THE BEATLES COLLECTION: BEATLES ROUTEMASTER BUS

The memory can play strange tricks. The third of the Beatles models is the AEC Routemaster bus in Liverpool Corporation livery. Enthusiasts know that back in the 60s and 70s the Routemaster was a strictly London-only bus, but don't blame Corgi. There was an insistence from certain people that Routemasters ran in Liverpool, so Corgi had to produced its Routemaster in Liverpool's colours. Of course, the Leyland Atlantean would have been far more authentic.

However, since this series is to celebrate The Beatles, few will probably worry much about the actual bus chosen. The destination is, of course, Penny Lane, and the registration number is 'BEAT 1'. On the side are advertisements which we believe are shots from A Hard Day's Night.

See more The Beatles Collection.

CORGI COLLECTOR CLUB MODEL FOR 1996, A LAND ROVER

Each year the Corgi Collector Club provides its members with a special model. For 1996 the chosen model is a Land Rover, using a casing that has not been employed by Corgi for some time. Indeed the opportunity has been taken to improve the mould. Finished in green, the model carries the Corgi logo and year ‘1996’ on the bonnet, number plates of CCC96, and plastic headlights. Perhaps the chance should have been taken of tempo printing (or adding by transfer) the familiar Land Rover badge. Shop here

1994 VOLKSWAGEN CONCEPT CAR

The Volkswagen Concept Car of 1994 is certainly an unusual looking vehicle, the shape of which may not appeal to all. However, the Minichamps model perfectly captures the shape of this car, fully portraying the fairly basic interior and the very curved exterior lines.

Two versions have been produced, one a saloon, the other a cabriolet. Both reveal the usual Minichamps attention to detail, including the seperate door handles and windscreen wipers, and the authentic looking head and rear lights. See more.

MATCHBOX: BMC 1800 PININFARINA

The BMC 1800 Berlina Aerodinamica, to give it the correct title, was an extremely handsome concept car from 1967. As the name indicates, it was designed by Pininfarina, and was actually a serious contender to replace the Austin 1800 as BMC’s flagship four-door family saloon. The model of the 1800 Pininfarina is not exactly common; in fact, this Matchbox miniature appears to be the only one.

The model featured opening front doors. Initially, it was painted a lovely metallic gold colour, with white interior, clear windows and an unpainted base and headlights. Examples produced after 1972 were painted orange, and could vary from a light peach colour through to a very vivid orange. Early models had narrow wheels, while later ones had thick wheels and larger wheel arch cutouts to accommodate them.

CORGI: MORRIS 1000 'CARTER'S STEAM FAIR'

Smallest vehicle in The Showman's Range is the Morris 1000 van, which comes along as publicity for Carter's Steam Fair. The pleasingly decorated van includes posters for future venues at Hammersmith and Bracjnell. A separate carousel horse is supplied to be fitted in the roof of the van. As with the other models in the range, this is supplied with a card kit to help build up a fun fair. This time the kit builds into a seafood stall.

MINICHAMPS 1/18 MORRIS MINOR 2 DOOR 1959

The revolutionary Morris Minor (the prototype was called Mosquito) was launched at the Earls Court Motor Show on 20 September, 1948.It was the work of a team led by Alec Issigonis, who later designed the Mini. Sir Alec was really proud 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. 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. See more

1917 YORKSHIRE STEAM WAGON -Great WESTERN RAILWAY COMPANY

It was and still is a familiar sight. A sleepy village in Yorkshire, no more than a hamlet with a string of homes, a post office, general store, a church and a pub called “The Lady and the Swan.” For as long as anyone can remember, a horse-drawn cart would come periodically into town, drive up to the beautifully carved sign advertising the pub, and deliver its casks of wine and kegs of porter. Yet this day is different, for suddenly there are no horses pulling the car-although a gaggle of excited children and dogs is following the chugging and hissing wagon. And, instead of transporting wines, it’s filled with supplies for making repairs to the railroad. It is, of course, a steam-powered wagon, which thrived during an era when, steam-powered engines were everywhere, infusing the world with a sense of excitement and optimism for the future. Now, a 1917 steam-powered wagon, built by the Yorkshire Patent Steam Wagon Co. and marked with the emblem of the Great Western Railroad, is precisely re-created in a replica crafted by Matchbox Collectibles exclusively for the Age of Steam II Collection. Shop here