As for so many boys growing up in the 1950s and '60s Corgi Toys along with Dinky were a special part of my life too. Corgi came on the scene in the early 50's and soon were part of life!
Above, is my Corgi Model Club Membership badge which I reeived when I became a member! I also have my certificate somewhere...
The earliest that I can recall having is still with me! It was a motorised version of the Austin Cambridge which was released in 1956.
201M - Austin Cambridge, Released in 1956
The M suffix to the number denotes the fact that this is a motorised version. I had the model restored...the motor required oiling in order to run smoothly and there was a small hole in the baseplate through which one could inject oil, which made it a little messy with the dust in Cyprus!
201 - Austin Cambridge, Released in 1956
Along the way I acquired another Cambridge and had it also restored as it was not too presentable. You will not that this is a two-tone version and it has windows (which were 'lost' on my 201M...). Corgi released models with windows ahead of Dinky which took them a little time to catch-up or copy them.
Corgi initially concentrated on typical British cars of the period and my collection reflects that.
202 - Morris Cowley, Released in 1956
Nicely original and play worn...a rare two-tone version?
207 - Standard Vanguard, Released in 1957
Standard was a twin in the Standard-Triumph group; soon after this Vanguard was launched the Standard brand was retired. This particular model is not worn as I found it at Mavros shop in Nicosia, Cyprus around 1978, without its box, and it had a couple of minor chips on it. Amazing that it lingered in the shop for 20 years before i bought it! I used to have one as a child but that model is 'lost'. In the mid sixties a lot of my toys were stolen from our house in Nicosia and in 1974 once again when Cyprus was invaded by Turkey and our house ended up in 'no-man's' land. In 1974 most of my 'mint and boxed' toys were taken and thankfully the old ones which were actually more sentimentally precious to me were left behind.
208 - Jaguar 2.4 Litre Saloon, Released in 1957
Restored to its former glory!
214S - Ford Thunderbird Hardtop, Released in 1962
I loved this model but never liked the colour they had chosen for it. The previous iteration issued under No. 214 was a turquoise and cream combination which was much more true to the period. By now Corgi also had moulded interiors in the cars, again before Dinky. The bright yellow interiors looked very fake but as a kid one had no say...I recall real cars with green and red leather interiors in those days, as well as grey plastic or cloth which was common, so where they got the yellow from always puzzled me - my guess is that they wanted us to be able to actually see that there was an interior?
216 - Austin A40
This was an interesting car produced by Austin which at the time was part of the BMC group. It was essentially the first ever hatch-back car, becuase it came in two vesion, one with a small opening for the boot, and another with a large rear opening hatch making it into a small station wagon - a unique approach at the time.
217 - Fiat 1800
This model appears here with non-standard dinky white tires...the original rubber disintegrated at some point. I loved this model as Fiat was at the time my favourite brand. My dad had had Fiats since I was a baby...and this was my first Fiat model - I always longed for a model of a Fiat 1100, but I never acquired one till much later when I started travelling and came across French Dinky and Mercury...for some reason no one ever saw fit importing these to Cyprus, perhaps due to prohibitive tariffs by the British who ruled the island at the time. They preferred that we supported UK industry, for obvious reasons.
I always wondered how Corgi had come to choose this two tone blue combination till I recently came across this promotional period photo which convinced me that this must have been what inspired them!
218 - Aston Martin DB3
An excellent rendition of the model other than its very non-standard colour...the opening bonnet must also have been a first for Corgi at the time. My model has been restored.
220 - Chevrolet Impala, Released 1960 and produced till 1965, 1/50 scale
This car made a huge impact on me as a child - the rear wings and lights were quit extraordinary; the US Embassy in Nicosia used to have one in a light green metallic colour and I remembers seeing it one day with the boot cover coming unlatched while it was moving...quite a sight to see that huge expanse of metal bobbing up and down...This is an early version (partially restored) with the flat hubs; later versions (also one in pink!) had different wheel hubs like the Police version below.
223 - Chevrolet Impala Police, Released in 1959 and withdrawn in 1965
This Police version was been restored, albeit not perfectly...the antenna is sadly broken.
225 & 226 - Austin Seven & Morris Mini Minor
Who would today guess that the brand Mini started as a Morris? The version above is the Morris, and the one below the Austin - the only differences were the badges and the grill - they were easy to tell apart because the Austin Se7en (yes, that's how the advertised it at the time) had fluted grill bars whereas those on the Mini Minor were straight.
The Austin was also available in a light yellow colour, a battered version of which I have...my mom stepped on it and it became a 'convertible' LOL
You can clearly see the fluted grill here.
