CORGI: AEC REGAL HALF CAB 'MANCHESTER CITY TEAM' COACH

The football connection is continued with the AEC Regal half-cab coach in the livery (orange and brown) of Finglands, carrying a victorious Manchester City team. The livery on the coach is pleasing in its own right, but the figures that Corgi has included to appear through the sun-roof are very appealing, and have been carefully painted.

MATCHBOX: FORD CORSAIR

The Ford Corsair (45b), complete with green plastic roof rack and boat, was release in February 1965 to replace the rather outdated Vauxhall Victor saloon. The real Corsair had been released by Ford at the end of 1963 as a mid-range car slotting between the Cortina and Zephyr in the British Ford range. The model was advertised as being 1/71st scale and highlighted the fact that the plastic boat actually floated! The Corsair was simultaneously released with the no.23d Caravan, which was supposed to have been of a similar scale, although the caravan seems to dwarf the Corsair.

MATCHBOX: VAUXHALL VICTOR ESTATE CAR

To accompany the Zephyr, a Vauxhall Victor Estate Car was released at the same time to replace the Refuse Truck. Though shown on the box, in the catalogue and in advance USA publicity material in blue, this Estate Car was only available in yellow, with initially a red and latterly a green interior. Silver trim was applied but it diminished with time. Both interior variations were fitted with the three wheel variations which had progressively more treads. The opening rear door was another new play feature.

MOTORMINT - 1962 VOLKSWAGEN MICROBUS

Maximum Space, Minimum Power 1962 Volkswagen Microbus VW Begins the Mini-Van Craze In 1962, the Microbus was not a new idea, as Volkswagen had been importing them into the U.S. since 1950. But in the '60's, with car pooling becoming an everyday occurrence for the middle class that had moved to the suburbs, the Microbus hit its peak of popularity. With its three rows of seats holding 9, 15 windows and, with no wasted space for a front hood or rear deck, the Microbus had 50% more space than a station wagon yet was up to 4 feet shorter to make parking easier. Whether you were transporting a Cub Scout pack, a rock group, or a family on vacation, nothing held more people and more cargo. The only drawback was the underpowered engine that had less than 50 horsepower. Other drivers quickly learned it was no pleasure being behind a Microbus trying to climb a hill. Features Opening Doors Precision Die-Cast Replica 1:32 Scale Model 5" Long.

MATCHBOX: GENERAL SERVICE LORRY

This is the miniature Matchbox number 62 General Service lorry, which is a model of the 1952 AEC Militant fitted with a cargo body. The small but charming model of a troop/cargo carries is undeniably an AEC. These large six wheel drive trucks were incredibly powerful and were capable of pulling almost anything. Various bodies were fitted to the chassis and tankers were a common sight as were lorry-mounted Coles cranes.

MATCHBOX: FORD SIERRA XR4i IN SPECIAL BOX

Matchbox supplied the promotional model of the Sierra XR4i to Ford in both Super King and 1-75 series versions. This model was well executed right down to the bi-plane rear spoiler and full length body mouldings. There was available in promotional box, the 1-75 version coloured white and on the open market, the models have appeared in a variety of liveries – the 1-75 example even being sold as an XR 4x4, which is highly inaccurate.

MATCHBOX KINGSIZE - RACING CAR TRANSPORTER

The model we are unable to identify is a racing car transporter and, as it was produced by Matchbox Toys, we can assumed it to be modeled on a British Major Pack series it later became Kingsize model number K5 at a stated scale of 1/54th. The model has no mention of the vehicle make is made on the model or on the packaging. It is similar in design to the Corgi Toys (Commer based) Ecurie Ecosse racing car transporter and, like the Corgi model, the Matchbox transporter also features a two-tier loading system. Painted overall in mid-green with ‘glass’ roof panels, the model carried ‘Racing Transporter’ decals with a ‘BP’ shield and checkered flag. Alongside the BP sign are the names of four famous motor racing circuits. The model was never issued with racing car so on ‘team’ connections can be made, although various catalogue illustration show Ferrari 156 cars being loaded/unloaded.