The Wilford Collection Pt 3: Gold Rovers

Two more items from this fascinating collection now. I am pretty sure that these are both solid brass - a 252 Rover 2000 and 438 Land Rover - each with exactly the same features and general build as the normally issued models and very heavy.

I have seen a similar Rover which has been attached to the top of a cigarette box to make a gift to be distributed by the Rover car maker in or around 1964. This model, however, looks like it was intended to be presented as it stands, probably boxed, as the base is all as normal, including rivets.

The Land Rover is not something I can find any mention of anywhere. Yes, you will read about 'gold plated Land Rovers' but they were just shiny 1998 items made in China for Land Rover's 50th anniversary. This is a real 1960s 438 model with the same lemon plastic interior and grey steering wheel, suspension and with even a quite ordinary grey plastic canopy that would have been fitted to the dark green editions sold in boxes.

I would imagine that each of these is one of a few that would have been produced for gifts for special visitors - either to Corgi's premises or, perhaps, Rover's.

Once again, any information that anyone might have which could provide evidence for the purpose of these wonderful models and how many were made, as well as expressions of interest from anyone wishing to acquire them, would be much appreciated.

The Wilford Collection Pt 2: Gold Jaguars

The second and third items from the Wilford Collection are Jaguars. At first glance you might think that this is just another 312 but it isn't. This is a brass 307 E Type Jaguar. It has all the same features as the standard red or grey model, brown plastic interior and clear plastic headlamp elements and seems to have been made with the same cast.

This one is heavy, and very bright, gleaming like gold.

The Jaguar Mk X is similar, based on an original cast with opening bonnet and boot, twin jewelled headlamps too. It has a lemon yellow interior.

I believe that a small number of these would have been manufactured as gifts for special visitors. Someone like the boss of Jaguar, I would imagine. The would not have been cheap to produce and, being in such small numbers, the costs of individual polishing and final, careful finishing would have been substantial. This originated from Mr Percy Wilford's model-making office and I would imagine he would have been the person responsible for overseeing the production of these.

I can find no reference to Jaguar models like either of these anywhere so would appreciate any knowledge that you may have. These are available to buy. Offers invited - but they will not be cheap!

In many ways these must be the ultimate E Type or Mk X model to have for fans of the cars and Corgi Toy specialists. 

More photos are available at these links:

Jaguar E Type gold | Jaguar Mk X gold