Corgi Ford Cortina Mk5 2.0 Ghia S Sirius Red (1:43)

Ford Cortina Mk5 2.0 Ghia S Sirius Red (1:43) The Cortina modelled was ordered by Harry Cooper, the MD of a Derbyshire-based joinery firm, and built in Germany in late 1979. It was supplied by Hanger Ford, Wellford Road, Leicester, on 14th February 1980, and aside from being finished in a rare colour that was only offered for a short time, it is unusual in that he ordered every available option.  These included a sump guard, remote boot release, cruise control and economy lights embedded in the speedometer. Mr Cooper sold it when it was almost five years old, and its second owner kept it for twenty-five years, asking the supplying dealer to fit a Type-9 5-speed Sierra gearbox early in his tenure. By 2009, it had covered 120,000 miles and was purchased by South Wales-based enthusiast Alan Downs for £1,000. He initially used it daily before deciding to restore this uniquely specified car. He stripped it completely and was pleased to find it only needed one new front wing, before having it resprayed.  He fitted as many Ford new old stock parts as possible, powder-coated numerous components, and returned it to the road in spring 2012. It won several prizes at Ford shows but a change in his family circumstances led to its purchase by Ford enthusiast Bruce DiMario from Dorset, in 2013. He rebuilt the noisy back axle before selling the now perfect car to longstanding North Wales-based Ford collector Ian Mills, in May 2014.

Corgi Range Rover Classic Velar, Tuscan Blue, 2 door (1:43)

Range Rover Classic Velar, Tuscan Blue, 2 door (British Motor Museum) It’s appropriate that the first model to be produced using CORGI Vanguards’ new tooling for the original Range Rover is YVB 153H, chassis number 35500003A; effectively chassis number 3. This vehicle was the first Range Rover that came off the production line to the final production specification, and was one of 28 pre-production chassis, but only 27 bodyshells, as one driveable chassis was kept for development work.  It was hand-finished ahead of the two earlier chassis numbers by 17th of December 1969, because photographer Alan Luckett wanted a blue car for launch photography. It also starred in the brilliantly titled dealership launch film, ‘A Car for All Reasons’. It was retained by Rover until early 1972 then sold to William Ellis Garages, Oswestry, and by the late 1980s was owned by Norwegian photographer Per Lochen.  As the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust’s vehicle collection was growing in the early 1990s, ahead of their 1993 move to what is now the British Motor Museum at Gaydon, they realised they lacked an early Range Rover, and 153H was tracked down. In late 1991, a deal was struck with Lochen to acquire this historically important car, which by this time was in a poor state.  It was restored to its original ‘launch’ specification in 2006 by the Museum, and has since featured in anniversary displays, as well as TV programmes and magazine articles. - 1:43 Scale

Corgi Ford Escort Mk2 RS2000, Carnival Red (1:43)

Ford Escort Mk2 RS2000, Carnival Red -1:43 This die-cast model is based on one of the oldest surviving UK-market examples of an RS2000, which was manufactured in Saarlouis, Germany, in December 1975. The first owner was Mike Collins, then RAF personnel, based at RAF Dishforth, Thirsk, North Yorkshire. He purchased it from the Ford RS dealership, Polar Service Garage, Barnsley on 12th January 1976, then registered it the following day.  It had ten further owners before the current custodian, well known North Wales-based Ford enthusiast Aled Hopwood, purchased it on 7th June 1996. He wasn’t initially aware of its rarity but was captivated by it and has amassed a comprehensive history file containing all the previous MOTs and tax discs, plus a list of previous owners. The car had covered 73,000 miles and was in excellent condition, and Aled enjoyed using it on several European tours, as well as the North Wales Snowdonia Tours and Lakes Tours. It was featured extensively in the book ‘Factory-Original Sporting Mk2 Escorts’, by Dan Williamson, with many detailed photographs of the car by Simon Clay being included in the RS2000 chapter. It has also appeared in Classic Ford Magazine.  In the summer of 2021, Aled embarked on a nut-and-bolt restoration to as-new condition. He returned the underside to its original dove grey paint before having it fully resprayed, although all the original panels and Beta Cloth interior were retained.  Aled proudly showed the finished car at the 2021 NEC Classic Motor Show.

