TEXAS TOY MAN

The Corgi ‘Superman’ Supermobile

The Corgi Supermobile was introduced in the late 1970s. There were two (2) different variations of this ‘two-fisted’ Superman model produced. These models were

1.  Supermobile Junior

2. Supermobile 1/36 scale

In an attempt to compete with Hot Wheels and Matchbox- the most popular car being manufactured at this time – Corgi quickly dropped the ‘Junior’ from the Supermobile Junior name to make the car more appealing to collectors. This effort – along with some other marketing efforts – did increase their sales; however, Corgi was never able to achieve the mass market appeal of Hot Wheels and Matchbox.

The Superman Junior pictured above has the following characteristics:

• Blue diecast body
• Red plastic interior
• Red ‘two-fisted’ sluggers (button activated)
• Superman logo on front of car
• Diecast skids (no wheels)
• Clear plastic cockpit (fixed)
• Made in Great Britain embossed on bottom
• DC Comics embossed on bottom
• Corgi Supermobile embossed on the bottom
• Length: 3 inches

The Superman Supermobile was one of Corgi’s more popular cars – both the Junior and the 1/36 scale. However, because the company was in transition to the 1/36 scale models and made many package changes to compete in the diecast market – it should be noted that the larger version of this car, i.e., the 1/36 scale model which was identical to the Junior – was the most popular and as such was more valued.

One final thought, the Superman Supermobile is a unique diecast toy in that it has a button mechanism. This button mechanism – located on the rear of the car- when pushed would cause the ‘two-fists’ to deploy. This novel action was a great attraction to the market – young and old – making it a fun toy.

Monkeemobile by Corgi Juniors

While there is quite a bit of information available for Corgi toys in general, there is very little information out there on the Monkeemobile made by Corgi Juniors. This car is from the television show of the late 1960′s and is a replica of the car driven by the four (4) members of the band in the show. For those that may not remember that particular group they had several songs that were quite popular and as such merchandising of items with their name became popular.

The Monkeemobile Corgi Junior had a catalog number of 1004 along with the following features:

• Red with white top
• Four figures inside car
• One year production – 1971
• Wheel – dark grey hub with black tire
• Length: 3 inches
• Open engine
• Clear plastic windshield
• ‘Made in Great Britain’ embossed on base
• Monkeemobile guitar logo on base
• Corgi Junior embossed on base

With the open engine and with actually having figures inside the car, along with the limited production, you can imagine that in today’s market it is very hard to find one in mint condition.

As in most cases concerning popular items, there were a few knock-offs produced that looked like the Corgi Junior in an attempt to cash in on the popularity of the Monkeemobile and it’s collector value – so beware if you purchase one of these cars. Inspect carefully before buying making sure the car you buy has all of the listed features.

Corgi-Husky Studebaker Wagonaire TV Camera Car

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.