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 Eventually the Austin 2.6-litre big four used in the 100 was superseded in BMC’s range by the 6-cylinder 2.6-litre C-Series engine, so the car was substantially redesigned to take the new power unit; creating the Healey 100-Six of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.