Corgi Land Rover Series I 80" - Light Green (Weathered) (1:43)

Land Rover Series I 80" - Light Green (Weathered) Rover launched the Land Rover at the 1948 Amsterdam Motor Show. They displayed three examples: one indoors on the stand, and two outside demonstrating the new machine’s remarkable abilities. All three were pre-production prototypes; different in detail specification to what emerged when production commenced. The vehicle modelled was one of the demonstrators, although it was then left-hand drive. After the show, it was allocated to Jack Swain’s Engine Department, converted to right-hand drive and used to test engine updates. It was retained by Rover, driven on trade plates, until 1955 when it was sold to a local buyer, Mr Smith, and given the Solihull number plate SNX 910. Thereafter, L07 had numerous owners in the Midlands and lived in Alvechurch Worcestershire for 20 years from 1968. By 2016, it was back in Solihull, sunk up to its axles in mud, awaiting a restoration. The owner offered L07 and another Series 1 to a Land Rover specialist. A friend of his spotted some of the unique prototype features in the pictures he showed him, and it was acquired by Jaguar Land Rover Classic in 2017. They were amazed by how original the vehicle was, and displayed it at Mell Square, Solihull, as part of Land Rover’s 70th anniversary celebrations. It was then mechanically restored by JLR Classic, who left the bodywork in its patinated state as it tells the vehicle’s incredible story. We’ve only made 1,000 of these limited edition die-cast Land Rover Series I 80” 1:43 scale models. Secure your Vanguards model today! - 1:43 scale

Corgi Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth 4x4 - Mallard Green (1:43)

Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth 4x4 - Mallard Green The Vanguards 1:43 scale Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth modelled replicates the last UK-spec right-hand drive example to leave the production line, and the only one painted in Mallard Green – facts confirmed in the car’s extensive history file by a letter from the Operations Manager at Ford Genk, Belgium. It was delivered new on 2nd March 1993 to a Mr Gambling, who kept it until the 3rd August 1993, when he sold it to Ford dealers Fordthorne, Cardiff. They retained the car until 2009, servicing it regularly, before selling it to renowned enthusiast and collector, Mark Bailey, owner of the ‘BonkeRS Collection’ of fast Fords that was featured on the PistonHeads website in 2011. Mark Bailey offered the car for sale in the auction at the 2015 NEC Classic Car show. It was purchased by another well-known fast Ford collector, Gideon Mayers, to be part of his ‘Cheshire Collection’. He exhibited it in the Pride of Ownership section of the 2021 NEC Classic Car Show, where it was much admired because of its condition and unique history. He reluctantly offered it for sale as part of the Iconic Auctioneers sale at the 2023 NEC Classic Car Show. It had still covered fewer than 22,000 miles and was in perfect, unmodified condition. It was purchased by the current owner, a collector and enthusiast who prefers to remain anonymous. We’ve only made 1,200 of these limited-edition Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth die-cast models. Secure yours today! - 1:43 scale

Corgi Ford Escort Mk2 RS1800 - Diamond White (1:43)

