 S/C finished in red metal with twin white stripes from front to back. Many chromed parts, detailed interior, opening doors, bonnet and boot, detailed engine , moveable chromed wheels with treaded tyres, model length approx 21cm.

CORGI CLASSIC: BEDFORD CA DORMOBILE 'AUXILIARY FIRE SERVICE'

The Bedford CA Dormobile comes as a Personnel Carrier for the Auxiliary Fire Service. Launched in 1952 the Bedford CA 10/12 cwt van featured semi-forward control, a 1.5 litre petrol engine and sliding doors. A 15cwt long wheelbase model was added in 1959 and in 1964 came an improved, face lifted Mk.2 version. Production ended in 1969. This should prove a popular addition to any 'fire' collection, being a rather unusual model.

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.