Innehållsförteckning för September 2024 från Diecast Collector

THE DINKY Toy Collectors' Assocation (DTCA) held their 2024 AGM on the 6 July at the Bull Hotel, Peterborough. Some members stayed overnight and others came on the day. The room had display tables with many interesting Dinky Toys which provided interest for the members. The proceedings started at 2pm with a welcome by the Chairman, Michael Driver, who then followed with his report on the events since the last AGM in 2023. Following this the committee gave their reports. During the AGM there was a discussion by the members about the future of the DTCA as like many other club’s membership had fallen. Work on the website is to continue with updates to improve access. The club is in its 21st year and a reference was made to the…

IT IS perhaps one of Corgi Model Club’s most exciting events since it first launched, and the company is certain that collectors are going to absolutely love the latest heavy diecast metal model which is scheduled to be with us in later this year… The gloss black version of Corgi 267, the legendary Batmobile, was originally launched by Corgi in 1967 just six months after its matt black counterpart. If you owned a Batmobile back in the 1960s then this gloss black version - complete with its famous fold-out packaging - is likely to be the one you would have owned. In true Corgi Model Club style, not only do you receive a fantastic facsimile of the original box, complete with fold-out display and plinth, you also get the all-important…

GREENLIGHT COLLECTIBLES, one of the premier manufacturers of authentic diecast vehicle replicas, has recently given an update on the company and its plans for the future plans. Released via social media, President Amy Boylan, said: “A lot has been changing in the last 2 months! We have lost a few employees, and we have some new ones. The company is headed in a good direction. Product wise, we are restructuring the current product lines, adding new ones, and giving some a break. We are working on our quality and are adding many high-end new moulds with opening hood, steering, opening parts and we are also working on detailed interior. The big news coming this summer is that we are bringing back the Under The Hood Club, all new castings and…

The well-known JCB Co of Uttoxeter, and later Rocester, was founded by Joseph Cyril Bamford in October 1945. He rented a lock-up garage and set about making his first vehicle, a tipping trailer. The trailer’s sides and floor were made from air-raid shelter steel sheets. The trailers were a success and the company moved to larger premises two years later and again in 1950, to Rocester. The company adopted the now famous yellow paintwork for its products a year after that - reportedly for on-site safety reasons as they were highly visible. The company’s famous backhoe loader first appeared in 1953 and the well-known logo was first used at this time too. The company was incorporated as J. C. Bamford Excavators Ltd., in 1956. By 1961, it boasted a staff…

It is a curious reality of the life of a magazine contributor that you often feel as if you are on stage delivering something to an audience that you can neither see, nor hear, a reaction from. After something like 45 years (on and off) of penning magazine contributions that lack of immediate audience feedback still hits me and is a stark contrast to my experiences of an intense ten years of delivering a crazy number of conference presentations in the first decade of this century. For these very reasons just to see readership feedback to any of us contributors in the Diecast Collector “Dear Editor” pages helps me feel that someone out there reads what we write. And I have to say even if there is no holding back…

Some of the major teams that have been racing in the WEC (World Endurance Championship) for several seasons, had a clear target for the 2023 milestone 24 hours Le Mans race. It commemorated 100 years since the first edition of the most famous race in the world was held, in 1923. Adding this unique win to any team’s trophy cabinet would make them extremely proud. A few years before this particular race, some car manufacturers decided it would be the perfect target for a marketing campaign and started working on new projects dedicated to the 100th Le Mans. Toyota had been involved in the sport for longer than others and was ready to jump into a new set of regulations the organizers had prepared. Others, like Peugeot, had designed a…

When the Panavia Tornado GR.4 was retired from RAF service in March 2019, several aircraft were repainted to mark the occasion. Three of them were from RAF Marham and in this article we’ll look at those aircraft and the subsequent Corgi models of them. First though, let’s have a quick recap of the Tornado story. TORNADO SERVICE The Tornado is a variable geometry, two-seat, day or night, all weather strike aircraft which was the backbone of RAF offensive operations for several decades. All this came to a close with its final return from operations and a series of flypasts over key relevant locations in the UK during mid-February 2019, and the news that it would be retired by the end of that March. The Tornado was developed and built by…

