DINKY TOYS: POLICE LAND ROVER

A natural inclusion in the range was a police version, although it took until 1978 to make an appearance. The model is very dark blue, with the same lift-off hardtop as used on the Bomb Disposal Unit, but moulded in white plastic. It has a roof mounted beacon and 'Police' stickers. A plastic policeman is included. The towing hook, featured on all earlier Land Rovers except the Fire Appliance, is omitted from the Police version.

IXO 1/43 FERRARI 158 - ITALIAN GRAND PRIX 1964

An interesting model, consisting of the Ferrari 158 which won the Italian Grand Prix in 1964 driven by John Surtees. Renowned model manufacturer IXO has released the fifteenth model in their 1/43 La Storia collection. The replica is presented in delightful book style luxury packaging.

MATCHBOX: FORD FAIRLANE

The Ford Fairlane first seen as a police car was also used as the base for a Fire Chief's car. It was released in June to replace the Singer Van. This model had not previously been announced and so it is presumed that it was a sudden decision to use the same vehicle as 55b in a change of colour and guise in that it was now a red Fire Chief's car (59b), instead of the police car. At the same time a large Matchbox Fire Station was manufactured and so this car complemented the release.

The red Fairlane came with door and bonnet decals in two sizes. Though the interior was ivory, the roof light was white. Black plastic wheels were normally fitted but grey plastic wheels have also been found. Silver wheels have also been reported but not authenticated.

YAT MING 1/18 SHELBY COBRA 427 S/C DIECAST MODEL

1964 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C Diecast Model Red 1/18 Die Cast Car By Yat Ming

I started out with an idea to build a sports car powered by an American V8 at a time when most European sports cars were being imported with four-cylinder 1918 taxi cab engines.I went to AC Cars, because they had an available chassis, and i went to see Lee laccoca at Ford for a little money and a couple of engines to help me get started.We never dreamed we'd build a car to win the world championship and everything else, or become the legend it has.The Cobra has become the most replicated car there has ever been.I think that says it all right there. --Carroll Shelby

Shelby Cobra 427 S/C finished in red metal with twin white stripes from front to back. Many chromed parts, detailed interior, opening doors, bonnet and boot, detailed engine , moveable chromed wheels with treaded tyres, model length approx 21cm.

CORGI CLASSIC: BEDFORD CA DORMOBILE 'AUXILIARY FIRE SERVICE'

The Bedford CA Dormobile comes as a Personnel Carrier for the Auxiliary Fire Service. Launched in 1952 the Bedford CA 10/12 cwt van featured semi-forward control, a 1.5 litre petrol engine and sliding doors. A 15cwt long wheelbase model was added in 1959 and in 1964 came an improved, face lifted Mk.2 version. Production ended in 1969. This should prove a popular addition to any 'fire' collection, being a rather unusual model.

LLEDO VANGUARDS: 1/43 FORD 100E

How many memories will come rushing back with the Ford 100E, another fine rendition by Lledo. Again the once so-familiar shape has been captured perfectly on the model, which once more reveals the careful attention to fine detail that Lledo is ensuring appears on these models.

VANGUARDS: 1/43 ROVER P4

This is the Rover P4, a beautiful model which has captured the distinctive shape of this car, from the era when cars did indeed have distinctive shapes by which they were instantly recognised. This vintage replica features the updated 1959 model. During the P4's 14 year history it underwent no fewer than 11 variants. Features include distinctive grille and its recessed bars, new style number plate and photo-etched chrome detail, the model is mounted on a removable plinth with a hard plastic cover. The model looks particularly smart in the deep maroon chosen for the initial release. Worth nothing are the seperately painted dividers in the rear windows. The radiator, in the characteristic Rover style, is fully chromed.