SCHUCO 1:43 MERCEDES-BENZ CLC

The Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class is a luxury compact car produced by the Mercedes Car Group division of Daimler AG since 2002. It can be powered by a variety of gas or diesel engines, in four or six cylinder designs. Schuco is a legendary German toy manufacturer, founded in 1912. The company achieved worldwide fame with its toy cars manufactured in the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s, many of which were patented. While Schuco continues to issue a limited number of metal retro-toys for collectors, today the company is better known for its amazing diecast vehicle replicas. Working directly with manufacturers and car collectors, Schuco painstakingly re-creates each vehicle in miniature, often incorporating tiny details only visible with a magnifying glass. Most Schuco models are issued in specified limited quantities, and once gone, will not be made again. That’s why wise collectors know that a Schuco model isn’t just a purchase: It’s an investment with a lifetime return of enjoyment. Shop here

VANGUARDS 1/43 AUSTIN 1800 DRAGON'S TAXI

The Vanguards diecast collection centres around classic British vehicles through the last five decades. Now produced by Corgi the finish on each model is an accurate representation of the original car. With a deep paint luster, and fine details such as wing mirrors and door handles, these models are a pleasing addition to any classic car collector.

Dragon Taxis is the largest private hire and taxi company in Wales with over 450 licenced vehicles and drivers. This model represents their humble beginnings. Shop here

CORGI 1/50 SAVIEM JL20 ANIMAL TRANSPORTER - PINDER

It is good to see the Pinder (Jean Richard) models appearing once more from Corgi, as item primarily intended for the French market. The animal trailer has been seen, now linked with the Renault Saviem tractor unit, a good, but slightly basic, casting. Shop here

EFE 1/76 BRISTOL UTILITY - PROVINCIAL

The Gosport based company have a large fan-base and their unusual emerald green livery looks good on the Utility. Love the advert too! Shop here

CORGI 1/43 RANGE ROVER VOGUE TD6 WHITE GOLD

Corgi has selected four Great British Motoring Icons to model as part of the anniversary range. The models are all of the actual vehicles tested at the time by Autocar or Motor magazines and each includes a re-print of their original road test. You can see what the experts thought at the time and compare the model with photographs of the car when it was new.



This model is of the superb 2002 Range Rover Vogue that combined superlative off road performance with every day luxury for the well heeled. Shop here

CORGI - SKYSCAPPER TOWER CRANE

This model was tooled and produced in Hong Kong. The model had a ‘trucked’ base surmounted by a swiveling body casting, at the rear of which were simulated concrete counterweight blocks. The main tower crane and top boom were diecast. These could be collapsed to fold down for towing away. A red moulded sling carrying a load of building blocks was also included with the model but this one is missing. It was not a factual model.

CORGI 1/36 MAZDA MOTORWAY MAINTENANCE TRUCK

This was the basic 493 Mazda B1600 Pick-up, fitted with a slightly modified version of the 478 Jeep Tower Wagon, but still with the same cage and arms. Bollards and hinged ‘Road Worker’ signs were included, together with self-adhesive labels but this one is missing.

VANGUARD 1/43 MORRIS MINOR 1000 - 60th ANNIVERSARY MODEL

Launched at the 1948 Motor Show, the Morris Minor was the first car to come from Alec Issigonis’ extremely fertile mind. Its stiff unit construction bodyshell, torsion-bar independent front suspension and accurate rack and pinion steering represented a huge advance over the Morris 8 Series E it replaced. The Minor’s lights were raised into pods on the wings in early 1951 and it received BMC’s more up to date A-Series engine in the autumn of 1952, but the basic car remained unaltered throughout its twenty-three year production life. The fact that over 1.6 million Minors were produced is testament to the greatness of Issigonis’ original design.

KYOSHO 1/18 MORRIS MINI MINOR 1959

Kyosho is a Japanese model-maker, but the company loves classic British cars of the sixties. And so it was no surprise when they announced that they would be modelling the first ever production Mini Minor, registration 621 AOK. It has now been released. Over the years, there has been some debate about whether 621 AOK really was the first Mini off the production line as it does not have the lowest build number. But recently the mystery was solved. Peter Tothill, who was responsible for the design of the production line has confirmed that he and four other colleagues built 621 AOK over the Easter bank holiday of March 27 - March 30, 1959. The technical build date of May 8 was merely the day the paperwork caught up! It can be definitely confirmed, therefore, that 621 AOK really is the first ever Mini. And, of course, you can be just as confident that Kyosho has crawled over every inch of it to create a totally authentic replica. We, and you, would expect no less! And finally, for those who seek exclusivity, we have had 100 examples signed by the man who made 621 AOK, Peter Tothill. Very unique. Very special. This fantastic model has been accurately produced as a faithful replica of the original vehicle. Kyosho produce high quality diecast models with a great level of detail and high quality finish. Kyosho 1:18 models tend to feature opening body parts. This Kyosho model will make a great gift or great addition to your collection. Shop here

CORGI 1/50 BEDFORD S DROPSIDE 'W. AND J. RIDING'

The Bedford S comes as a dropside in the livery of W. and J. Riding Ltd, of  Preston and Longridge. The dark blue livery, with bright red chassis, looks smart, perfectly setting off the gold lettering. The model is supplied with a load of drums, which can be positioned as requires when the model is displayed. Shop here

MATCHBOX REGULAR WHEEL NO.52b - BRM FORMULA I RACER

In September, the BRM Forular I Racer (52b) was released to complement the Lotus Racer. The new model, which replaced the Maserati, had plated engine, exhaust pipes and suspension. The first model was painted blue, but rarer red versions appeared in the 1966 G4 Racetrack and 1968 G4 ‘Race ‘n Rally’ Gift Sets. The number 5 on the nose and sides came originally in decal form but later as labels.

The blue BRM was fitted with a No.3 decal for a short time. Tow guides were included with later releases, whilst the engine may be found with eleven or twelve ribs. --Model Collector

MATCHBOX REGULAR WHEEL NO.30C - EIGHT WHEEL FAUN CRANE TRUCK

August saw the release of an eight wheel Faun Crane Truck (30c) with a green body and orange revolving jib. One variation involved a comparatively rare red hook as opposed to the normal yellow version.

The model comes with and without a tow guide and first releases did not have the central brace to the rear of the jib rivet. A model with a turquoise body was found in a G6 Gift Set. --Model Collector

NOREV 1/18 RENAULT 16 IN WHITE

The R16 was a car ahead of its time, pioneering hatchback motoring. It was always an elegant car, and Norev have done it justice. Superb grille. Shop here

CORGI 1/36 JAMES BOND TOMORROW NEVER DIES BMW 750i - THE DIRECTORS CUT

There's a great new feature for this Beemer-the bonnet badge pops up to reveal a chain cutter. With actual firing roof rockets too, this has play value. Shop here