Corgi 1:43 Jaguar E-type V-12 coupe and Mazda B1600 pickup

Now it's time to take a look into the world of Corgi toys.  There are two different ends of the Corgi line: 1:64 models often called Whizzwheels, and 1:43 scale models that offer the most in detailing.  Here's a few fine examples of the Corgi 1:43 line with the Jaguar E-type coupe and Mazda pickup.

Jaguar E-type V-12 coupe

The world was stunned in 1961 when Jaguar released the beautiful E-type line that inclues a sleek coupe design along with a convertible.  The rounded corners look great from any angle and would become an icon hallmark to the Jaguar brand as evident in future XK and F-type models.  Over time the Jaguar would get a boost from power as the I-6 is joined by the V-12 in 1971 that was 5.3 liters and produced 254 horsepower through a 5-speed manual transmission.  Also included was a longer wheelbase, disc brakes all-around, independent suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and a uni-body construction based on the D-type race car.  Even after production ended and the line migrated to the XJ line many still think the E-type is one of Jaguar's best sports cars ever made.

A story behind this model shown here:  I got it as part of an auction to get the Mazda pickup and for the price it was worth it.  The car was in great shape, but there was some mysterious red color (nail polish?  marker?) that was found inside the engine and on the outside.  After removing that, cleaning the car up, reviving the fading chrome parts, and adding some detail I got this E-type back into working condition.  This yellow coupe is quite long just like the real car with smooth lines all throughout the car.  The front has round chrome headlights, a large round grille, and side bumpers with signal lights just below.  The side profile shows off a clean look with the rear wheels nicely tucked behind the bodywork, while at the rear is a smooth design with side bumpers and just below I added details to the taillights and quad exhaust tips.  The base underneath is made of metal and prominently shows off the lower engine and dual exhaust system, while the wheels roll glass smooth and offer a working suspension.

The hood opens up forward just like the real car to show off the V-12 motor.  You can see the detailed chrome valve covers, side air inlet covers that extend to reach air at the front, fluid resovoirs, distributor, and separate intake runners in black.  Very nicely done!  Inside the interior shows off the detailed flat dashboard with central controls and gauges nicely done, 3-spoke chrome steering wheel, floor shifter, and seating for four with front seats that can tilt forward or back.  On that last part you'll need to get something to reach the seats to adjust as there is no opening doors and the side windows are up; your only opening component is the side-opening rear door to the cargo area.  Joining the Corgi is the equally fabulous Matchbox version that I found a few days later in light blue with detailed headlights, front grille, taillights, rear Jaguar plate, body-colored base, and chrome interior.  What I like about this version is the front license plate that is attached to the hood for a clean look while still being legal to drive in European countries.  It's a fine casting and next to the Corgi shows off the best of this Jaguar model.

Mazda B1600 pickup

On the other side is a typical pickup that was unique to Corgi as until now not many diecast replica's have existed, and it's Mazda's B1600 pickup.  Many in the U.S. will remember this as the small Ford truck before the Ranger called the Courier, yet the Mazda still continues on today in other markets.  Introduced in 1965 this B-series pickup would come out with some innovative features at the time.  For starters they offered the truck to Ford to counter the demand for fuel-efficient small trucks in the 1970's, then Mazda got wild and slipped the famed Wankel rotary engine in the pickup for a few years.  With a Hot Wheels version out i'll explain more in a later article, but for now this B1600 pickup is a typical small truck powered by a 1.5L OHV I-4 that produced an estimated 85 horsepower through a four-speed manual transmission.  Over the years the U.S. version would be based on the Ford Ranger, while international markets went a different path and even today the international B-series is still in production.

This truck is obviously repainted as the original blue and white is covered in red and white that still looks good on this truck aside from paint chips that expose the original paint.  The front has round headlights next to the grille with MAZDA letters on the edge of the hood and signal lights on the bumper.  The side profile shows a typical truck look with a longer hood design and a rear bed that has fenders that sit higher than the cab.  Chrome wheels look like a perfect match with this truck and offer a working suspension despite the plastic base not showing much in details.  At the rear it's typical international pickup bed design with outer bed rail hooks, metal bars to protect the rear window, no rear bumper with taillights and a trailer hitch for towing, and a tailgate with MAZDA letters that drop down nearly to the ground.  The bed is large enough to accept a 1:64 scale vehicle with the tailgate open.  The interior has a bench seat with right-hand drive layout and detailed steering wheel.  Elsewhere the interior is typical bland base pickup design with no interest in details.  This truck was more commonly found towing trailers than being by itself and that's not a bad thing for this tough little truck.