Mechanical Models

The range of Mechanical models comprises just 15 in total, 12 cars and 3 Bedford CA Vans. 10 models, 7 cars and the 3 vans were included in the initial Corgi launch in July 1956. 2 more followed in 1957, one in 1958 and the final two in 1959. Production ceased sometime in 1959 with the model deleted from dealer order lists in 1960.

Prices shown were reduced in the 1959 catalogue by a few pence but each model remained about 25% more expensive than its non-mechanical counterpart. The motor actually made it slower to move around and less fun to play with, the continuing travel from the flywheel usually resulting only in the model driving into the skirting board or another model. This range was not selling well and thus was discontinued at the same time as the original issues were revised in brighter, two-tone finishes.

When production ceased there will have been a number of models on the production line that had been painted but to which tin bases would be fitted, to be sold as 'normal' issues. At the time of writing, these are known for 200-206 inclusive, 216 and 404/5. The opposite, a 'normal' issue colour being given an M base is known for the Riley alone, which, whilst scarce seems intentional. The procedure for testing that the cars ran in a vaguely straight line would have quickly revealed the base error and rejected accidental incorrect bases. Also, I suspect that in the late fifties there was some credible scrutiny process in place as we do not see many errors at all from those early times.