Do you believe in UFOs? I wouldn’t want this to get out, but I do. I often speculate about visitors from far off planets and my wife gives me numerous reasons why alien visitors are unlikely. Habitable planets are too far away for aliens to make the journey etc. We have to agree to differ… You are wondering what this has to do with a feature in Diecast Collector magazine? Well, my ramblings are really leading to my fairly recent collecting craze. I guess 'craze' is a bit strong, but fellow collectors will know exactly where I am coming from. For many years, I have collected vintage Dinky vehicles. I have the obligatory Foden trucks and racing cars, plus a good collection of Dinky army vehicles. A couple of years…

Continuing on from the releases for the first half of 1975, as detailed in the August issue, there was still plenty yet to come before the end of the year. Featuring another 1/18 scale racing car, and more of the 900 series military releases, there was plenty to appeal to all. The second half of the year kicked off with a very summery feel, in the shape of Gift Set 24 Mercedes-Benz 240D and Touring Caravan. The car was a new variant of No.285 Mercedes-Benz 240D that had been released in March. Now painted a darker metallic blue, it was paired with a brand-new caravan, which would be released on its own as No.490 early the following year. Produced in white with a blue stripe on the sides to match…

In the 1950s and 60s newly designed cars were appearing on the roads and car showrooms had the latest models on display. I visited a number and managed to acquire the car brochures. At the time I was unaware of how the cars had been delivered and then one day I saw a car transporter in a side street unloading some new cars. As a collector of toy cars, I thought that there should be a model of a car transporter and then in 1953 the Dinky Toys Pull more Car Transporter arrived. Other toy manufacturers also produced car transporters. Following on the Dinky Supertoys Car Carrier (No.983) arrived in July 1958 finished in red and grey with grey wheels and has the transfer ‘DINKY AUTO SERVICE’ on each side…

■ Spanish Dinky Toys 518 Renault 4L Pale drab blue, beige interior, silver trim, concave hubs. Excellent plus in a good plus picture box with flash attached to none picture side. Sold for £80, Vectis Auctions, July. ■ Spanish Dinky Toys 530 Citroen DS 23 Metallic, red body, black roof, ivory interior, silver trim and concave hubs. Near mint in a good plus to excellent box with label attached to end. Sold for £70, Vectis Auctions, July. ■ Spanish Dinky Toys 538 Renault 16 TX Saloon, dark purple body, beige interior, silver trim and concave hubs. Near mint in a good plus yellow and red carded picture box with label attached to end flap. Sold for £60, Vectis Auctions, July. ■ Spanish Dinky Toys 1453 Renault 6 Saloon, grey body,…

CULT MODELS has announced the new 1/18 scale Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow will be available in the autumn. Three colours will be produced: metallic blue (as seen above), or gold, both with vinyl roof, or, alternatively, an all-silver variant. The models are expected to retail at around £165 each plus postage and packaging, and can be pre-ordered now from CULT dealer British Heritage Models (www.britishheritagemoddels.co.uk) or your preferred retailer. FOLLOW US AT @ccofgb @CollectorClubGB CollectorsClubOfGreatBritain CollectorsClubofGB…

SPARK has announced that it will be reproducing its 1/43 replica of the Bedford Race Car Transporter (Ref: SPK6003) which was used by theTeam Lotus Formula One team from 1961 to 1963. This vehicle would have transported cars driven by the likes of Jim Clark and Innes Ireland. Measuring 23cm in length, and priced at £119.99, this reproduction is likely to go down well with collectors, as the first release sold out within days. To pre-order yours (estimated dispatch is currently October) visit www.diecastlegends.com or your preferred retailer.…

MIKE COUPE, from Spacroft Models, has been in touch to let us know that Matrix has announced two more new models of British Cars in 1/43rd scale. To add to the excitement each model comes in three different colour variants, so undoubtably there will be something for everyone! The 1973-1981 Reliant Robin comes in orange (MX 31702-051), yellow (MX31702-052), and green (MX31702-53). The 1966-1970 Ford Cortina Lotus MkII will be available in white (MX40603-101), red (MX40603-102) and gold (MX40603-103). Both models are scheduled for release in September 2024, but the prices are, as yet, known. You can order yours via Spacroft Models (www.spacroftmodels.co.uk) or from your preferred diecast retailer.…

EXCITING NEWS has reached us via Diecast Legends that Minichamps will be offering 1/18 and 1/43 replicas of the Mercedes F1 W15 driven to victory by Lewis Hamilton in this year’s British Grand Prix. A version of George Russell’s Austrian Grand Prix winner will also be available to pre-order. The German model manufacturer hasn’t officially announced these models yet, but we understand that they are going to be confirmed imminently. Changing weather conditions throughout the British Grand Prix contributed to a spectacular affair with several different leaders, but it was Hamilton who emerged triumphant. It was the 104th Formula One victory of the British driver’s career, following a break of some two and a half years since his previous success. Lewis also set a new record of nine victories at a…

