POLICE 'VIGILANT' RANGE ROVER MODEL

In 1972, the first Corgi Range Rover model, no 461, appeared, a Police service ‘Vigilant’ model. Police service up and down the country had been quick to recognize what the Range Rover could do for them and several specialist conversations were conceived and constructed on the base model. The Cogi Vigilant was one of these, coming with simulated roller shutter doors in the sides which concealed the equipment storage. The roof box was fitted with moveable plated flood lights on each side with yellow lenses and a central blue beacon. A large white-on-black ‘POLICE’ sign was to the front across the rear in white-on-black it read ‘POLICE’. This one model was to become one of the highest selling for Corgi, nor surprising recording over one million sales.

SUPERFAST SIMCA RALLYE 2 IN NEON GREEN

The automaker SIMCA (Société Industrielle de Mécanique et Carrosserie Automobile) was founded in 1934 and manufactured Fiat cars under licence. A new era for the works was ushered in when, in the autumn of 1961, the Simca 1000 was shown at the Paris Automobile Salon. With its modern silhouette, the limousine stood out against the previous Simca models. Even the engine was now more powerful. At the start of 1970 Simca launched the distinctly reworked 1000, now named the Simca 1000 Rallye, followed by the Simca 1000 Rallye 2 in 1972. With 1,294 cc and producing 82HP the Rallye had the most powerful engine of the entire 1000 series. Designed specially as a sports car, the vehicle attracted attention on account of its trunk which was painted black to provide glare protection.

Following the Neon Green example is this ultra colourful Spa car! With the success of the first model in 1951, others quickly followed, including the Simca 1000 Rallye 2, launched at 1972. The car was fairly lightweight but boasted a powerful engine that displayed itself in a remarkable acceleration capability. And it was also at international level. The vehicle was frequently regarded as the counterpart to the equally successful NSU TTS which had similar characteristics. See more.

1975 FORD ESCORT MK2 GHIA 1:18 SCALE DIECAST MODEL

One of the icons of British motoring over the past four decades has been the ubiquitous Ford Escort, and model makers supreme SunStar have quite a few examples in their 1:18 scale collection, just right for a nostalgia fest. Each one is very well detailed and the finish of the paintwork is spot on, just like it had been lovingly cleaned on a Sunday ready for the week ahead! See more.

60 SECONDS MOVIE - 1967 SHELLY MUSTANG GT500

An original 1967 GT500 was used for the film’s car. The actual cars used were just standard 67 Mustangs with automatic transmissions, all customized to look like Elenor. Originally the production designer, Jeff Mann, who was also a professed car fanatic, proposed the car be a GT40 then when that didn’t fly he suggested a Shelby Series I Cobra. Eventually they settled on a 67 GT500. Accordingly 11 Mustangs were chosen for specific duties. Some had highly modified suspensions for the high speed slides, some were cosmetic models used for closed-ups and PR shots whilst others, the ones crashed and crushed, didn’t even have engines.

The car used for the close-ups of Nicolas Cage actually had two steering wheels, allowing someone else to drive whilst Cage used to record the sound effects is a 500 horsepower 428 1967 GT500 with a great lumpy cam sound. The sound people reportedly spent six hours doing different things with the car to get the right noises. To make the 67 GT500 more unique, modifications were made from the original, stock GT500 which included custom Corvette side pipes, a front air dam, a fuel cap located behind the top scoop instead of the rear of the car, the bonnet replaced with one that has a definitely non-stock scoop, not to mention those huge rims and sports tyres! As an aside the Carroll Shelby story is more than just interesting as Mustangs and Cobras have changed the way sports cars are thought of in the USA – but that’s another story!

Shellby Collectibles have produced an excellent Eleanor in 1:18 scale, just right for any collector or movie buff to add to the shelf space, and you can readily see why this car was chosen to be a movie star! --SMI See more.

THE SUPER FERRAI 500 F2, 1953

1950 marked the inception of the Formula One World Championship, From Day One, Ferrari was involved in this highest class of auto racing, flashing a distinctive symbol of the small black prancing horse called ‘Cavallino Rampante’ in fact, Ferrari is the only F1 participant that has remained active ever since.

The driver of the 500 F2 was none other than the exceptionally gifted Alberto Ascari. It was not without reason that he was known universally as ‘The Flying Milan’.

Ascadi drove his 500 F2 to the title of a two time world champion in 1952 and 1953. This legendary car won virtually everything there was to win during these years, hence its nickname “the Super Ferrai.” With the return of the Mercedes and the rise of the Maserati in the 1954 season, Ferrari was faced with new challengers. As a result, its winning streak came to a temporay end. One year later – in 1955, Alberto Ascari died of a tragic accident in Monza, and the whole nation of Italy was deeply mournful.

This 1:18 scale hand crafted diecast model is a sincere tribute to the legendary Ferrari 500 F2, the world Championship car of 1953. Lovingly assembled from 1,463 parts, M-056 is precisely detailed and features all the craftsmanship and accuracy that make CMC miniatures so special in the hearts of all collectors. Just take a look under the engine hood or remove the rear parts and you will be totally sold! By the way, it is so detailed that if you want to know how many rivets are included on the fuel and oil tank, well there are 526, all necessary to rebuild these tanks true the original. This CMC Ferrari 500 F2 is quite simply exquisite!--SMI See more.

MOY (Y27) - FODEN STEAM LORRY

The 'Models of Yesteryear' Foden Steam Lorry (Y27) has always proved a popular model. It first appeared in Pickfords livery (of which specialists note various changes to the body casting) and in 1986 in a most attractive Frasers design.

The Frasers version is certainly worth buying while stocks are still around, but more importantly, because the Fraser model comes with a trailer, the lorry itself needed to be supplied with a towing hook.

Reports have appeared of a Pickfords version of models having such a hook. At first only a handful of such Pickfords with hooks appeared, but more have been available recently indicating that a reasonable production re-run was undertaken by Matchbox.

If a Pickford with hook interests you, it could be best to buy while examples are around-but do not be forced to pay silly prices. See more.

1934 ASTON MARTIN 1/18 GREEN

The first Aston Martin was built by Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin in 1914. Financial problems hounded the company, which passed through several owners: Frazer Nash, L Prideaux Brune and R G Sutherland, until the company was bought in 1947 by David Brown who in 1972 sold to Company Developments Ltd. After a period of mixed fortunes, Aston Martin was acquired by Ford in 1987.

Models of the cars exist from a number of manufactures such as Signature, and made in China. This 1934 dark green 1/18th scale model is a beauty, and sports working steering, piano -hinged opening bonnet, opening doors, excellent black painted wire wheels and a superbly detailed dashboard. See more.