MATCHBOX REGULAR WHEEL NO.36C - OPEL DIPLOMAT

The Opel Diplomat, saloon (36c) , was originally shown in turquoise on early boxes when they were made available during May 1966.


In fact, it was issued in gold with a white interior. It featured an opening bonnet revealing a chrome plated, or, more rarely, a grey plastic engine. When iewed through the front wheel recesses in the base, it may be seen that the bonnet hinge pin blocks were strengthened from lmm wide to 2mm wide on later models.

Earlier models had no number plate or tow slot. A number plate was quickly added and subsequently, in common with other models, a tow slot was cast behind the number plate, which was itself enlarged.

It is another of the more common models still common, paratively easy to obtain today and rouses little interest. It is therefore pertinent to record that a colour trail model, which had originally been found boxed and painted in turquoise, exchanged hands in the US for $9000 in November 1999. These models may be small in size but never stature, and in some case value. --Model Collector

SCHUCO 1/43 CITROEN HY MICHILIN DELIVERY TRUCK

The Citroën HY Van was a light delivery van produced by the French car maker between 1947 and 1981. It was developed as a simple front wheel driven van after WWII. A total of 473,289 were produced in 34 years in factories in France and Belgium. The engine, gear box and many smaller parts are borrowed from other Citroën models. For example, the engine and gearbox are nearly the same as the Traction Avant automobile, only mounted with the engine to front. For many years, the head lights and speedometer were identical to the classic 2CV. The distinctive corrugated body work was inspired by German Junkers aircraft of the 1930s. The ribs added strength without adding weight, and needed only simple, low cost tools, which was ideal for a cash-strapped, post-WWII Citroën. The flat body panels were braced on their reverse side by box sections, set at right angles to the ribs.

Schuco's diecast 1:43 scale is a highly collectible, fine line of motorsports car model. Made extremely precise in detail, with near perfect proportion to the real cars, this Citroen HY box van Michelin is made for the car enthusiast like you. Limited edition Many details have etched brass parts which puts the models at the top of their class in terms of Quality. The accurate miniature models, standardized to the international collectors' scale of 1:43.  Shop here

VANGUARDS 1/43 SUNBEAM ALPINE LAKE BLUE

First introduced to the public in July 1959 in Cannes with the Series 1 and the last car produced in 1968 with the Series V. Some 69,000 cars left the factory between those years, most of which where exported. The Alpine is a good model and looks very nice in this lake blue colour. It comes in 'Rootes' packaging in the marques series. Shop here

VANGUARDS 1/43 JAGUAR XJ6 - BRITISH RACING GREEN

When Jaguar launched the XJ6 in 1968 the world’s press were ecstatic. The race tested XK engine was smooth as well as powerful, and Bob Knight’s chassis genius had enabled William Lyons to produce a truly beautiful car that was also more refined than any rival. Jaguar had the world at their feet, if only British Leyland had let them build it properly.

The number produced shows how popular this model of the Jaguar saloon is expected to be and rightly so. This could be the last we use the Lledo name with Vanguards. Shop here

MAISTO 1/18 PORSCHE 550A SPYDER DIECAST MODEL

Porsche 550A Spyder Diecast Model Silver 1/18 Die Cast Car By Maisto

Surely one of the most aesthetically pleasing cars ever built, the Porsche 550 A Spyder looks great in black with red upholstery. This detailed 1:18-scale replica has an exceptionally solid metal body. Although the detailing is plastic, there's not much of it on this pared-down fun machine. The steering wheel actually turns the front wheels, and the doors, hood, and rear compartment can be opened, the latter revealing engine, leather tool bag, and spare wheel. All four wheels have independent suspension springs. The car comes on a black, fake-wood display stand, but you can easily remove the two screws for some stylish, open-air motoring around your floor or desktop. --Richard Farr

KYOSHO 1/18 1974 BMW 2002 Tii DIECAST MODEL CAR

BMW 2002 Tii Diecast Car Model 1/18 Sahara Beige Die Cast Car by Kyosho

A beautifully recreated model of the famous 2002 series. This car was the ancestral grandfather to the BMW 3 Series and was produced from 1968 to 1976. The 1974 Sahara Beigh BMW 2002 Tii Diecast Model Car features opening hood, doors, trunk, and steerable front wheels. A must have for the serious collector.

