VANGUARDS - AUSTIN COOPER LAUNCH BROCHURE CAR-50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE MINI COOPER

The Mini-Cooper was the brainchild of John Cooper, then proprietor of the successful Cooper Formula 1 team.  He saw the racing potential in his friend Issigonis's nimble economy car, the Mini, and after building a prototype, persuaded BMC to build the 1000 cars needed for homologation.

BMC agreed to pay Cooper £2 per car for the use of his prestigious name, and the Austin Seven Cooper (and Morris Mini Cooper) were launched on 20th September 1961.  The Austin version officially became the Mini-Cooper in January 1962.  BMC worried it wouldn't sell but high profile motor sport success soon meant it became the classless car everyone wanted. Shop here

CORGI 1/50 SCAMMELL HIGHWAYMAN AND TRAILERS 'BILLY SMART'S CIRCUS'

This is certainly an impressive beast, with its Scammell Highwayman tractor, box trailer and pole truck trailer, all in the grey and green of Billy Smart's Circus. Posters advertising the next venue of Bexleyheath appear as labels on the sides. Certainly a fine model to add to those that have previously appeared in Billy Smart's livery, or to go with the collection of Chipperfield's and other circus/fun fair models. Shop here

MINICHAMPS BENTLY AZURE 2006 BLUE METALLIC CONVERTIBLE

This model is a highly detailed model in 1:18 Scale. For the past 20 years, Minichamps has strived to bring to the demanding collector the very best quality die-cast collectable money can buy. Minichamps products year after year bring a variety of models in various scales from the major automotive manufacturer’s of the world, encompassing the classic racing & road car to the contemporary models as well as current Formula 1, Moto GP, & Military models. The Bentley Azure is a four seated convertible. The azure is based on the modified platform of the Bentley Arnage and uses the engine of the Arnage R. Into the platform as well as the build up numerous strengtheners were integrated, in order to eliminate the convertible typical body rigidity problems that a convertible has in comparison to a coupe. On the same platform, the coupe namely the Brooklands is also based. The Azure is equipped with a full electronic cloth convertible hood. The base price is 334.021 € and as a result it is the second most expensive convertible, behind the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé (440.300 €) world wide. In 2008 the Azure T, a more powerful car, in terms of power and torque, was added to the Azure line. The engine, the side air intakes and the front bumper of the Azure T are designed in the Anarge T Saloon Style. The 20” rims also stem from the Saloon, as well as the aluminium pedals and the leather design (“Diamond Cut”) in the door and mid console. Shop here

SHELBY 1/18 1966 RED SHELBY GT 350R DIECAST MODEL CAR

1966 Ford Shelby Cobra GT 350R Red Diecast Car Model 1/18 Die Cast Car by Shelby Collectibles

The 1966 Shelby GT 350 featured special quater-panel windows and rear air scoops on each side and an optional automatic transmission. Beautifully crafted this 1966 Red Shelby GT 350R Diecast Model Car features opening hood, doors, trunk and steerable front wheels. No collection complete without this stunning car.

WELLY 1/18 1966 PONTIAC GTO DIECAST MODEL CAR

1966 Pontiac GTO Diecast Car Model 1/18 Black Die Cast Car by Welly

Pontiac's GTO was restyled again for 1966, gaining more curvaceous styling with kicked-up rear fender lines for a "Coke-bottle" look, and a slightly "tunneled" backlight. With sales at 96,946, the 1966 GTO yielded the highest production figure for all GTO years. A beautifully detailed 1966 black Pontiac GTO Diecast Model Car, and a fine addition to any collection.

CORGI 1/50 SHILLIBEER ROUTEMASTER

In 1979 came the 150th anniversary of George Shillibeer's original London omnibus, and to mark the event twelve Routemasters were sponsored to be decorated in a special green and yellow livery reminiscent of that used by Shillibeer. The result was attractive vehicles which brightened up the streets of London.