The differences in the base-plates of the model were just in the naming.
Another view from the front comparing the grill and badge differences.
Some neighbours had a Mini Minor; it was dark red with a greyish vinyl interior - I loved its roominess and the huge door and side pockets where one had space to store all kinds of stuff. The quirky 'string (plastic)' opening mechanism for the doors was funny for us kids. Very basic but effective. It was strung across the length of the door and you simply pulled down.
228 - Volvo P1800, Released in 1962 and withdrawn in 1965, 1/46 scale
One of my favourites - the first one I had was a sand coloured one with a red interior. It must be somewhere...
229 -
Chevrolet Corvair, Released in 1961 withdrawn in 1966, 1/47 scale
The model was very nice but I disliked its small wheels which felt out of proportion; the fact that it was at 1/47 scale should explain this shortcoming...a very strange car for me at the time. One was used to large American cars with silky smooth engines, and then comes this air cooled flat-six rear-engined car and I wondered what they were thinking when they designed this. The design was interesting but somehow not too convincing...
230 - Mercedes Benz 220SE Coupe, Released in 1962 and withdrawn in 1965, 1/48 scale
Another beautiful model with lovely steering mechanism which gave be hours of pleasure as a child - similar toe the Bentley Continental, but again Corgi disappointed me a little with the scale and the tiny wheels...another strange thing about this model was that the box depicted a 220SE 4-door sedan, whereas the model inside was of a 2-door coupé!
232 - Fiat 2100, Released in 1961 and withdrawn in 1963, 1/47 scale
Based on the Fiat 1800 model, this was identical except for the horrid colour, jewelled head-lamps and venetian blinds at the back! It only entered my collection of toys because it was a Fiat; I always hated the colour which was too 'girly' for me...
235 - Oldsmobile Super 88, Released in 1962 and withdrawn in 1966, 1/49 scale
A nice model; a great looking Oldsmobile, which over the years produced some very stylish cars!
238 - Jaguar Mk. X, Released in 1962 and withdrawn in 1967, 1/49 scale
This was my first Corgi with an opening bonnet and boot; and there were two pieces of luggage to go with it too! A large suitcase with a briefcase! One would press on the front suspension and the bionnet would pop up. A nice and original feature! The proportions were slightly off, specially the front wing/wheel arch somehow was too large...It was available in several colours but this was the original issue colour I believe.
239 - Volkswagen Karmann Ghia 1500, Released in 1963 and withdrawn in 1968, 1/43 scale
A rare model released to the 'standard' 1/43 scale, it had several nice features! A spare tyre placed vertically and realistically under the front bonnet, which also contained a brief case; the rear engine cover would open to reveal a transparent cover over the engine, thus revealing a second luggage area. I never liked the shape of this VW, as I felt the front was overdone and the rear overhand was too long...but I loved the opening features etc. It didn't have the success of its predecessor, the 1200, which actually outlived it in production!
241 - Ghia L6.4, Released in 1963 withdrawn in 1969, 1/43
This was a very unique choice of model by Corgi as it was a car produced in extremely limited numbers. Made by Ghia for a particular customer in the USA, they were powered by Chrysler 6.4L V8 engines. The model is supposed to be at 1/43 but my suspicion is that it must be 1/45 or more.
What made it so attractive as a toy were all the opening features, a first for Corgi to combine all of these on one model, and the cute replica of a corgi dog sitting under the rear window. The model was available in several colours but I only ever saw the blue one in Cyprus - at least during the time I was still interested in toys. The plastic bumpers were a weakness of the toy.
245 - Buick Riviera,
Released in 1964 withdrawn in 1968
Trans-O-Lite made its appearance on this lovely rendering of the Riviera. A cute feature transporting light from the rear window to the headlamps.
247 - Mercedes Benz 600 Pullman,
Released in 1964 withdrawn in 1969, Scale 1/52
The 'first' on this model were the working wipers which was very cute, however the small scale did not do justice to the imposing car. Even as a child, I was quite sensitive to the proportions of the toys and ignored many e.g. some trucks, because they just would not 'fit'. Some, like this 600 'made the cut' due to their special features which Corgi at the time was introducing in quick succession.
261 - Hillman Imp, Released in 1964 and withdrawn in 1967, 1/43 scale
A very cute model with another new feature, or actually two! The opening rear window, like the real one, for loading the rear shelf, and a folding rear seat whose seat back would be 'driven' down by pressing down and forwards on the rear suspension. Sadly, this rear mechanism was a weak design and did not last well - hence the sagged look.