Corgi has recently expanded its impressive range of models with the introduction of the CC96611 Star Trek - USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D, a highly detailed and collectable piece inspired by the much-loved Star Trek: The Next Generation series. This model has quickly garnered attention from both Star Trek enthusiasts and diecast collectors for its precision, craftsmanship, and the nostalgic value it brings. The USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D, commanded by Captain Jean-Luc Picard, is one of the most iconic starships in science fiction history. Corgi’s rendition of this famed starship captures the elegance and complexity of the original design, reflecting the dedication and expertise that has gone into crafting this model. Upon unboxing, the first impression is a good one! The model is meticulously detailed, with accurate proportions and a faithful representation of…

What do you think the oldest auto racing series is? Formula 1? Nope. WRC? Not even close. NASCAR? Nah. For the longest running series going you have to look to South America, to Argentina to be precise, and to the Turismo Carretera championship which has been running (give or take a few gaps) since 1937. A stock car series, Turismo Carretera was initially held on temporarily closed public roads, on a combination of asphalt and dirt, and kept this format until the 1960s. During the late 1960s and early 1970s the series began to attract the attention of the big car brands that were present in Argentina at the time, specifically Ford, Dodge and Chevrolet. Racers were already using the brands’ Falcon, GTX and SS Coupe (Malibu) cars respectively, and…

“Re-releasing these classic models in Dinky packaging would not be possible for Norev, as it does not own the Dinky trademark.” Over the past few years there have been several partworks that have issued recreations of classic diecast vehicles from the past. Currently the most well-known of these is the Corgi Model Club which is releasing reissues of classic Corgi Toys; but previously there have been several series of classic Dinky Toys from Britain and France, as well as Mercury from Italy. With other partworks which are not based on classic toys, it is possible for the manufacturers of the models to re-use the tooling for their own retail ranges. This has been the case with manufacturers such as Ixo, Norev, Eligor and Starline, which have many models in their…

Without doubt, the 1950s were an exuberant time across the Pond. There, where the power struggle that had absorbed Europe from 1939 to 1945 was comfortably remote, the post-War years saw a quickening of the nation’s pulse. In particular, car manufacture benefited, and some of the most flamboyant creations ever to roll on tarmac hail from this era. Fins, lavish chrome, two tone paintwork and boots (or trunks) big enough to swallow the kitchen table were all par for the course. Over here, the British car industry naturally felt the ripples, and acted accordingly. Ford was arguably the front runner, with cars like the bold new Zephyr, Zodiac, Consul and Classic, although Vauxhall (with the VX4/90, the Cresta and the Victor) also sought to emulate transatlantic fare. Such cars were…

The popularity of James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5, The Batmobile and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang during the 1960s are the stuff of legend and have also helped to drive the collector market that we all enjoy today. There can also be no doubt that in the modern era of specialist collectable diecast models, TV and film related models have a more populist appeal and help to bring diecast to a broader, younger mass audience. This was never more so than in the 1990s when the adult collector market was growing to its peak. Let’s take a look at some of Corgi’s fabulous TV and film related models from that period… SOME MOTHER’S DO ‘AVE ‘EM MORRIS MINOR SALOON (NO.96758) In one episode of the classic 1970s comedy, the hapless Frank Spencer…

Number 50 during the Lesney-era Superfast range comprises sporty Harley-Davidson, a lorry with an articulated cab…and a truck to help transport your four-legged friends! KENNEL TRUCK Production: 1970-73 Catalogue: 1971-73 Box Styles: F, G Carrying on from its regular wheels origins, Kennel Truck was, like No.6 Pick Up, based on the Ford F-Series. Painted in various shades (all fabulous) of metallic green, the rear of the casting was divided into four sections that each housed a different breed of dog in white plastic. These were protected for the journey by a clear plastic canopy. Initially fitted with the narrow Superfasts, the wider versions were fitted once appropriate modifications had been made. At the same time, the paint job changed to a rather splendid non-metallic lime green. Various colours of grille…