On the actual buses, the surrounds to the windows were red: while Corgi has provided a red surround to the windscreen, the other windows are left completely yellow. The advertisements for North Thames Gas on the front and rear are a little too small ; they should extend the full depth of the green panel.

The combination of the green and yellow in the area above the engine cover is not accurate, but again probably resulted from the difficulty in mask spraying in this part of the casting. Shop here

CORGI - FODEN FG TANKER AND MORRIS J VAN 'NATIONAL BENZOLE'

The heavy commercials series will feature 'Petrol and Oil Companies'. First there will be two sets: National Benzole Mixture: Foden FG cylindrical tanker and Morris J van (1/43 scale). Shop here

MATCHBOX REGULAR WHEELS NO.17 HORSE BOX

In March three other vehicles became available. Another ACE Truck with an Ergomatic cab took the form of a Horse Box, (17e). It had a red body, a dark green plastic box with an opening grey side door and two white plastic horses. It was also fitted with green plastic windows and a chrome plastic grille and base. It was not modified to Superfast wheels until 1970.

MINICHAMPS 1/43 JORDAN TOYOTA EJ15 - T. MONTEIRO 2005

This team's first season was in 1991. The real car has, not surprisingly, a Toyota engine and an EJ15 chassis. The model features the Portuguese driver Tiago Monterio. Once again this release is up to date and contains a high level of detail. It is bound to please Jordan fans. Shop here

IXO 1/43 ASTON MARTIN DB7 ZAGATO - BRITISH RACING GREEN

The style of this car from 2002 alludes to the past, with a hint of the future. It look 14 months to develop. The power plant is a 6 litre V12 engine capable of 440 bhp. It will hit 60mph in five seconds. The model captures well the look of the original. Shop here

EFE 1/76 PLAXTON PARAMOUNT 3500 - STRATHTAY

This livery certainly enhances the look of this attractive vehicle. There is plenty of lettering, legal and otherwise, along the vehicle's side and this is crisply reproduced. The modelled vehicle carries fleet number 435, along with registration number 365 DXU. Shop here

CORGI 1/76 ERF LV SHEETED PLATFORM TRAILER - BRS WESTERN

The real vehicle this model is based on was in production until 1974. It was launched in 1962 and was a completely new design, with an improved glass fibre cab, containing a one piece windscreen. The model does it proud with a realistic looking cold cast load. Shop here

CORGI - THE BEATLES YELLOW SUBMARINE DIECAST MODEL

The new Yellow Submarine, Corgi changed the model and box yet again. Introduced in 2002 and currently available, advertising photos show the model and box yet again. Introduced in 2002 and currently available, advertising photos show the model with red hutches in the closed position. On release, the model underwent more economies as the hatches were body colour yellow, though, of course, there may be someout there with red hatches0 This final version is just a little disappointing. With the hatches clamped shut and the colour scheme all yellow, the only saving grace is the addition of furture artwork from the movie on a new box. Shop here

CORGI - THE BEATLES YELLOW SUBMARINE DIECAST MODEL

 

 In early 1997, Corgi released a small catalogue showing the six month in the new Beatles Collection range. In a masterstroke, the catalogue style mirrored the collage design of the Anthology albums. To add effect, the catalogue was designed to appear like a record and placed within a cardborad sleeve.

The model has four small screws holding it together. Th front wheel is now roller and the conning tower rail and periscopes are made from polystyrene, instead of polythene. Both hatches have additional side bars inside to guide them to the closed position. The buttons to activate the hatches are now painted black.

The model sits snugly in its box and is accompanied by a small catalogue and certificate. A variation is known regarding the design of cellophane window. See more

NOREV 1/18 CITROEN DS 23 PALLAS

After a long gestation period, the DS was launched in 1955. The DS 23 followed in 1972, the Pallas was the top of the range. The model features opening front doors, showing richly appointed interior, and opening bonnet, displaying detailed engine and spare wheel. Shop here

MAISTO 1/18 CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE DIECAST

 

Maisto makes terrific die cast models. This one is no exception. If you own a Chrysler Crossfire, or wish you did, you might enjoy having this highly detailed model to park somewhere indoors where you can admire it when you're not enjoying the real thing. 