Ford Escort Mk2 RS1800 - Diamond White The Cosworth BDA-powered RS1800 was a homologation special, produced so Escort Mk2s could enter international motorsport. It’s rare because Ford homologated it as an evolution of the similarly powered Mk1-based RS1600. Consequently, only 109 were built, all to order – 106 in white. All were converted to RS1800 specification in a small two-ramp workshop on Ford’s Aveley development site, Essex. The first 20 were based on Halewood-built Sport bodyshells and are easily recognisable by their blue stripes, although at least three also had body-coloured rear spoilers. Later RS1800s were based on Saarlouis-built Mexicos. Ford retained the first two for PR work, but the car modelled is believed to be the first RS1800 sold to a customer. It was registered in Northampton in July 1975, then exported to Malta in 1978 and allocated a new UK registration on return. The current owner, Perthshire-based Gary Wilson, acquired it in 2009 and traced its history with the help of then RSOC RS1800 Registrar, the late Dave Robinson. Dave proved it was the 'missing' first RS1800, which enabled it to be returned to its original registration. Gary spent ten years on a very detailed, complete restoration with expert Neil Arnold at Auto Restoration, Stockton-on-Tees. The finished article debuted at the RSOC’s Knockhill event in September 2021 and is considered the most perfect RS1800 extant. It has since won many trophies, including Concours Car of the Show at the RSOC National Day, 28th August 2022. We’ve only made 1,400 of these limited-edition die-cast Ford Escort Mk2 1:43 scale models. Secure your Vanguards model today! - 1:43 scale

Corgi Ford Transit Custom 300L1, Shadow Black (The Smallest Cog)(1:43)

Ford Transit Custom 300L1, Shadow Black (Richard Hammond's The Smallest Cog) Richard Hammond's Ford Transit Custom Leader in Shadow Black is now immortalised in 1:43 die-cast form, perfectly replicating the vehicle that the car enthusiast loves so much. It comes in stylish Ford Transit-branded packaging, making it ideal for Ford collectors. - 1:43 Scale

Corgi Ford Escort Mk2 1300 Sport - Jupiter Red (1:43)

Ford Escort Mk2 1300 Sport - Jupiter Red  Another iconic Ford Escort for your Vanguards collection, but this Mk2 1300 Sport model is in a stunning shade of Jupiter Red. Based on a car that is currently undergoing restoration, our die-cast model shows how it will look when complete. If your collection is missing this type of car, you need to add this 1:43 scale version now. This die-cast model is a limited edition of 1,200. - 1:43 Scale

Corgi Ford Escort Mk4 XR3i, Black

Ford Escort Mk4 XR3i, Black Includes: - Diecast model - Headlight and front detailing - Fine Alloy and tyre parts - Interior leather detail - Display stand  - Collectors Card - 1:43 Scale

Corgi Jaguar XJ6 Series 1, Warwick Grey

Jaguar XJ6 Series 1, Warwick Grey  Includes: - Detailed diecast model - Jaguar badges and XJ6 branding - Front, headlight and grill detailing - Fine Alloy wheels - Interior detail - Display stand  - Collectors Card - 1:43 Scale Vehicle information: The majority of 4.2-litre Series 1 Jaguar XJ6s produced were fitted with an automatic gearbox, but the example modelled utilizes the rarer manual overdrive (MOD) gearbox and came off Jaguar's assembly line at Browns Lane, Coventry, on May 17th, 1972. The first listed owner was Jaguar's Personal Export Division.  They registered the car in Coventry purely so it could be officially exported to the largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife, where the British gentleman who had ordered it, Mr I. E. Lloyd, was then based. Mr Lloyd specified Sundym glass to make the car more comfortable in the warm climate and regularly drove it back to the UK for servicing.  Mr Lloyd evidently enjoyed the car as he covered 50,000 miles in it and kept it until the late 1980s, by which time he'd moved to the Isle of Man. It was imported into the UK in 2016 and then purchased by well-known Jaguar collector, Mike Birtwistle, who was impressed by its rust-free condition and original red interior.  Mike mechanically recommissioned it, had the sun-bleached paint resprayed and used it for several Jaguar Enthusiast Club events before selling it to a fellow JEC member, West Midlands-based motoring TV producer and journalist, John Lakey, in September 2017. John was delighted as he'd been looking for a 4.2-litre MOD Series 1 in these colours for years and regularly writes about the car in Classic Car Weekly.