262 - Rover 2000, Released in 1963 and withdrawn in 1966, 1/46 scale
When Rover introduced the 2000 in 1963 it was quite a sensation. The styling, both outside and inside, as well as the new engine developed for it were all groundbreaking. Corgi produced a very nice morel but as they gave it trans-o-lite, like the Buick Riviera, had to do without opening features. The contemporary Triumph 2000 made by Dinky had superior detailing and opening boot and bonnet, which overall I preferred. Although I liked this Corgi, I felt it lacked detail, which was eventually put right with the launch of the model of the 2000 TC in 1968.
256 - Volkswagen 1200 East Africa Safari, Released in 1965 and withdrawn in 1968, 1/44 scale
Curiously, Corgi had not modelled the Beetle till this time but once getting down to it, their rendition was a very successful! The model came in a small gift set accompanied by a rhinoceros! The 'spare' wheel on the roof served as a 'steering-wheel' and made it into a great little toy. Beautifully rendered bumpers and the opening bonnet added to its appeal. The model came out in different versions in due course.
258 - Volvo P1800 'The Saint', Released in 1965 and withdrawn in 1969, 1/46 scale
One of the earliest TV themed toys I can recall and a very successful one. Simon Templar is at the wheel and the logo of the TV series on the bonnet! It greatly extended the life of this casting which saw the light in 1962 and probably one of the most profitable ever for the manufacturer.
261 - Citroen 'Le Dandy' coupé by Henri Chapron, based on DS, Released in 1966 and withdrawn in 1969. 1/47 scale
One of Corgi's inspirational moments must have been the reason for choosing this unusual car to model - probably to appeal to the French market? It was very successful with opening doors and boot wire wheels and jewelled headlamps (I apologise for the sorry state of the depicted model which suffered in hands other than mine) - it also had spot lights which have gone adrift on my example...the model was also available in a blue finish with a white roof.
Could this one have been used as inspiration also for the colour?
(from, Greek Wikipedia)
261 - Aston Martin DB5, James Bond Car, Released in 1965 and withdrawn in 1969, 1/46 scale
A Corgi collection is not complete without this iconic model. It gave endless hours of playing pleasure to so many thousands of children in the late 60s.
The 'buttons' on the sides would open the machine guns in the bumper and the ejector seat, while by pressing the exhaust the metal bullet proof protection would pop up behind the rear window.
The packaging was also amazing in its detail and content.
There was an envelope included with 'secret instructions' of how to operate all the features. Mine somehow survived the ages...
The 'baddie' in blue also survived as I had kept him in the little envelope!
264 - Oldsmobile Toronado, Released in 1967 and withdrawn in '69
The Oldsmobile division of GM produced some of the most interesting cars in America. The Toronado must qualify as one of the most daring in both concept as well as styling and it proved a popular subject for die-cast modellers. The Corgi is a very fine representation and the pop-up head-lamps added to the authenticity. At roughly 1/51 scale it was very well proportioned but somewhat lost a little bit of its imposing size relative to other Corgis. I also have an Italian Politoys version which is at a true 1/43 scale which puts things into real perspective.
269 - James Bond Lotus Esprit, Released in 1977
From the film 'The Spy Who Loved me' this model tried, unsuccessfully in my opinion, to recreate the aura of the James Bond Aston Martin. It was more of a toy than an object to admire and one can't hide all the appendages to make the car look like a normal Esprit. Nonetheless it has its place in James Bond toy folklore...
275 - Rover 2000TC, Released in 1968 and withdrawn in 1970, 1/46 scale
This was a beautifully executed model produced with the removable wheels, the spare on the boot and the glass roof; it redressed some of the deficiencies of the original Rover 2000 model we saw above. The wheel hubs imitated well the hub-caps of the real cars and the detailing overall was pretty good.
284 - Citroen SM, Released in 1971 and withdrawn in 1975
A very nice model produced in a very horrid colour...its scale must have been closer to 1/50 than 1/43. It was also produced in another equally revolting and unrealistic colour of raspberry pink...
267 - Batmobile, Released in 1966
At the hight of Matman and Robin popularity Corgi released this amazing toy with nice features such as the battering ram and rocket launchers.
My example is an early version with the bat wheel, later ones having simpler discs.
Along with No. 267 there was a gift set offered along with No. 107 i.e. Batmobile with Batboat
267 - Batmobile
One can see the detail of the wheels here; sadly the antenna of mine has gone adrift...
