In the 1960′s, Corgi/Husky added more American style cars into their manufacturing of toy cars. During this time, this line of toys was sold exclusively through the Woolworth stores. And while Husky toys were sold by Corgi importers the fact that there were not Woolworth stores in the foreign countries has resulted in some Husky models being found in odd numbered packaging.
When Husky was producing the American-style smaller-sized diecast toys, they were very careful in making them very real-like. And while these American models would probably have done very well in the large Corgi toy line, they were never produced.
The vehicle shown above is the Studebaker Wagonaire TV Camera Car identified as 15 (B.). It’s civilian equivalent was only found in the Gift Set 3005. Oddly, they were both produced in 1967 – one year after Studebaker stopped production and left the automobile business.
This car pictured has the following:
- Man and camera in rear hatch
- Black plastic wheels
- Cobalt blue Windows
- Yellow paint
- Chrome plastic base
- Chrome plastic grill
Corgi-Husky made a variety of different cars for you to enjoy or collect. The The Unauthorized Encyclopedia of Corgi Toys (Schiffer Military History)
is your best buy for identification and pricing Corgi-Husky toys. Even though this reference book displays ‘Military History’ it has all the information on the cars. This reference book is available through Amazon.com.
Posted 2 weeks, 1 day ago at 8:47 pm. Add a comment
Lotus Esprit James Bond Corgi Junior
Straight from one of the James Bond movies – in this case starring Roger Moore – is this very popular James Bond underwater Lotus Esprit # E 68 B. The car pictured is the original 1970′s underwater model. There was also a car manufactured that was a copy of the street version. While there were actually two (2) different cars manufactured to represent the transition made in the movie, both models had some similaties – one of which was they both had the same window style.
The bond underwater Lotus Esprit (pictured here) came with the following features:
- White in color
- Opaque black Windows
- Rutter on top and sides of rear panel
- No interior
- Black plastic base
- Black Wizzwheels
- Red 007 label on hood
There are many different cars associated with the James Bond movies but the Lotus Esprit was the only one that transitioned from land travel to underwater in the movie “The Spy Whol Loved Me”.
If you are looking for more information on “any” Corgi, I use the following for my pricing and identification – The Unauthorized Encyclopedia of Corgi Toys (Schiffer Military History). This book has very good pictures of Corgi toys from the1950′s to present.
Posted 1 month, 2 weeks ago at 8:07 pm. Add a comment
Special Agent 007, James Bond
Austin-Martin D. B .5. Number 261
… was modeled and based on the car driven by James Bond in the movie “Goldfinger.” Box is marked – Copyright Glidrose Productions Ltld & Danjaq S.A. 1965.
Produced in Great Britian by Play Craft Toys LTD., London in 1965, this gold colored Corgi comes ‘action packed’ with the followig features:
- James Bond Figure
- Bad Guy Figure (Removeable)
- Retractable Machine Guns (on front)
- Opening Roof
- Operational Ejector Seat
- Rear Bullet Screen
- Telescopic Over-Riders
- ‘Secret’ Instructions
- Length: 3-7/8″
Just a point of information, if you’re trying to locate value prices on Corgi cars, remember that most price guides only show values for items ‘Mint in Box’.
Posted 5 months ago at 4:28 pm. 2 comments
The “Corgi” name is a registered trademark of Playcraft Toys. Playcraft Toys began production in 1956 and are still in production today.
The 5-1/2 inch Batmobile pictured in this article was made in 1966 and in several variations, all with very subtle differences, i.e. color, hub caps , cutter, etc.
The Corgi Rocket Firing Batmobile featured here has the following:
- Black color/red side logo
- Chain cutter
- Rocket tubes
- Springs suspension
- Batman embossed on chassis
- Red `bat hubs’
- Batman and Robin removable figures
- Made in Great Britain
- Blue windshield
- Jet exhaust-wheel activated
- Original box number 267
- Original operating guide
If you have any other variation of the Batmobile that is different from the one pictured in my blog please send me a picture of your Batmobile and I will be happy to include it in my next Corgi post.
Posted 6 months ago at 5:19 pm. Add a comment
Thanks !
