Diecast Car Models.

Corgi is a popular name in the world of diecast toys when it comes to classics. Corgi started producing diecast car models in 1956 after perfecting the diecast process. Corgi was launched by Playcraft her sister company. Corgi sold over two million diecast models their first year with heavy television advertising and launching their first product catalog.

Thousands of Corgi models were produced in the 1960’s and were on there way to become classics for all collectors. Models from the 60’s are a very popular and expensive collectors item today. James Bond 007 Aston Martin was produced in 1965. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the Batmoblie were produced in 1968. Corgi diecast was awarded the National Association of Toy Retailers Highest Standard Award and the Queens award during the 60’s.

Corgi began to fall from grace during the 70’s. The Northampton factory closed in 1971. A new plant was opened in 1974 but by 1983 the company was in serious financial trouble. Management was able to save the company and buy them out and relaunched in 1984 as Corgi Toys Limited.

In the UK Corgi was second in the diecast toy market so the company set out to get their #1 spot back by producing very high quality diecast toy vehicles. They set out to win the overseas market with the US and Australia in their sites. The opening of the Corgi Collectors Club increased their market share and in 1987 the National Association of Toy Retailers voted Corgi Toys Limited British Toy Company of the Year.

Corgi was taken over by Mattel in 1989.  While in Mattels hands many classics were produced. But once again, in 1995 a management buy out returned Corgi and are still producing diecast vehicles to this day.

VW VOLKSWAGEN CORGI CLASSIC TYPE 2 BUS TOY CAR MODEL US $7.49 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Jan-08-2009 11:35:37 PST Bid on this Item   | Watch this Item

CORGI FERRARI 348T6 DIECAST MODEL CAR LIGHT PLAYWORN CO US $1.45 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Jan-08-2009 13:25:58 PST Bid on this Item   | Watch this Item

CORGI FORD SIERRA 2.3 GHIA DIECAST MODEL CAR MADE IN GB US $1.45 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Jan-08-2009 13:46:50 PST Bid on this Item   | Watch this Item

Corgi Toys #240 Ghia-Fiat 600 Jolly Diecast Model Car US $25.00 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Friday Jan-09-2009 17:30:05 PST Bid on this Item   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE CORGI STATTION WAGON MODEL CAR ENGLAND US $0.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday Jan-11-2009 19:00:00 PST Bid on this Item   | Watch this Item