VANGUARDS 1/43 AUSTIN A40 FARINA - BIRMINGHAM POLICE

Birmingham Police used a large number of A40s during the late fifties and early sixties, mainly as local beat Panda Cars or unmarked transportation vehicles. Superseded in some roles by the 1100 range, with which it shared its engine, the A40 continued to be used in Mk2 form because of its capacious storage and the ease with which equipment, carried by some branches of the force, could be reached through the Countryman’s opening rear window.


Although styled in Italy the A40 was engineered and produced at Austin’s headquarters at Longbridge, on the outskirts of Birmingham, meaning the force was supporting their local manufacturer.

The model features chrome detail, detailed interior, photo-etched wipers and roof light. Shop here

CORGI 1/43 FORD CAPRI III AND HAYNES HISTORY BOOK

Ford Capri 2.8i Haynes Manual Set in Blue featuring working wheels. What better union than the coming together of the Corgi brand with the Haynes Manual to create Corgi's new range - Haynes Miniature History. Both brands have kept enthusiasts and collectors happy for decades and now you can own your favourite model and read all about it in the charming, Haynes miniature history book. Each model is an authentic detailed replica and the book is filled with pictures, facts and features about the real vehicle and pays tribute to its place in Corgi's heritage, a truly compelling read. Presented in bespoke packaging, this set is a perfect gift for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Shop here

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