MATCHBOX: SARACEN PERSONNEL CARRIER

The Saracen Personnel Carrier (54a) was a model of the standard armoured carrier used by the Royal Armoured Corps and the infantry. To enhance play value, the model featured a revolving turret. The only body variation involved the antenna base on the upper left side of the body, which looks like astep. Because of a damaged die it is missing on later models.

CORGI 1/50 THAMES TRADER 'CORGI COLLECTOR CLUB 1997'

Each year the members of the Corgi Collector Club are entitled to purchase a special model: the year of 1997, it is the Thames Trader box van in the 'house' colours of pale blue and yellow. The model is suitably inscribled with the Corgi logo, and 'Collector 1997'

MAISTO 1/18 FORD GT90 CONCEPT CAR

The Ford GT90 Concept Car has not been otherwise modelled, so it is good to see this version from Maisto in 1/18th scale. The unusual shape has been perfectly captured--note particularly the doors, which are a good fit, and indeed need to be given the overall look of the car.

The model displays a number of other workable features, such as steering, suspension, opening bonnet (to review a fully detailed engine), adjustable wind deflectors and adjustable seats. As one would expect, the lamps are made of plastic, the wheels are authentic, and the Ford badge appears appropriately positioned.

Whether the car will go beyond the 'concept' stage only time will tell, but as a piece of future motoring history, this model should be in every enthusiast's collection. See more.

MODELS OF YESTERYEAR - Y17 1930 MODEL A FORD WRECK TRUCK

The wreck truck is based on the Model “A” Ford. Often a small garage requiring a breakdown vehicle would use the chassis of an old large car, fitting it out with a simple angle iron hoist and hand operated winch. Many of these vehicles lasted many years in service. This wreck truck was powered by a 4 cyl. 2 lt. engine wheel base 8’8” (2.64m) See more.

VANGUARDS: VW BEETLE 'FEUERWEHR'

The Volkswagen split rear screen Beetle takes on a new guise, in a fire livery, the red and white being set off by the blue roof lamp, and the message Feuerwehr on the sides. An unusual addition to the range.

THE BEATLES COLLECTION: YELLOW SUBMARINE

The ‘Beatles Yellow Submarine’, being based on the feature length Yellow Submarine cartoon, featured comic caricature figures of John, Paul, George and Ringo beneath opening front and rear hatches, and a group of four large pericopes that turned as the vessel rolled on its hidden wheels. Early versions were authentic in having one yellow and one white hatch with trime picked out in red and the trim omitted, but overall this 128mm model was a faithful replica.

The last of the Yellow Submarine reproductions, BT78211, is still on sale today. See more The Beatles Collection.

THE BEATLES COLLECTION: THE BEDFORD VAL COACH 'MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR'

This is a series of model in celebration of The Beatles. The Bedford VAL Coach will represent a vehicle used by The Beatles during tours, whereupon they would often become covered with graffiti - messages from fans. With two white metal figures of fans. See more The Beatles Collection.