CORGI: AEC REGAL HALF CAB 'MANCHESTER CITY TEAM' COACH

The football connection is continued with the AEC Regal half-cab coach in the livery (orange and brown) of Finglands, carrying a victorious Manchester City team. The livery on the coach is pleasing in its own right, but the figures that Corgi has included to appear through the sun-roof are very appealing, and have been carefully painted.

MATCHBOX: FORD CORSAIR

The Ford Corsair (45b), complete with green plastic roof rack and boat, was release in February 1965 to replace the rather outdated Vauxhall Victor saloon. The real Corsair had been released by Ford at the end of 1963 as a mid-range car slotting between the Cortina and Zephyr in the British Ford range. The model was advertised as being 1/71st scale and highlighted the fact that the plastic boat actually floated! The Corsair was simultaneously released with the no.23d Caravan, which was supposed to have been of a similar scale, although the caravan seems to dwarf the Corsair.

MATCHBOX: VAUXHALL VICTOR ESTATE CAR

To accompany the Zephyr, a Vauxhall Victor Estate Car was released at the same time to replace the Refuse Truck. Though shown on the box, in the catalogue and in advance USA publicity material in blue, this Estate Car was only available in yellow, with initially a red and latterly a green interior. Silver trim was applied but it diminished with time. Both interior variations were fitted with the three wheel variations which had progressively more treads. The opening rear door was another new play feature.

MOTORMINT - 1962 VOLKSWAGEN MICROBUS

Maximum Space, Minimum Power 1962 Volkswagen Microbus VW Begins the Mini-Van Craze In 1962, the Microbus was not a new idea, as Volkswagen had been importing them into the U.S. since 1950. But in the '60's, with car pooling becoming an everyday occurrence for the middle class that had moved to the suburbs, the Microbus hit its peak of popularity. With its three rows of seats holding 9, 15 windows and, with no wasted space for a front hood or rear deck, the Microbus had 50% more space than a station wagon yet was up to 4 feet shorter to make parking easier. Whether you were transporting a Cub Scout pack, a rock group, or a family on vacation, nothing held more people and more cargo. The only drawback was the underpowered engine that had less than 50 horsepower. Other drivers quickly learned it was no pleasure being behind a Microbus trying to climb a hill. Features Opening Doors Precision Die-Cast Replica 1:32 Scale Model 5" Long.

MATCHBOX: GENERAL SERVICE LORRY

This is the miniature Matchbox number 62 General Service lorry, which is a model of the 1952 AEC Militant fitted with a cargo body. The small but charming model of a troop/cargo carries is undeniably an AEC. These large six wheel drive trucks were incredibly powerful and were capable of pulling almost anything. Various bodies were fitted to the chassis and tankers were a common sight as were lorry-mounted Coles cranes.

MATCHBOX: FORD SIERRA XR4i IN SPECIAL BOX

Matchbox supplied the promotional model of the Sierra XR4i to Ford in both Super King and 1-75 series versions. This model was well executed right down to the bi-plane rear spoiler and full length body mouldings. There was available in promotional box, the 1-75 version coloured white and on the open market, the models have appeared in a variety of liveries – the 1-75 example even being sold as an XR 4x4, which is highly inaccurate.

MATCHBOX KINGSIZE - RACING CAR TRANSPORTER

The model we are unable to identify is a racing car transporter and, as it was produced by Matchbox Toys, we can assumed it to be modeled on a British Major Pack series it later became Kingsize model number K5 at a stated scale of 1/54th. The model has no mention of the vehicle make is made on the model or on the packaging. It is similar in design to the Corgi Toys (Commer based) Ecurie Ecosse racing car transporter and, like the Corgi model, the Matchbox transporter also features a two-tier loading system. Painted overall in mid-green with ‘glass’ roof panels, the model carried ‘Racing Transporter’ decals with a ‘BP’ shield and checkered flag. Alongside the BP sign are the names of four famous motor racing circuits. The model was never issued with racing car so on ‘team’ connections can be made, although various catalogue illustration show Ferrari 156 cars being loaded/unloaded.