Corgi Ford Mustang Mk6 Mach 1 Grabber Yellow

Ford Mustang Mk6 Mach 1 Grabber Yellow Includes: - Detailed diecast model - Front, headlight and grill detailing - Spoiler detail - Fine Alloy and brakes - Interior detail - Display stand  - Collectors Card - 1:43 Scale Vehicle information: The iconic Mach 1 nameplate appeared for the first time on a UK-market, right-hand drive Mustang in the summer of 2021, and this new more performance-oriented Mustang was instantly recognisable by its redesigned front splitter and graphics. Advertised as 'the most track-capable Mustang ever to grace UK shores', its specification was very impressive and included MagneRide® adjustable dampers, a Tremec six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching technology for seamless down-shifts, a limited-slip differential, and an upgraded oil-cooler to keep the 454bhp 5-litre V8 cool whilst exploiting its prodigious performance. In true Ford tradition, at only £55,185, it was also fantastic value for money as the few cars available offering comparable performance were considerably more expensive. The example modelled was added to Ford's Press Fleet on September 2nd, 2021, and retained until February 17th, 2023. During that time, it was used for Ford's corporate events or track driving days, and it appeared on TV twice, in the Wheeler Dealers' Yellow Car Special and BBC Top Gear's Christmas Special. It was also loaned to various magazines and newspapers for road-testing, including The Sunday Times, The Sun, The Mirror, Top Gear Magazine, Goodwood Media, What Car and Autocar. For the final ten months of its PR duties, it was on long-term test with CAR magazine, mainly in the care of the magazine's then deputy features editor, James Taylor, who was a big fan of the Mach 1's handling and character.

Corgi Ford Mustang Mk6 GT Fastback Race Red (1:43)

Ford Mustang Mk6 GT Fastback Race Red  Includes: - Detailed diecast model - Front, headlight and grill detailing - Spoiler detail - Fine Alloy and brakes - Interior detail - Display stand  - Collectors Card - 1:43 Scale Vehicle information: The Mustang modelled was ordered by Ford's PR department with a factory-fitted rear wing, a £350 option, and the Custom Pack 3, which cost £2,465 and included a 1000W sound system, silver 19-inch forged alloy wheels and climate-controlled seats. It was delivered to Ford of Britain on March 5th, 2019, and loaned to EVO Magazine for a long-term test two weeks later. Although driven by various members of EVO's team, the main custodian was Deputy Editor, Adam Towler, who was very enthusiastic about the car, writing in his first report, 'I think it's fair to say I'm besotted with this big American in a way I can't remember being with a long-termer in years.' During EVO's tenure, Ford's press garage fitted various upgrades from their Ford Performance accessory range for the magazine's experts to evaluate. This included a quick shift gear lever, a carbon-fibre gear knob, a strut brace, a slightly louder and more free-flowing exhaust system, and coil-over suspension which improved the car's stance as well as its high-speed handling. The EVO team hosted numerous track days throughout the year including an event at Goodwood, and all were impressed by the poise the car exhibited on track as well as the glorious rev-hungry nature of its V8. It was returned to Ford on December 2nd, 2019, and used on some corporate Ford events with the product and accessory team before being de-fleeted on 31st July 2020.

