How To Determine Corgi Vehicles From the Rest
Find out More About the Most Popular Corgi Vehicles
Corgi Vehicles first came to the attention of consumers in 1956. The company became a tremendous hit in the toy world because at the time they were the only ones to manufacture vehicles with clear plastic windows. They soon became known as the ones with windows.
Over the years, the company has seen difficulties not the least of which was a factory fire that allowed the competition in roads into their market. It would not be long however before the factory was repaired and Corgi Vehicles were back on top. By the late 80s, the company had been acquired by the American Toy Giant Mattel. Even with the acquisition, Corgi Vehicles remain heads and shoulders above the rest, making wonderfully detailed die cast cars, trucks, buses, and aviation. Corgi has continually strived to offer something the other companies have not, first plastic windows, and now extremely accurate detail.
James Bond
James Bond movies have provided many options for this British Toymaker. From the BMW Z3 with figurines from Golden Eye to the latest installation of the Aston Martin DB5 from Casino Royale, Corgi Vehicles are in a class of their own. The difference in these die cast cars is the attention to detail. The company has paid meticulous attention to the color, size, scale, and design of the original vehicle. The BMW is complete with 007 license plates. They even managed to add some very nifty gadgets to the 1965 Aston Martin DB5 from the movie Gold Finger.
In addition to its accurate physical representation, the car also sported machine guns in the front wings, a bulletproof shield, and an ejector seat. This model when it was released flew off the shelves at a brisk pace; the factory was unable to keep up with demand, as parents scrambled for 1965's must have Christmas present. The multifunctional DB5 is still in production to this day with a record of over seven million sold.
Aviation
After many changes in ownership and management, Corgi released their aviation collector's series under the new name Corgi Classics Limited. Starting with a scale of 1/72 the company created a highly expansive line of limited release die cast metal aircraft replicas available. Close attention was paid to details of the original aircraft from which the models were made. Take for instance the P-51D Mustang "Stinger 7" used in World War II. Features are:
? Scale 1/32
? 14 inch wing span
? Limited Edition
? Movable Parts
? Working flaps and rudder
? Rubber wheels
? Sliding canopy
? Rotating propellers (where appropriate)
? Interchangeable under carriage
All decals and details were heavily researched using original plans and archive material. When you purchase one of these beauties, you are nearly getting the real deal.
Finally
Corgi Vehicles have seen good times and bad but through it all they have remained true to the mission of creating the highest quality die cast metal cars, vehicles and military vehicles. Choosing a favorite will be as difficult as finding some of the original offerings of the company. If you happen to find an Austin A50 Cambridge (201/201 M) you have found one of the first cars ever made by Corgi, it would be a good idea to protect it!