ERTL/AMA 1/18 1965 CHEVROLET CHEVROLET CHEVELLE MALIBU SS Z16 DIECAST MODEL CAR

1965 Chevrolet Malibu Chevelle SS Z16 Diecast Model Yellow 1/18 Die Cast Car by ERTL Authentics

This 1965 Yellow Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS Z16 Diecast Model Car represents Chevy's introduction to the muscle car battle. No muscle car replica collection is complete without this beautiful model from the time when muscle cars ruled the road.

WELLY 1/18 1951 FORD F1 PICKUP DIECAST MODEL

1951 Ford F-1 Pickup Diecast Model Green 1/18 Die Cast Car By Welly

One of Fords most classic trucks. Beautifully made 1951 Green Ford F1 Pickup Diecast Model Truck with quality parts. A must have for any serious collector.

TROFEU 1/43 TRIUMPH TR7 RALLY 9th RAC RALLY 1980 ROGER CLARK

British Leyland ran a team of TR7s in rally competition from 1976 to 1980. These cars used the 16 valve Dolomite Sprint or Rover V8 engine and had disc brakes on all four wheels. They were reasonably successful on tarmac events but did not do well on off road sections Roger Clark competed on the 1980 RAC Rally in the TR7 for the British Leyland Works Team. It was to be the last rally in whch he competed as a works driver.


It was finished in the union jack colours of red, white and blue, the model shows of the wedge shape of the car very well, moveable tyres with treaded tyres, finescale wipers, headlamps moulded in the open position, detailed interior, super crisp decals, model length approx 9cm. Shop here

VANGUARDS 1/43 FORD CAPRI Mk3 3.0S - 1978 BRITISH SALOON CAR CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER

From 1975, the 3-litre Capri dominated the BSCC and Gordon Spice racked up 26 victories, winning the class every year from 1975 to 1980. In 1978, driving the 220bhp 3.0S modelled, he took 6 wins out of 12 races. Ford gained fantastic publicity from the Capri's success, so when the Mh3 was announced in March 1978, free 'update kits' were issued to the series' leading protagonists, which gave their existing Mk2 Capri's the up-to-date look and performance. The car modelled started life as a Mk2. Features include detailed interior, working suspension and authentic livery. Shop here

CORGI 1/48 WARNER & SWASEY 4418 HYDRAULIC

A model of an American-built crane. The small cab unit swiveled on a short body carrying the engine, which could be hinged up for travelling. The model had four large blow-moulded wheels and four stabilizing legs. The crane boom in three collapsible sections which could be raised or lowered by a thum wheel at the back. The lifting hook could likewise be lifted or lowered by a second thumb wheel positioned at the end of the small boom. --The New Great Book of Corgi

CORGI MINI MANIA - MIGHTY MINIS RACING - JOHN KIRBY

This racing Minis certainly make for a colourful display, and this is no exception. As always, the tampo printing is superb. Shop here

BRUMM 1/43 FIAT 600 ABARTH 750 MILLE MIGLIA

The model from Brumm is always accurate, very finely detailed, and well decorated. Among a number of recent releases is the Fiat Abarth, the 750 version as driven at Mille Miglia in 1955, and the 850TC from 1962. It is the attention to detail, sometimes very small detail, that makes these models special. Shop here

BRUMM 1/43 COOPER T53 CLIMAX 4CYL

This Brumm model is released in the standard range. The Cooper T53 is accurate down to the thin Dunlop Racing tyres and Cooper decals on the nose and wheel centres and the body removed to reveal the chassis. The version are both of cars as driven in the British Grand Prix in 1960, as the number 1 car by Jack Brabham, and the number 2 car by Bruce McLaren. Shop here