Corgi Ford Focus Mk3 RS, Shadow Black

Ford Focus Mk3 RS, Shadow Black  Includes: - Detailed diecast model - Front, headlight and grill detailing - Spoiler detail - Fine Alloy and brakes - Interior detail - Display stand  - Collectors Card - 1:43 Scale Vehicle information: The Focus RS modelled was first registered on June 17th, 2017, by dealers Jennings Ford of Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire. Since May 2023 it's been owned by its third keeper, Lynn Dumpleton, the editor of the RS Owners Club's magazine Rallye News, who lives in North Wales. Lynn is a lifelong fast Ford enthusiast and could not resist adding this low-mileage example of Ford's last petrol-powered RS to her collection. The car was ordered with most of the available options including the Luxury Pack, which cost an extra £1000 on top of the retail price of £29,995 and included rear parking sensors, powerfold door mirrors, keyless entry, privacy glass, cruise control, and a speed limiter. The first owner also requested 19” black forged alloy wheels that cost an extra £595, shadow black premium paint, which cost an additional £525, and the Ford SYNC3 Nav System with 10 premium Sony Speakers, a sub-woofer and a rear camera, which was another £465. The blue-painted brake callipers were a mere £100, and door edge protectors, at £85, completed the list. The only option left unticked was the Race Style RS Recaro shell seats, which would have cost an extra £1145 and reduced the car's practicality. Lynn enjoys taking the car to RSOC events and was particularly pleased to use it as the safety car on the club's anniversary parade lap of the Donnington Park race circuit during the 2023 RSOC National Day.

Corgi Rover 75 V6 Contemporary SE, Ski Blue (1:43)

Rover 75 V6 Contemporary SE, Ski Blue Includes: - Detailed diecast model - Interior detailing - Front Grill detail - Rear detailing - Display stand - Collectors Card - 1:43 Scale Vehicle information: When the development of project R40, as the Rover 75 was known internally, began in earnest at Longbridge, the mood was optimistic because, to joint-venture partner Honda’s surprise, BMW had purchased the company in February 1994. They injected the development cash the business had hitherto lacked. The resulting car was launched at the Birmingham Motor Show on October 20th, 1998 and was praised for its elegant exterior design by stylist Richard Woolley and very British interior ambience. Production commenced at Cowley, Oxfordshire, but when BMW sold the company in May 2000 it was moved to Longbridge. The 75 remained in production until 2005 by which time 211,175 had been produced. The automatic 2.5-litre V6 Rover 75 modelled was sold new by MG-Rover dealers Vantage-Preston and was first registered in July 2005, just three months after the Longbridge-based company went into administration.  It features the later-revised bumpers, grille and single-light facelifted nose treatment launched in 2004, which gave the 75 a more modern look, although it cleverly used the same lamp base units with a new single lens on top. Since November 2022, it has been owned by Greater Manchester-based Rover 75 enthusiast Tim Hubbard, who bought it because it showed a genuine 87,000 miles and was in very good overall condition. The 75 and its MG-badged ZT cousin have now acquired a strong following in the classic car world and values are increasing.

Corgi Ford Ranger Raptor, Performance Blue

Ford Ranger Raptor, Performance Blue Includes - Detailed diecast model - Interior detailing - Front and grill detail - Raptor branding - Display stand - Collectors Card - 1:43 Scale Vehicle Information: The Ford Ranger Raptor was developed by Ford Performance, a division of Ford famous for developing cars wearing the legendary RS badge. It mixes the tough go-anywhere ability of other models in the Ranger line up with the kind of performance and driving pleasure that appeals to the enthusiast. It’s powered by a 2-litre Bi-Turbo Ford EcoBlue diesel developing a mighty 500 Nm of torque, which is distributed to the Ranger’s four-wheel drive system via a 10-speed automatic transmission, so it’s always in the right gear at the right time. The race-bred off-road FOX Pro suspension is designed to tackle fearsome terrain with ease while leaving the occupants in comfort. The Raptor modelled was one of the first built and was retained by Ford of Britain for press and publicity duties. It has featured in many TV programmes including the BBC’s Top Gear, Dream Jobs with Chris Hoy on Motor Trend and Amazon’s The Grand Tour, where it was used as a support vehicle. It was also road tested by numerous magazines including CAR, Parkers, Auto Express, What Car and Company Van Today. Additionally, it has been widely used by the Ford Press team for various events including The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders test drive days which are attended by both journalists and industry figures. It was a key vehicle in Ford of Britain’s Press Launch for the New Ranger in 2019.