MATCHBOX: LAMBORGHINI MARZAL

The Matchbox Lamborghini Mazal (20d) was one of the firat three Superfast models when it was released in the latter half of 1969. The models for general release was painted metallic red after several colour colour trial versions including one in metallic lime green. The cream interior common to all ‘1-75’ range models always appears to be yellow because of windows which are amber tinted. A few models had silver grey painted bases but most were left unpainted.
The metallic red colour scheme soon gave way to pink and subsequently to orange yellow versions.

40th ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION: 1911 MAXWELL ROADSTER

This delightful series continues with the 1911 Maxwell Roadster, beautifully decorated and finished in red with gold trim. The result is a very attractive model. Buy it now

DINKY COLLECTION: 1959 CADILLAC COUPE DE VILLE

This is from The Dinky Collection, being the Cadillac Coupe de Ville, in pink rear light clusters picked out in silver, with the lights in red, and improvment to the rear bumper. The colour scheme looks quite stunning, the model being set off by fine paintwork detailing, of both interior and exterior. See more

MATCHBOX: AMPHIBIOUS D.U.K.W

The DUKW (55a) was base upon a military vehicle which had been built in the USA, but which was used extensively by the British army in World War Two. The real vehicle was a 2.5 ton GMC Amphibian Truck which had been a secret weapon until June 1943. Its purpose was to transport supplies and soldiers from ships to the coast. It proved to be of great benefit during the Normandy landings and featured prominently in D-Day Commemorative television programmes. After the war it was put to good use in a variety of circumstances, not least for rescues in times of flood.

The phototype actual vehicle took just 38 days to complete and 'DUKW' were its code letters. It was known as a 'DUCK' works in the USA and by the soliders who used it in action during the invasion of Sicily. The Matchbox model had a smaller scale body when compared with the rest of the army vehicles in the '1-75' range and perhaps because of this it did not sell as well as the larger scale military vehicles.

Metal wheels were fitted to the first released to the first releases but subsequently either grey or black plastic wheels were used. It was the last Matchbox military model to be fitted with metal wheels. There are no casting variations with the DUKW and the only three recorded variations centre upon the three types of wheels. Only the black plastic wheels were fitted with rounded axles. The matal and grey plastic wheels always featured crimped axles. --Model Collector

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.

THE BEATLES COLLECTION: BEATLES ROUTEMASTER BUS

The memory can play strange tricks. The third of the Beatles models is the AEC Routemaster bus in Liverpool Corporation livery. Enthusiasts know that back in the 60s and 70s the Routemaster was a strictly London-only bus, but don't blame Corgi. There was an insistence from certain people that Routemasters ran in Liverpool, so Corgi had to produced its Routemaster in Liverpool's colours. Of course, the Leyland Atlantean would have been far more authentic.

However, since this series is to celebrate The Beatles, few will probably worry much about the actual bus chosen. The destination is, of course, Penny Lane, and the registration number is 'BEAT 1'. On the side are advertisements which we believe are shots from A Hard Day's Night.

See more The Beatles Collection.

CORGI COLLECTOR CLUB MODEL FOR 1996, A LAND ROVER

Each year the Corgi Collector Club provides its members with a special model. For 1996 the chosen model is a Land Rover, using a casing that has not been employed by Corgi for some time. Indeed the opportunity has been taken to improve the mould. Finished in green, the model carries the Corgi logo and year ‘1996’ on the bonnet, number plates of CCC96, and plastic headlights. Perhaps the chance should have been taken of tempo printing (or adding by transfer) the familiar Land Rover badge. Shop here

1994 VOLKSWAGEN CONCEPT CAR

The Volkswagen Concept Car of 1994 is certainly an unusual looking vehicle, the shape of which may not appeal to all. However, the Minichamps model perfectly captures the shape of this car, fully portraying the fairly basic interior and the very curved exterior lines.

Two versions have been produced, one a saloon, the other a cabriolet. Both reveal the usual Minichamps attention to detail, including the seperate door handles and windscreen wipers, and the authentic looking head and rear lights. See more.