DIECAST MODEL LINCOLN CONTINENTAL JFK PRESIDENTIAL

The Minichamps model is a superbly detailed, highly accurate rendition of the parade Lincoln, dubbed X-100 by the Secret Service. The car itself was specifically built to show off the President and so had a number of unique elements, including two radio telephones, extra jump seats, interior floodlights and retractable steps for Secret Service agents. It even had a hydraulically operated platform which could raise the President so the crowd could see him better.

One quick look at this model is enough to excite the collector: The chrome side trim captures perfectly the lines of the vehicle and the six figures inside flick into your mind images caught for posterity on the legendary Zapruder film. Great care has been taken to recreate the clothes of the four VIP passengers, right down to the angle of Jackie’s hat, the buttons on the collar of the President’s shirt and the exact coif of his hair. Even the flags on the front have been cleverly crafted into wind-rippled cloth with an excellent ripple effect. The wheels are true to the originals, with their whitewall trim and the gold-star-on-white emblems in the centre of the concave hup caps, and the Lincoln badges on the bonnet and on the spare wheel cover at the rear convince you even further. Buy it now

MINI COOPER - ROB STACEY, RESTORED EYH

Following its recent restoration EYH 846C re-enters the world of historic rallying by competing on the internationally renowned 2008 Coppa Milano-San Remo Rally. This demanding event, originally organised by the Automobile Club Milano ran from 1906 to 1973. The revival now allows a new generation of drivers and navigators to compete upon the same roads, in cars from the golden age of rallying. Having been cheered off from the Piazza Dumo, the rally's challenging route winds its way towards Genoa, then the Apennine mountain range and through the Faiallo pass high above the Italian Riviera, before reaching the descent to final clocking in the tiny Principality of San Remo.

QUARTZO: FORD THUNDERBIRD 'RAYBESTOS'

If you are looking for an eye-catching model, then this Ford Thunderbird may be your answer. In the 'Raybestos' livery as driven by Jeff Burton in 1995, the colour scheme is certainly bright and bold, with the decoration being excellently produced in the form of transfers. A very pleasing model. See more

VANGUARDS: AUSTIN MINI VAN - J SAINSBURY, MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT

The Mini van was launched five months after the saloon, in January 1960, and remained on sale until 1983. The saloon’s wheelbase was extended by 4 inches and the rear overhang by a further 2.5 inches, creating a load platform 55 inches long, quite impressive in a vehicle which was still only 129.55 inches in length.Vehicles travel down their production line with their doors open, so Mini vans were produced with twin side-hinged rear doors allowing them to be closer together than would have been possible if they had been fitted with a tailgate.
Features include jewelled headlights and detailed cab interior.

OXFORD DIECAST 1/76 CHIPPERFIELDS CIRCUS AFRICAN LIONS TRUCK

This has been one of the most talked about releases that we have ever had. A whole range of circus related vehicles which starts with some 1:76 scale Bedford TK’s all brand new tooling. The first is the generator truck. These are beautifully decorated and are produced with a limited edition of 2,500 pieces, available on a first come first serve basis. We’ve a whole range to come including a long caravan, giraffe box and even a camel trailer. If you want these items which are the first of the series you should place an order immediately, as we are anticipating a lot of demand. Models are 3.5 inches long. See more

CAT D11R TRACK-TYPE TRACK IN 1/50th SCALE FROM NORSCOT

The 1:50 scale CAT D11R is a scale replica of Caterpillars second largest Track-Type Tractor. The real machine weighs in at 225,500 lbs or 100.66 tons and is powered by a 850 horsepower CAT engine. The model is equally as impressive as the real machine, the dozer blade raises and lowers, tilts forwards and backwards, the single legged rear ripper also raises and lowers.

Add this earth-moving die-cast model Track-Type Tractor to your collection and replicate a construction site. The detailed 9-inch, 1:50 scale, black-and-gold tractor has a tilting dozer blade; stretchy, removable caterpillar tracks; a mobile ripper; various bars and handles; textured surfaces; exhaust stacks; and rotating cogged wheels above four base wheels. Transparent plastic windows offer interior views of the cab complete with levers and driver's seat. The heavy metal frame makes this vehicle tough to topple. But with its small, potentially finger-pinching moving parts, it's recommended for children ages 8 and older. --Kathryn Gustafson Buy it now

MATCHBOX REGULAR WHEELS - FORD GRIT SPREADER

The final release for 1965 was a red and yellow Grit-Spreader on the new Ford D series chassis. It featured a realistic gritting rear tab pull and included a plated grille and tinted windows. It was the second model to fill the No.70 slot.

