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This was one of the first Corgi Classics available in 1964 as a new range of models to join their popular 1:43 series cars and trucks that had been around since 1956. Normal versions would have come with a driver who appeared to be clad entirely in white and with racing number 3 on the grill and the box thing at the back. This particular one is interesting in being one of the scarcer releases that did not have these racing numbers, nor did it have the Union Flag on the passenger door. That meant it is an ideal substitute for John Steed's Bentley in The Avengers Gift Set 40 which usually contained either a red Bentley or a green one with red wheels, neither of which were very appropriate or like the ones used in the TV series. Putting Steed to one side, however, this is a fine model anyway with well-engineered wire wheels, rails and body parts. The lights and grill surround are seldom very bright in this original model which is a pity. Here are a few things to look out for with these: There should be a black horn on the driver's side box cover. That often gets broken off, as does the metal handbrake nearby and which cannot, unlike the horn, be replaced without taking the thing apart. The windscreen is very vulnerable to damage. Replacements are available and inexpensive but they can be a bit of a paint to fit and if they're not done well look awful so be careful to check them. The interior is always a sort of mid brown colour. If it is red then the car is likely to be 9004 from the Jeeves & Wooster set which came along rather later. That would also have black and not green rails. People do change the wheels too as that isn't very difficult so if you're offered one with other than silver wheels then it is unlikely to be a real, original 9001 model. The roof comes off easily, affixed merely by a couple of little lugs at the back. They are easy to replace if lost or damaged and you can also get a folded-dwon version and pretend it's from The Avengers Set.. 9002 is a red version, very similar, often with red plastic wheels. 9003 wasn't issued and 9004 is the similar Jeeves & Wooster version mentioned. There were also several other models in the series which lasted just until 1969. None are particularly sought after at the moment and all models are quite cheap nd easy to find. Often they are also in first class condition as they were not the sort of car to be whizzed around the carpet or slammed into the skirting board so much. In 1985 an almost exact copy was produced. This has brighter chrome, different shades of colour and different colour interior and style of steering wheel but is often easily confused bys ellers and buyers. The series is numbered C861 and has the additional text Special Edition on the otherwise identical base. In 1999 yet another version was made, this time specifically marketed as for The Avengers and came with a model of John Steed which, incidentally, was far too big in comparison to the car! In bright green and with a black interior it is quite easy to spot but, again, is largely the same casting still in use.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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