WHAT’S IN A NAME… ■ I WAS very pleased to see the latest release from the Corgi Model Club, Corgi No.246, a beautifully executed, finely detailed model from surely Corgi’s golden period and a most welcome addition. The only issue I have is that it is not a Chrysler Imperial, nor even a Chrysler “Imperial” as written on the box: it is a model of the 1965 Imperial Crown. Imperial was the Chrysler Corporation’s luxury brand from 1955 to 1975 (with a slight return from ’81 to ’83) to compete with Ford’s Lincoln and GM’s Cadillac divisions: the Imperial name had been previously used for a Chrysler model but by 1955 it had become a marque in its own right. So, while yes it was built by the Chrysler Corporation, it…

For my birthday, I received a gift voucher for an experience which I was really looking forward to: a chance to drive six laps at the wheel of a Ferrari California at Ingliston race track near Edinburgh. It has to be said that I was one of relatively few women trying out the cars – and I have to admit, definitely the oldest! It was, perhaps, not the best experience, as I hadn’t accounted for the other five drivers racing round the track and I’m afraid I didn’t break any speed records. Lewis Hamilton and MaxVerstappen have no need to worry! I began to consider the number of women in motorsport and, although it doesn’t attract as much publicity as, for example, women’s football, there are in fact plenty of…

MATRIX MODELS have just announced the release of another model of a British car, the 1961 Jensen 541S. This time it will have a rather fetching metallic blue finish. 541S was Jensen Motor’s luxury GT version of the Jensen 541. It was powered by an Austin 4 Litre Straight Six engine and was the first British car to be fitted with seat belts as standard. Only 127 cars were built between 1960 and 1962. Available from August 2024 there is currently no retail price for this stunning 1/43 scale replica, although we do know that it will carry catalogue number X41002-063. To get your hands on a model, go to www.spacroftmodels.co.uk, or your preferred retailer.…

AS I sit and pull these news pages together, it has been a busy few weeks of sport with Wimbledon, the Euro 2024 football finals and the British Grand Prix at Silverstone…and that brings us quite nicely to this year’s Silverstone Festival which will take place over the August Bank Holiday weekend (Friday 23-Sunday 25 August). Besides three full days of on-track action (Friday is Qualifying Day for the programme of 20 races over the following two days) there is plenty for all the family to see and do. Model collectors can hit the shopping village and can also check out all the car clubs for new additions, including thousands of full-size classics on show. Motorsport enthusiasts may well be glued to the track as there is full access to…

GET READY TO ROAR WITH AO RACING’S FRIENDLY LE MANS DINOSAUR Porsche’s legendary 911 RSR has gone through many iterations since the mid-1970s, with plenty of success on the racetracks around the world. The 2019 version has had plenty of success at the famed Le Mans 24 Hours since its launch, winning the GTE Pro category in 2022 (the final year that class was run). For the 2023 event, an impressive entry saw eight versions of the RSR taking the start in the GTE Am class. Having already run the striking green, TJ Harvey-designed “Rexy” livery on its 911 GT3 R in the US-based IMSA SportsCar Championship, the team decided to apply the fan-favourite look to its World Endurance Championship and Le Mans challenger too. AO Racing was founded in…

1/148 OXFORD AUTOMOBILE Ford Capri Mk3, Diamond White PRICE: £7.45 SCALE: 1/148 REF: NCAP003 Austin Cooper Mini, Tartan Red/Black PRICE: £8.95 SCALE: 1/76 REF: 76MN012 1/76 OXFORD CONSTRUCTION JCB 7 PRICE: £27.95 SCALE: 1/76 REF: 76JCB7001 1/87 OXFORD AUTOMOBILE 1954 Buick Century Estate Wagon Matador, Red/Carlsbad Black PRICE: £9.95 SCALE: 1/87 REF: 87BCE54004 Ford Cortina Mk5, Cardinal Red PRICE: £7.45 SCALE: 1/148 REF: NFC5001 VW Bay Window Camper, Silver Grey/White PRICE: £8.95 SCALE: 1/76 REF: 76VW032 1/76 OXFORD EMERGENCY Ford Transit Custom Essex Fire & Rescue Service PRICE: £9.95 SCALE: 1/76 REF: 76CUS009 Cadillac Sedan De Ville 1961, Ebony PRICE: £9.95 SCALE: 1/87 REF: 87CSD61004 1/43 OXFORD EMERGENCY Land Rover Series I 88" Canvas AA Highland Patrol PRICE: £18.95 SCALE: 1/43 REF: 43LAN188025 VW T1 Camper Titan, Red/Beige Grey PRICE:…

