TERRY SMITH looks at what is due from this iconic brand in 2021.
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When I was a kid I could not wait for the new catalogue to come out from Corgi. I would sit at the breakfast table looking at it and then take it to school to show my pals what exciting new models they had coming out. Was I the only one who used to mark the models I wanted on each with a star or tick? In this digital age we now wait for the new releases to be announced on a website that sometimes crashes under the strain of eager collectors!
Over the years, the Corgi range has expanded and has taken on new, (or in the case of Vanguard, taken over) sub-ranges. As Vanguard covers the majority of the standard 1/43rd scale collectable vehicles, we will look at what is coming in that range first, and Ford lovers are in for a treat!
You could almost put 2021 as the year of the Blue Oval as far as the Vanguard range is concerned, as not only are there some new toolings of classic Fords being released, but there are also many re-liveries of existing models to bolster your collection of British-sold Ford cars. Making an appearance for the first time is the MkII Escort RS2000 with it’s distinctive sloped nose and quad-headlamps; the model CIVA14900, which is finished in Ford Signal Yellow, is due to be released in August. In October you will also be able to add an X-pack wide-arched version of the RS2000 to your collection; the car in Venetian Red will be ref CIVA14902. These two models will also feature in various Limited Edition sets based around famous RS Ford cars this year. A quick look at the Vanguard new release programme for 2021 will show more new liveries for classic Ford cars over any other car manufacturer, so now would be a good time to start collecting.
Another new tool for 2021 is the subject of much debate as to what may/or may not have been the last proper UK sports car built. Many cite it was the Healy 3000, but Triumph lovers will say it was the TR6. Trouble was, the Triumph was built during the dark days of British Leyland so its build quality and rusting overshadowed what was a great car. Prices of real ones are now fetching high prices, so the Corgi version may be your only chance to own a TR6. Finished in Damson, CIVA14700 is due out soon and will be followed by a version painted in Magenta in August. It will also find itself in a Triumph Limited Boxed Set alongside the Stag and the Spitfire.
Collecting VWs has always been popular and this year followers of the iconic German brand can look forward to the release of the Type 2 version of the VW camper/bus. This includes a stock Devon version in white/orange CIVA14600, while CIVA14601 is a ratty looking custom van. The VW buses also feature in the Celebration Range which sees the same models decorated in various liveries celebrating Birthdays, Weddings etc, with even more featuring in the Coca Cola and 'Peace and Love' ranges.
Corgi’s tie-ins with famous Film vehicles continues, with a re-release of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the Thornycroft Van from Dad's Army, complete with a figurine of Corporal Jones. Not known for motorcycles, Corgi offer two for release in 2021, the first is a 1:24th scale Triumph Scrambler as featured in the next James Bond movie No Time To Die, while the other is Hagrid’s Motorcycle and sidecar combo seen in the Harry Potter movies.
Finally, for those interested in Military vehicles, Corgi will continue with their highly detailed versions in 1:50th scale, but these have been joined by a range which is tied in with the 'World of Tanks' franchise. These budget priced models are of no fixed scale but are designed to fit in a standard 115mm box, so the scale will vary depending on the size of the real tank, but are collectable none the less for fans of the computer game.
Including aircraft and other items.