Celebrate 70 Years of Corgi: Iconic Toy Cars Take the Spotlight!

Corgi, a well-known toy brand famous for its die-cast model cars, is marking its 70th anniversary with a special exhibition at the Coventry Transport Museum. The event, which is free to attend, will feature iconic Corgi models from the past seven decades. Visitors will be able to see classic die-cast cars, collector's items, and even get a sneak peek at some new products. Corgi has been making these miniature metal cars since 1956, but the company actually started in 1933 under the name Mettoy, short for 'Metal Toy Company'. In 1956, Mettoy began producing a new range of die-cast cars in Swansea, Wales, and decided to name them Corgi, after the small Welsh dogs.

Corgi cars were unique because they were the first toy cars to have plastic windows. Over the years, the brand added more features to their models, such as working lights that looked like fibre optics, motors that could be pushed along, removable wheels, horns, sirens, guns, and even ejector seats. Some of the most famous Corgi models include James Bond's Aston Martin DB5 and the Batmobile. These cars became very popular and are still loved by collectors today. However, the best-selling Corgi toy is actually the Land Rover, with about 10. 5 to 11 million sold. The James Bond car is close behind, with around 10 or 11 million sold, and the Batmobile comes in third with about 6. 8 million sold.

Guy Stainthorpe, the managing director of Corgi, told the BBC that the company has managed to keep the spirit of what makes die-cast models entertaining and enjoyable. He said, 'They're miniatures, they're metal miniatures and they're perfect. ' Laurence Lambert, a toy expert, described collecting Corgi toys as an 'emotional rollercoaster'. He shared his own memories of being a child and wanting a Corgi car from the toy shop window. Many collectors feel a strong connection to the brand, and the exhibition is a chance for fans to celebrate Corgi's history and see some amazing models. The event is expected to attract both longtime collectors and new fans who are interested in the world of die-cast model cars.