Another model from the Corgi Club, this time the impressive Volkswagen 1200 in East African Safari trim. (Corgi 256)
Presented in deluxe packaging with a painted diorama display plinth, it comes with a Rhino charging the hapless rally car.
The model features East African Rally stickers and decals, and can be steered using the spare wheel mounted on the roof. It also has an opening boot and bonnet.
The original model was released in 1965, and stayed in the Corgi range until 1968, selling in excess of 760,000. Corgi also used the same casting for a police version, using the hole left by the spare wheel to fit an emergency light.
Although I didn’t have the model as a youngster, I did have the Police version. This is another model I vividly remember from back in the sixties, mainly from the colourful adverts in TV Century 21 for both the Volkswagen Rally car, and the Police car.
My Missus had a hand-me-down example of the metallic blue Driving School version. It ended up with us after her Dad had to clear out his house, prior to coming to live with us.
ReplyDeleteAfter forty years, she'd decided to learn to drive and that little Corgi came in handy for her to get her head around the mystery of three point turns!
Brilliant, Lewis. That's the later one with the big steering wheel on top, isn't it? It's nice to know these toys were a great learning tool.
DeleteDumb question:
ReplyDeleteThat VW looks like it's got an engine in the front and one in the back.
Huh?
It's supposed to be equipment that might be needed during the rally. If you look closely you can just make out a pair of what look like Wellington boots, and next to them , possibly a coil of rope.
DeleteI'm sorely tempted by your Corgi Club collection Scoop! If you don't mind me asking are they expensive?
ReplyDeleteDon't mind at all, Woodsy. They are just under £30 each.
DeleteHad this one as a kid.
ReplyDelete