Corgi Toys were first launched in 1956 by the Mettoy Company. Before this time the company’s main product was lithographed metal toys. In 1948 they produced their first die cast models and called them ‘Castoys’, these first models contained a clockwork motor this was also used in the first Corgi models, this gave them an edge on their rival toy maker Dinky Toys.

The Corgi brand was named after the welsh breed of dog & this logo can be found on most Corgi boxes & packaging. The toys were produced in Swansea by Mettoy Playcraft Ltd & the base plates were marked Made in Great Britain.

The first true Corgi model was the model No 200 Ford Consul, made in 1956.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s some of the best models were released, television & film themed models were always high on many children’s xmas wish list. The Saint’s Volvo, the Avengers gift set featuring John Steed’s Bentley & Emma Peel’s Lotus, James Bond’s Aston Martin complete with working ejector seat were just a few of the many individual models & gift sets that made the Corgi brand so popular.

The detail on these models was really great, with plastic windows, detailed interiors, opening doors, spare wheels and various extras, this always gave Corgi the edge over the other brands of die cast models.

In 1983 the Mettoy company went into receivership and Corgi toys became the subject of a management buyout & later went on to produce limited edition models aimed at the adult collector.

For many who grew up in the 50′s and 60′s to now see or own an original Corgi toy will always bring back happy childhood memories of getting the latest Corgi as an xmas gift.

Because most of these early toys were owned mainly by children and many of these ended up broken, scratched or missing the boxes, this makes any surviving models rare and sought after by collectors today.

To find a mint condition model still in it’s original box with all the packing and accessories you can be sure of owning an item that can only appreciate in value.

Although many collectors are interested in the value of these toys as an investment for the future, there are also some who collect to bring back memories of a golden age of die cast toys.

http://www.diecastwizard.co.uk

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