VANGUARDS - AUSTIN COOPER LAUNCH BROCHURE CAR-50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE MINI COOPER

The Mini-Cooper was the brainchild of John Cooper, then proprietor of the successful Cooper Formula 1 team.  He saw the racing potential in his friend Issigonis's nimble economy car, the Mini, and after building a prototype, persuaded BMC to build the 1000 cars needed for homologation.

BMC agreed to pay Cooper £2 per car for the use of his prestigious name, and the Austin Seven Cooper (and Morris Mini Cooper) were launched on 20th September 1961.  The Austin version officially became the Mini-Cooper in January 1962.  BMC worried it wouldn't sell but high profile motor sport success soon meant it became the classless car everyone wanted. Shop here

CORGI 1/50 SCAMMELL HIGHWAYMAN AND TRAILERS 'BILLY SMART'S CIRCUS'

This is certainly an impressive beast, with its Scammell Highwayman tractor, box trailer and pole truck trailer, all in the grey and green of Billy Smart's Circus. Posters advertising the next venue of Bexleyheath appear as labels on the sides. Certainly a fine model to add to those that have previously appeared in Billy Smart's livery, or to go with the collection of Chipperfield's and other circus/fun fair models. Shop here

MINICHAMPS BENTLY AZURE 2006 BLUE METALLIC CONVERTIBLE

This model is a highly detailed model in 1:18 Scale. For the past 20 years, Minichamps has strived to bring to the demanding collector the very best quality die-cast collectable money can buy. Minichamps products year after year bring a variety of models in various scales from the major automotive manufacturer’s of the world, encompassing the classic racing & road car to the contemporary models as well as current Formula 1, Moto GP, & Military models. The Bentley Azure is a four seated convertible. The azure is based on the modified platform of the Bentley Arnage and uses the engine of the Arnage R. Into the platform as well as the build up numerous strengtheners were integrated, in order to eliminate the convertible typical body rigidity problems that a convertible has in comparison to a coupe. On the same platform, the coupe namely the Brooklands is also based. The Azure is equipped with a full electronic cloth convertible hood. The base price is 334.021 € and as a result it is the second most expensive convertible, behind the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé (440.300 €) world wide. In 2008 the Azure T, a more powerful car, in terms of power and torque, was added to the Azure line. The engine, the side air intakes and the front bumper of the Azure T are designed in the Anarge T Saloon Style. The 20” rims also stem from the Saloon, as well as the aluminium pedals and the leather design (“Diamond Cut”) in the door and mid console. Shop here

SHELBY 1/18 1966 RED SHELBY GT 350R DIECAST MODEL CAR

1966 Ford Shelby Cobra GT 350R Red Diecast Car Model 1/18 Die Cast Car by Shelby Collectibles

The 1966 Shelby GT 350 featured special quater-panel windows and rear air scoops on each side and an optional automatic transmission. Beautifully crafted this 1966 Red Shelby GT 350R Diecast Model Car features opening hood, doors, trunk and steerable front wheels. No collection complete without this stunning car.

WELLY 1/18 1966 PONTIAC GTO DIECAST MODEL CAR

1966 Pontiac GTO Diecast Car Model 1/18 Black Die Cast Car by Welly

Pontiac's GTO was restyled again for 1966, gaining more curvaceous styling with kicked-up rear fender lines for a "Coke-bottle" look, and a slightly "tunneled" backlight. With sales at 96,946, the 1966 GTO yielded the highest production figure for all GTO years. A beautifully detailed 1966 black Pontiac GTO Diecast Model Car, and a fine addition to any collection.

CORGI 1/50 SHILLIBEER ROUTEMASTER

In 1979 came the 150th anniversary of George Shillibeer's original London omnibus, and to mark the event twelve Routemasters were sponsored to be decorated in a special green and yellow livery reminiscent of that used by Shillibeer. The result was attractive vehicles which brightened up the streets of London.

On the actual buses, the surrounds to the windows were red: while Corgi has provided a red surround to the windscreen, the other windows are left completely yellow. The advertisements for North Thames Gas on the front and rear are a little too small ; they should extend the full depth of the green panel.

The combination of the green and yellow in the area above the engine cover is not accurate, but again probably resulted from the difficulty in mask spraying in this part of the casting. Shop here

CORGI - FODEN FG TANKER AND MORRIS J VAN 'NATIONAL BENZOLE'

The heavy commercials series will feature 'Petrol and Oil Companies'. First there will be two sets: National Benzole Mixture: Foden FG cylindrical tanker and Morris J van (1/43 scale). Shop here