The details are very good - hood, doors, and hatch all open. But that by itself doesn't guarantee a great model. Fortunately here, the details are all correct, with even the smallest parts faithfully modeled in the correct colors. The steering wheel moves together with the front wheels that may be posed in a range of positions. 

I like that Maisto even with to the trouble of making the wheels and tires the right sizes - with the correct proportioned smaller front wheels and tires and larger rear - to give the model the same aggressive appearance sitting on your shelf as it has at the curb! 

This model is of the normally aspirated, six-speed manual, so SRT owners go begging (or face the challenge of finding a 1/18-scale set of upgrade parts to make it so)!--Paul Mark Provencher "ppro"  Shop here

EFE 1/76 BRISTOL RELH D/P COACH - EASTERN COUNTIES NBC

This popular fleet vehicle dates from 1975 and carries the rather nondescript NBC livery. It has the fleet number RLE 742 with a registration of GCL 344N. The vehicle is working route 851 to lpswich. NBC fleet collectors will be pleased with this rendition. Shop here

AUTO ART 1/18 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE CABRIOLET

Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible Diecast Model Orange 1/18 Die Cast Car By Autoart

It's amazing just how good the larger scale models are these days. All the opening features are provided - doors, boot, bonnet - but they are all perfects fits, so do not detract from the overall appearance of the model. Particularly impressive is the way the boot opens.

VANGUARDS 1/43 MORRIS MINOR VAN CARDIFF CITY POLICE DOG SECTION

The Morris Minor based van found favour with many UK Police vehicles as a general utility vehicle, FUH 167C was delivered in 1965 and was one of several used by the Cardiff City Police Dog Section throughout the vehicle's production life. See more

AUTO ART 1/18 RANGE ROVER 4.6 HSE

 

Is this the first time a Range Rover has been produced in this scale? Whatever, it looks superb. Particularly good is the interior, with seat trim and operating arm rests. Sporting superb paint finish, and excellent detailing, this will be very impressive on display. Shop here

K17 - FORD D800 ARTICULATED LOW LOADER WITH BULLDOZER

This model released the Matchbox King-Size K-17 Ford D800 Articulated Low Loader with Case Bulldozer in 1970. The tractor and trailer were always painted green all over except for the yellow fuel tanks which when lifted would uncouple the tractor unit from the trailer. The baseplate was silver painted and it included the grille as part of the casting which meant it did not need silver trim. The cab was fitted with green tinted plastic windows and it had a red roof beacon. Both tractor and trailer were fitted with red plastic hubs with black plastic tyres which included a spare wheel mounted to the top of trailer.

The bulldozer had a red painted body with a yellow baseplate which included the engine and dozer blade as part of the casting. It also had yellow plastic rollers and a removable yellow metal cab roof and it was fitted with green rubber tracks which were replaced by black rubber tracks on the later issues. Both the the Tractor unit and the Bulldozer had decals for 'Laing' but later 'Taylor Woodrow' decals were fitted including extra decals applied to the back of the tractor cab and to the back of the Bulldozer cab.

MATCHBOX COLLECTIBLES: VOLVO 760 AND FERRARI F50

Two more from the series of The World's Greatest Automakers Collection have been seen. As before these are models from  the Matchbox Miniatures series but with much higher levels of paint finish and decoration. As stated before, we feel these are let down by the Superfast wheels.