18 th EDITION Now in its 18th edition, Ramsay’s British Diecast Model Toys Catalogue is brought to you by a team of experts who have scoured thousands of auction results over the past two years to ensure you have all the updated market value prices. With over 19,000 listings, this catalogue remains the benchmark for all price guides, and is a must from anyone collecting diecast models. Order today by calling 01778 392006 or visiting ccofgb.uk/ramsays18…

Several years ago, my previous article (Diecast Collector, February 2017) explored every modern Mini Clubman and 1275GT model then available in 1/43, covering ranges fromVanguards (Clubman and 1275GT saloons), Spark (Clubman saloons and estate, 1275GT) and two estates by Kess; these gave a selection of 14 different models, which increased to 18 with two Vanguards A/B twinned liveries, a spiked Vanguards 1275GT lined up for an Atlas Editions partwork series which never happened, and a subtly enhanced Code 3 upgrade by Steve Tibbenham of a Vanguards rally 1275GT which corrected various detail errors. The intervening years have produced enough new releases to warrant an update; while there has been nothing new from Spark or Kess, Vanguards have added another trio of a Clubman saloon and two 1275GTs, Atlas have issued…

I suppose one of the most frequently asked questions by those ‘outside’ the hobby must be “what makes us collect?” There could potentially be as many different answers as there are collectors. However, one of the most popular answers must have to be memories; memories of a time long ago, when life was simpler, slower. Or when you had to wind your own windows up and down, or pull over to extend your radio arial to get any kind of reception. Memories of loading Dad’s old Rover or Ford up and heading off for a fortnight by the coast. There are so many possibilities for triggering off memories, but perhaps none more so than our first car. The freedom it gave made it such a treasured possession. No wonder then,…

The Matchbox 2022 range began appearing in the shops in late 2021 - among the first wave of new releases being this 1949 Kurtis Sport Car. Designed by Frank Kurtis, and made by Kurtis Kraft of California, who are best-known for their racing cars, it had a very short production life, ranging from 1949 to 1950. An aluminium-bodied, two-seater convertible, it used many Ford components, including aV-8 engine. Even so, it was an expensive car to produce, and only a handful were made. In addition to factory-built vehicles, it was also offered as a kit-car, with only a few surviving today. Despite the low production numbers, the car seems to have made a considerable impact, and influenced several later designs. That explains why such a seemingly obscure vehicle as the…

So, what’s your fancy? Are you into 1/64, 1/43, 1/24, 1/18 or 1/12 scale models? If any (or indeed all) of these appeal, then you need look no further than Guisval. Arguably not so well known over here in the UK, this Spanish company dates from the early 1960s and, in common with Gisima, was founded in Ibi, in Alicante. I gather that three Spaniards, namely Francisco Guillem, José Luis Serralta and Ramón Valero all had a say in its formation (and nomenclature); furthermore, it seems they were formerly affiliated to the Paya company, which has had a long history in tinplate toy production. Early output centred upon toy watches and typewriters, but the company went on to produce model vehicles in the afore-mentioned scales. Today, the 1/87 scale seems…

■ Item: Lesney Matchbox Lincoln Continental MB31c Condition: original, unboxed and good, but with some play wear Sold for: £1,219.99 (24 bids) ■ Item: Matchbox pre-production Plymouth Gran Fury Fire Chief Car Condition: original and mint, has unfinished unpainted base, date stamp and part number. Sold for: £930 (34 bids) ■ Item: Corgi Gift Set 16 Ecurie Ecosse Racing Transporter and cars Condition: all models excellent, original boxes are good but showing signs of wear Sold for: £590 (11 bids) ■ Item: Corgi Gift Set 38 'Monte Carlo' Condition: cars mint and all original, outer box good still with great colour Sold for: £1219.99 (14 bids) ■ Item: Tri-ang Spot-On No.145 Routemaster Condition: all original, boxed with collectors’ leaflet, very minor paint loss Sold for: £664 (16 bids) ■ Item:…

The story of the 1958 Ford X-2000 Andy Saunders takes us through the history of an Atomic Age icon, and its new miniature replica ON SALE 3 SEPTEMBER …or download the digital edition 7 days earlier! OCTOBER '24 Issue 324 PLUS… ■ New Model Spotlight - Part 2 ■ BBMF Hurricane in miniature ■ Models 'Then and Now' ■ Porsche 911 RS 3.0 ■ A-Z of diecast collecting ■ Auction results ■ All the latest news ■ Extensive selection of new model releases Please note: These planned editorial contents may be subject to change where necessary.…