Most releases had a pale yellow container but a few later models were painted in bright yellow. Axle supports were originally thin but these were later strengthened. At least two moulds were used, since the text may be found positioned high and low.--Model Collector

SIKU 1/55 MEGA LIFTER

Siku is a quality heavy duty mobile crane. The end of 1999 saw the release of the Siku Mega Lifter in 1/55th scale. This quite remarkable toy would be something for any child to cherish, as it is, it is a quality model and a worthy addition to any collection.

The three stage telescopic boom extends to 97cm which makes this particular crane one of Siku's largest to date. With lockable rams and manual winding of the cable are among many of the working features.

The operator cab extends outwards for better vision swivelling through 360 degrees with the boom. The lorry chassis has been used before on other model mobile cranes, which features extendible outriggers with levelling feet. Overall an excellent model from Siku. Buy it now

VITESSE 1/43 CITROEN 2CV - 1948

The first production 2CV was a fascinating looking machine, complete with a stylish grille, louvered bonnet and suicide doors. Vittess's model of this machine is extremely well done, you can almost sink into those hammock seats. Very nicely detailed early 2CV from Vitesse. Buy it now.

CORGI: KARRIER TROLLEYBUS 'IPSWICH'

The Karrier W Trolleybus is available in the green and pale cream of Ipswich. With differing tampo-printed advertisements on the nearside and offside, and with extremely well printed coats of arms on both sides, it is a pity that the front advertisements and destination board are in the form of a label. Buy it now.

DIE-CAST MODEL 1/18 MG MGB GT (1975)

The MGB was and still is a automotive Icon of the 20th century and was a sports car ahead of it's time. There was nothing cutting-edge about it's drive-line in that it was rear wheel drive with leaf springs mounted on the live rear axel. But the sporty bodyshape is timeless and still looks modern some 35 years on , which was no mean feat. This version is of the 'Rubber Bumper' USA federal model which became a standard bodystyle. B.L could not afford to keep the chrome bumpered model in production alongside the 'Rubber' version. This was forced on the company due to new stringent rules for the USA which was MG's major market. Also the suspension was raised by crude steel wedges under the struts again due to lack of money !. This killed the sharp handling of the little car and the heavy bumpers also damaged the top speed and fuel consupmtion. To my eyes I like the look as it did modernise the 'B' for the late 1970's until 1981 when Abingdon closed it's doors. B.L's failer was to not modernise the MGB so sales slowly tailed off until the bitter end. Then when Micheal Edwards took control of the company MG was not part of the grand recovery plan set in motion in 1979. This is a fine model though I don't like the lurid colour at all but I suppose it's very 1970's ?. The suspension is too low for this type of MGB but with some work it can be raised as I have done. All in all this is a great model of a classic sports car little seen on the roads today.--NEO "Daren" Buy it now

SOLIDO 1/43 TUCKER IN METALLIC BLUE

The 1948 Tucker has arrived, initially in metallic blue or metallic red, although six other colours are promised over the next three months, with all eight colours being available as a 'set' in the autumn.

While the general shape of this distinctive car has been well captured, with well executed windscreen wipers, the interior looks a little basic, particularly the dashborad area. pleasing touch is the front passenger window being shown slightly open. This is good value for its 1/43 scale

MATCHBOX ACCESSORY PACK NO.2 THE BEDFORD CAR TRANSPORTER

Accessory Pack No.2, released in 1957, was an articulated Bedford Car Transporter. This model was able to carry four Matchbox cars, two on the lower deck and two on the upper. In these early days of Matchbox toys there were no hinged deck or ramps, so there was no obvious way of loading and unloading cars on the upper deck. The Bedford Car Transporter is the most interesting of the Matchbox Accessory Packs as far as variations are concerned, not least because it exists in a rare colour version and was also the Accessory pack model which had the longest production run (and therefore more opportunity for variations).

The first version had metal wheels fifted in common with other Matchbox vehicles of the time, although the wheels were larger than those fiftted to any other model, excepting the Yesteryear series. The sides of the transporter trailer were decorated with the words “Matchbox” Car Transporter’ applied with a printing process unlike other Matchbox models (which had decals at this time). Earlier issues had the lettering much wider spaced than later versions, the overall length being 50mm rather than 37mm.

A WORLD OF BUS TOYS AND MODELS

Whether you are interested in toy vehicles or real buses, this book offers a feast for the eyes. An astounding array of model buses from some 20 nations - diecast, plastic, tin-plate, and cardboard - awaits you; the material is extremely captivating. But beware, if you do not already collect model buses, you may find yourself doing so after perusing this book. Also included are many antique and rare models one doesn't see all the time. Granted, not every model is included and the survey could be a little stronger regarding models from the former Soviet Union. Nevertheless, this book has a lot to offer and I heartily recommend it to anyone with more than a passing interest in buses. --Daniel L. Berek Buy it now