The cars involved are the 1986 Volvo 760 and the 1995 Ferrari F50. Shop here

CORGI - SINGLE DECK TRAM 'BLACKPOOL'

This is the single deck tram in Blackpool livery, corectly inscribed Blackpool to Fleewood on oneside, Fleetwood to Blackpool on the other. The green and white livery, with form what is now quite an extensive fleet of Blackpool trams from Corgi. Shop here

EBBRO 1/43 TOYOPET CROWN DX (RS21),

This is probably the best Ebbro we have seen so far. Ultra tight opening doors, excellent chrome and a stunning interior had us all excited! Shop here

BRUMM 1/43 MERCEDES W196C 'STREAMLINER' - K KLING - BRITISH GRAND PRIX'

The model of the 1954 Mercedes W196C, carrying race number 2, is the car raced at the British Grand Prix to 7th place. This race was where none of the 'Silver Arrows' featured higher than 4th place in their streamlined format. This model is limited to 3,000 pieces. Shop here

MATCHBOX COLLECTIBLES: FORD TT VAN 'RONALD McDONALD HOUSE' AND FORD A VAN 'CAMP QUALITY'

From Automodels Pty Ltd of Australia comes a futher 'Commissioned' Code 1 release in the Models of Yesteryear range. In fact, this is a two models in the set are the Ford TT van and the Ford A van. Both are highly courful models, and their sale will help two very worthy causes. The TT van supports Ronald McDonald House, a charity to help sick and disabled children. The A van supports Camp Quality, a charity for children with cancer. There will be just 6,000 of sets produced. Shop here

DINKY 1/43 DY7-B 1959 CADILLAC COUPE DE VILLE

 

This model is from the Dinky Collection, being the Cadillac Coupe de Ville, in pink with tan interior. Tho colour scheme looks quite stunning (and indeed was the most popular when the car was launched), the model being set off by fine paintwork detailing, of both interior and exterior. Shop here

VANGUARDS 1/64 BEDFORD S 'HEINZ 57'

There were many who were a little surprised when Lledo announced it was venturing into 1/64th scale for its heavy commercials.This is the Bedford S, which has been very well capture on this box van in the livery of Heinz 57 Varieties, complete with can of baked beans. Shop here

EBBRO 1/43 MAZDA RX7

Ebbro is a range of exciting diecasts specialising in Japanese cars. What better to introduce the range than this superb RX7 with excellent wing mirrors and neat touches.Shop here

SPARK MODEL 1/43 LOLA T98/10 - LE MANS 1999 - No.26 KONRAD

 

The model is also of a Lola T99/10, but this time powered by a Ford engine. Sponsored by Talkline, the car was run by the Konrad Motorsports team from Germany and carried race number 26. The car was driven by Lammers/Kox/Coronel and retired in the 17th hour of the race. See more

MATCHBOX MODELS OF YESTERYEAR Y5-TALBOTS VAN 'ROSE'S LIME JUICE CORDIAL'

Rose's Lime Juice Cordial was the livery for 1985, and indeed carried through to 1988. The initial releases had a cream body with mid green chassis (and black or tan seats). The following year the body colour had become off white and the chassis dark green. While the wheels were generally green, examples of the pale cream body version are known with red wheels.

Although the majority of these models were made by Lesney in England, a final production run of the Rose's version was undertaken in 1988 in Macau. Shop here

SCHUCO 1/43 VW PASSAT ESTATE

The Vw Passat sets standards of build quality in its class, and Schuco's model is a similarly tough act to emulate. You just have to admire the photo etched VW badge and the splendid roof bars, not to mention the neat interior. Again, the wheel hubs sum up the attention to detail. A real treat. Shop here

CORGI TRACKSIDE 1/76 SCAMMELL TRACTOR WITH ARTIC LOW LOADER AND GLASS LOAD TRUCK

This is a Scammell with a BRS liveried low loader carrying Pilkington glass. It's an impressive piece, and at a bargain price. The idea behind the range is that they fit OO scale railways - and in fact many have a railway fllavour.Shop here

1928 CHEVROLET DELIVERY VEHICLE

 

Introduced in 1987 ths model incorporates a single cast metal bonnet, cab and platform support. The platform is also a one piece cast metal and holds the plastic bottle crates and advertising insert. It utilises the baseplate, chassis, plastic base, plastic Chevrolet radiator and plastic roof.  Withdrawn from range in 1997. It features green body, black chassis, green deck, beige load, red board and chrome radiator.