Corgi Toys @ 60: Chevrolet Fire Chief and a Ferrari

 January 1963 was when the fourth variation of the Chevrolet Impala, 439 Fire Chief's car, was available at your local toy shop. This seems to be something of an afterthought as it had been three years since the saloon and State Patrol models had appeared - or just a way to make some more money from this very successful casting. And we know that there will still be many more to come! (It will not be until this time in 2030 for my last article in this series to feature it!)

This model had a comparatively short life but still sold well and is still pretty easy to find now. There are three main variations to look for, each with a different treatment of the doors. You'll find models with just the badge on the doors, the front doors painted white and a third, slightly less common model, with all four doors painted white.

I have also seen some different badges but they're extremely unusual and I am not sure of their provenance as things like that are very easy to produce.

All the models appear to have free spinning wheels, whereas the preceding two Impalas can be found with fixed smooth, fixed shaped as well as free spinning wheels.

The other new model this month 60 years ago was a Ferrari F1 Grand Prix Racing Car, catalogue number 154. This would prove to be a very long-lasting model, surviving unchanged apart from wheels and packaging through to a remarkable 1972.

Update a month or so later: see my February 2023 article - I have discovered that there are several changes to the decals, nose shape and base to look out for!

It comes with a driver and will always be red with RN36. At some point it gets cast, spoke effect, wheels. All have the standard size rear wheels but smaller size front wheels. 

Amusingly with the driver still in place, you'll this model appear again on a trailer behind a red Land Rover in Gift Set 17. I'll be writing about that in March.

It will also appear in a revised release of the Ecurie Ecosse Racing Transporter Gift Set 16 in late 1964.