Corgi Toys 1:32 1912 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost and Welly 1:43 1978 Mercedes-Benz E class

It is time to look at a few vintage luxury cars from Europe, one of the oldest Rolls Royce models out there and the car that started the successful E-class brand.

Corgi Toys Rolls Royce Silver Ghost

Replacing the 30 hp. Model is the new 40/50 hp. Models from Rolls Royce in 1909 that would become the best cars in the world, and earn the nickname “Silver Ghost” after the press saw the first prototypes in silver and thus gave the car its nickname. For the first part of the 20^th century the Silver Ghost served as the best and most poshed car for the rich and famous, with the ability to go into uncharted territory (like SUV’s would do later). A new 7,428 CC I-6 that casts the engine blocks in two sets of three cylinders instead of the three sets of two on previous models and made up to 50 horsepower through a 4-speed manual transmission, and the ride is so smooth the interior is “ghost quiet.” This Corgi model in 1:32 scale showcases the finesse of the car with accurate detailing all done in a silver color. The front has round headlights with jeweled lamps mounted on a metal frame ahead of the chrome waterfall grille with red Rolls Royce badge and the flying lady on top. Leaf springs are part of the metal base and act as separate components and sits up front next to the engine hand crank, while the long metal hood mounts to the cab where additional lamps are located and metal running boards run along the sides with metal toolboxes mounted on them on each side.

The cab is made out of plastic and has a wagon profile with excellent details like the curve on the lower sections of the doors, the round door handles, the slot where the driver can get ventilation, and the mesh roof rails with curved ends and a spare tire mounted on the roof with an actual rubber tire. Speaking of tires the wheels are a bit odd as the multi-spoke design is mostly gold with a different gray wheel on the left front, while the right front has a different spoke design; not sure if this tester had its wheels replaced up front because of damage or just the way the model came, but either way it gives the rolls a rugged look. The interior is really posh looking in red with front and rear bench seats that have that button cushion pattern seen on some chairs during this time period and lots of room in the rear seat, while the driver has control of a chrome steering wheel with levers in the center to control throttle and choke adjustments. While the hood does not open, doesn’t matter as the base offers incredible detailing that includes the metal ladder frame with front and rear leaf springs and solid rear axles, the rear mounted fuel tank, the engine and transmission with the rear drum brake mounted just after the transmission. Did I mention that this was a Corgi Toys model in 1:32 scale? Hard to believe that this much detail can be offered on a model when other Corgi models don’t even come close to detail and separate parts. Just amazing!

Specifications:

Engine: 7428 CC I-6 50 hp.
Transmission: 4-speed manual
0-60 mph: 10.0 sec. est.
Real vehicle price: $35 million (2018)

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Welly 1978 Mercedes-Benz E-class

While Mercedes-Benz has been an icon for well-engineered German automobiles, it was the E-class that put the brand into motion. This was Mercedes smallest offering at the time, even though Mercedes has offered vehicles smaller than the E-class before they were not as successful as the E-class until the 190 would arrive, and the E-class of the 1970’s really set the brand in motion as not only being an affordable way to get into the brand but also as a commercial vehicle for Europe’s taxi and police fleet. Welly has released this vehicle in numerous colors along with a police and taxi versions so I got this cream colored 1978 to see what this car is all about. The front has the famed chrome grille with round corners and horizontal bars flanked by rectangular headlights with orange signal lights at the ends and chrome bumpers front and rear. The side profile shows a clean, simple sedan profile with only a black line across the beltline and chrome hubcap wheels give the E-class a premium look, while the rear has rectangular ribbed taillights and a chrome exhaust tip, along with a 230E trunk badge. The base shows the simple layout of the rear-wheel drivetrain with engine, transmission, and exhaust system in the correct positions to showcase the 2.3L I-4 and 5-speed manual transmission. The acceleration may be slow but with the 5-speed it gets better response and fuel economy as well (the 5-speed was only offered in Europe), while handling is pretty good for a luxury sedan of this era. The interior offers plenty of room with front bucket seats and a rear bench seat tied in with a spacious trunk, while the center console has a rare manual transmission shift lever for a Mercedes, radio and HVAC controls mounted in the center just below the horizontal dashboard layout with round air vents and 4-spoke steering wheel. It might not be as posh as the S-class, but this E-class has the style and durability of a Mercedes that can satisfy any customer from a civilian to police and taxi duty.

Specifications: