Further to Karl's previous Bentley post here are some more pics of the Corgi model this time in red together with some information. In 1964 Mettoy the parent company for the Corgi Toys brand was celebrating their 30th Anniversary. As part of these celebrations they introduced a new Classics range of model cars starting with the 1915 Ford Model 'T' released in January 1964 and followed by the 1927 Bentley 3 litre in February.

In producing these models Corgi Toys proved that they could challenge Rio and Dugu in manufacturing highly detailed miniature model cars. Unlike, the Italian products Corgi Classics could be handled by children without fear of parts dropping off! They were designed for play or display!

Both the Model 'T' and Bentley were available in two colours. The red Bentley photographed in this post is number 9002 and this has a premium price over the Le Mans green version number 9001. Model is around 1:43rd scale.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a21/Jane58/Cars/Details/CT-Bentley-1.jpg

A profile shot provides an impressive view. Note the exhaust system.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a21/Jane58/Cars/Details/CT-Bentley-2.jpg

Underside detail is amazing for a kids toy! The exhaust pipe is copper!

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a21/Jane58/Cars/Details/CT-Bentley-3.jpg

Corgi had to mould the tyre directly on the wheel hub. Just look at the detail in the spoke wheel hub! Remember this is a zinc alloy casting!

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a21/Jane58/Cars/Details/CT-Bentley-4.jpg

Note there is no axle showing though from one wheel to the other. This is because it is a stub type. Corgi were not the first to put this type of axle on a model of this scale but they weren't far off! BTW this distinction goes to Dugu.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a21/Jane58/Cars/Details/CT-Bentley-5.jpg

Even the horn is faithfully reproduced.

Cheers Chris

Fantastic pics! It is hard to believe that Corgi achieved that level of detail in 1964! :thumbsup:

Fantastic pix indeed:wave:
This casting, especially in red, is just about top of my Corgi wants list.I have seen many overpriced playworn green ones and the odd red one at toyfairs but am holding out for a car with figures (Steed or Jeeves).......
I have just noticed Corgi didnt fit a Supercharger!

Fantastic pics! It is hard to believe that Corgi achieved that level of detail in 1964! :thumbsup:

Thanks Karl and I agree the detail is hard to believe. So I wonder why Corgi bothered with producing this Classics range. It must have cost them loads in developing the techniques to manufacturer these models. Perhaps they wanted to show the other companies around at the time what they could do!

Cheers Chris

Fantastic pix indeed:wave:
This casting, especially in red, is just about top of my Corgi wants list.I have seen many overpriced playworn green ones and the odd red one at toyfairs but am holding out for a car with figures (Steed or Jeeves).......
I have just noticed Corgi didnt fit a Supercharger!

Thanks SMS88 glad you liked the photos! I waited many years before a red Bentley came my way that was good enough and had the right price attached! The driver in the picture is a racing driver in white overalls and was the same figure that Corgi supplied in their green Le Mans Bentley winner!

Good luck in your hunt SMS88!

Cheers Chris

Oh my, I seldom comment on road based castings as they just do not reach out and touch me very often....but this car just slapped me in the face!

What a wonderful casting, I have never seen that level of detail from Corgi in any line or casting prior to this. Thank you for sharing this amazing peice!

Wowza!

That is very nicely detailed. Thanks.

Oh my, I seldom comment on road based castings as they just do not reach out and touch me very often....but this car just slapped me in the face!

What a wonderful casting, I have never seen that level of detail from Corgi in any line or casting prior to this. Thank you for sharing this amazing peice!

Thanks 69Stang - this model was part of a small range Corgi Toys produced in their Classics series from 1964 to 1969. Because of their detail they were highly sought after by collectors in the mid 1970's. Not many collectors are interested in them now because they prefer models from the 1950's onwards.

Cheers Chris

Wowza!

That word sums the model up perfectly Lummox!

Cheers Chris

That is very nicely detailed. Thanks.

You are welcome dragonhead00 - glad you enjoyed viewing the pics.

Cheers Chris