107 - Batboat
The Bat-boat was re-issued under No. 107 in slightly simplified form and with a red tail and cheaper wheels and different decals.
300 - Austin-Healey 100-4, Released in 1956 and withdrawn in 1965, 1/44 scale
One of my earliest Corgis was one of these; it got lost but I recently found this well worn toy which resembles my lost one 100%. Memories...
302 - Hillman Hunter, London to Sydney Marathon winner (1968), 1/43 scale, Released in 1969 and withdrawn in 1972
In my opinion this was one of the nicest models ever produced by Corgi; very authentic and great play value. This was my younger brother's toy and it looks like he took good care of it! It had the removable wheels and the opening tool box on the roof with the spare tires looks just great. Shame that I've misplaced the kangaroo which came with this. This is the only period casting of the Hillman Hunter; its a shame that a 'normal' Hunter was not derived from this, but I suppose it would have needed a separate casting to create bumpers and delete the holes in the roof etc. The Hillman Hunter was also produced in Iran under the brand Paykan and amazingly remained in production there till 2004 with very small bodywork changes and one significant powertrain upgrade to use Peugeot engines when the old Hillman unit ceased production.
303S - Mercedes Benz 300SL Convertible, Released in 1961, 1/46 scale
This model was initially released in blue, but eventually this silver plate coloured version came out. Shame that 'my' windscreen is kaputt...
304S - Mercedes Benz 300SL Hardtop, Released in 1964, 1/46 scale
same casting as 303S apart for the hardtop and no interior; I think I prefer the cabriolet.
307 - E Type Jaguar, released in 1962 and withdrawn in 64, 1/46 scale
A lovely little model with the neat plastic transparent headlights. Unfortunately they suffered badly from play and the windscreen was quite vulnerable...
312 - Jaguar E type, Released in 1964 and withdrawn in 68
The model was reissued under number 312 with the gaudy gold leaf colour scheme; I always preferred realism to sensationalism whether in my toys or later, in photography where other than skylight or polarising filters I refused to use any to alter the real colours perceived by the human eye...The windscreen of this one survived!
A group photo of my three versions; there was a detachable hardtop with some, but those have gone astray...
310 - Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, Released in 1963 and withdrawn in 1968
A masterpiece by General Motors and a lovely toy which somewhat lacks in impact due to the reduced scale of 1/46 which matched that of the E-Type. There were versions in copper and silver and some had wire wheels which suited the model very sell; I never liked this colour but never saw the other variations as a child.
314 - Ferrari 250 LM, Released in 1965 and withdrawn in 1972, 1/47 scale
Ferrari won Le mans in 1965 which notably was their last outright win of this classic race! The subsequent Ferrari P3 and P4, which in my view rate as the most beautiful racing cars ever produced, were trounced at Le Mans by Ford...might we ever see ferrari back at Le Mans as a real contender? Maybe not, but hopefully Alfa romeo, or even better Lancia can have a go? Please!?
Nice detailing of the V12 engine.
314 - NSU Prinz Coupé, Released in 1963 and withdrawn in 1966, 1/40 scale
NSU was one of post war Germany's most innovative manufacturers and they were also brave in using Italian design houses to help with styling, in this case Bertone. This car also served as a base for the first ever Wankel powered car, the NSU Prinz Spider, which was a convertible and was powered by a single rotor engine.
318 - Lotus Elan S2, Released in 1965, 1/42 scale
A cute feature of this model were the 'wind-down' windows which one could push/pull.
The Esso ad on the boot cover emulates a similar treatment to a Triumph Spitfire model made by Dinky - a rare (was it intentional by Esso?) occurrence. W version in white also exists which was in a two car gift-set with a Bentley from the Avengers series.
320 - Ford Mustang Fastback 2+2, Released in April 1965 and withdrawn in 1966, 1/46 scale
The model was issued in a few more colours but I only ever saw it in grey metallic; a cute feature was the corgi sitting on the rear parcel shelf. A weakness of this model is the suspension which sagged very quickly.
324 - Marcos Volvo 1800 GT, Released in February 1966 and withdrawn in 1969, 1/44 scale
The model came in white with two stripes; my brother 'imprioved' it by painting the top brown! The bonnet would pop up but never actually fit nicely and flush - something which detracts from the attractiveness of the toy. In 1969 a version in blue was released.
325 - Ford Mustang Competition, Released in December 1965 and withdrawn in 1969
The same casting as for No. 320 but with different wheels; it suffered the same sagging suspension as No. 320. Something else I disliked was the paper stick-on grille which showed detail but lacked authenticity somehow...
TO BE CONTINUED