HOT WHEELS: FERRARI DINO 246 GTS

Ferrari Dino 246 GTS Diecast Model Red 1/18 Die Cast Car By Hotwheels

The Ferrari Dino 246 GTS is a stunning model, fully demonstrating once again how fortunate are those whose collections feature Ferraris, for they are so often presented with excellence. The review sample is in the familiar red, and fully illustrates the high quality, from the wheels and windscreen wipers to the various lights all represented as separate plastic fittings. A review such as this cannot really do justice to this model: better that you inspect an example, and you wll undoubtedly decide to include it in your collection.

BBURAGO: DODGE VIPER WITH HARD TOP

1996 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe Diecast Model 1/18 Blue Die Cast Car by Bburago

The model is from Bburago have always been well respected, being at the forefront of larger scale model production. Bbrurago models hae always been of the highest quality, and at an affordable price. This model is the Dodge Viper in metallic blue, with white stripes, comes the 1996 car as a hard top, which is equally good, and comes complete with spare wheel, the opening parts such as the doors, are a good fit and thus do not spoil the lines of the model.

ERTL - 1955 CHEVROLET BEL AIR

The large scale models always look good, and certainly impressived when the items modelled are American cars.This model offerings by ERTL are the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air in red and black. In each case, the model is accurate and well detailed. See more.

MATCHBOX: THE 5A BUS

It was not until the London bus, 5a, was added to the range in mid-1954, the sales of the newly-launched Matchbox Toys expanded rapidly. The 5a bus initially advertised ‘Matchbox series’ but later models featured ‘Player Please’ for a comparatively short time and for a long time ‘BP Viscostatic’. The BP company was one of a number which paid for the privilege of having its name advertised on Matchbox vehicles. The bus had paper labels advertising the ‘Matchbox series’. It was by far the smallest Lesney bus, as it measured only 52mm. The bus had paper labels advertising the ‘Matchbox series’. It comes with or without a number plate recess at the rear. The undetailed grille was decorated with gold trim.

CORGI TOYS: CHARLIE'S ANGLES CHEVROLET VAN

The Chevrolet van was the basis of quite a few TV related models. The first and by far the best was the bright pink ‘Charlie’s Angels silhouette logo emblazoned on each body side. Opening rear doors and transparent roof panels served to display the cardboard custom interior of this 1/40th scale van which could be found with either solid or four-spoke whizzwheels. A very tastefully produced model that lasted until 1981. See more.

VANGUARDS: VOLKSWAGEN CABRIOLET

The first of the new range of Vanguards has been seen, and it is clear that Lledo is setting a new standard with these models. This initial release is the Volkswagen Cabriolet, which comes in maroon with cream interior and black hood. The first impressions are good: Lledo has captured the look of the vehicle extremely well, and such aspects as the silver trim, door handles and windscreen wipers are well portrayed. Dashboard detail is provided. Particularly good are the wheels and the glazed windscreen.

This model are being offered at an advantageous price, but perhaps Lledo might consider for the future making the headlights plastic, rather than chrome, and painting some of the interior detail.

Nevertheless, there can be no doubt that the Vanguards are going to prove to be extremely popular models.

Lledo has changed the packaging with these models, making for a much more attractive presentation.--Model Collectors See More for VW Mania

CORGI: SCAMMELL HIGHWAYMAN 'CARTER' IN THE SHOWMAN's RANGE

The first of the Showman's Range of models has arrived in town, namely the Scammell Highwayman hauling a closed pole trailer and caravan.

On opening the box one finds a part of a card kit which will build into a Super Dodgems. With this series will come a number of such kits building into various fair ground attractions. Also included is a numbered cerfiticate, showing the total production of 14,300, plus a ticket to enjoy a free ride at Carters.

The Scammell Highwayman is well known and the decoration has been very well applied, although it is a pity the rear number plate is a sticker.

The pole truck is perhaps a little disappointing, since the decoration is in the form of labels. Probably it would have been difficult to have printed the large expanse of orange. Understandably the posters at the rear of the stuck on the vehicle.

The caravan is delight, particularly in relation to the gold trim.

This is certainly a colourful start to the range which will look good either in a display cabinet or arranged as a diorama with the kits assembled. See more.