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{{Short description|British die-cast scale model manufacturer}}
{{for|the brand established by the [[Mettoy|Mettoy Company]] in 1956|Corgi Toys}}
{{EngvarB|date=May 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2018}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Corgi Classics Limited
| name = Corgi Classics Limited
| former_names =
| logo = [[File:Corgi logo.png|200px]]
| logo = Corgi_logo.png
| type = [[Private limited company|Private]]
| logo_size = 200
| foundation = 1956
| type = [[private limited company|Private]] (1995–99)<br> [[Subsidiary]] (1999–2008)
| location = [[Leicester]], [[England]], [[United Kingdom]]
| fate = Acquired by [[Corgi International|Zindart International]] in 1999,<ref name=hist/><ref name= sec>[https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1028637/000114420406049073/v057964ex991.htm CORGI INTERNATIONAL LIMITED – Hong Kong S.A.R., China. November 17, 2006] on Sec.gov</ref> then became a [[brand]]
| key_people = Mettoy Company (founder)
| foundation = 1995<ref name=hist>[https://www.hornbyhobbies.com/community/history-brands/history-corgi The history of Corgi] on Hornyhobbies.com</ref>
| industry = [[Model car]]s
| defunct = {{start date and age|2008}}
| location = [[Leicester]], England, United Kingdom
| key_people =
| industry = [[Scale model]]
| revenue =
| revenue =
| operating_income =
| operating_income =
| net_income =
| net_income =
| num_employees =
| num_employees =
| parent = [[Hornby Railways|Hornby]]
| parent =
| products = [[die-cast toy|Die-cast]] [[scale model]] [[model car|cars]], [[model aircraft|airplanes]], buses, [[model military vehicle|military]]
| homepage = [http://www.corgi.co.uk www.corgi.co.uk]
| homepage =
| owner = [[Hornby Railways|Hornby]] (2008–present)<ref name=reuters1/>
| subsid =
| brands = [[Corgi Toys]]
}}
}}
'''Corgi Classics Limited''' was a British [[die-cast toy|die-cast]] [[scale model]] manufacturer established as an independent company in 1995,<ref name=hist/> which has its origins in the [[Corgi Toys]] brand introduced by [[Mettoy]] in 1956. It is known for its British and North American vehicle models.


Products manufactured and marketed by Corgi included [[die-cast toy|die-cast]] [[scale model]] [[model car|cars]], [[model aircraft|airplanes]], buses, and [[model military vehicle|military]].
'''Corgi Classics Limited''' is a famous [[Die-cast toy|die-cast]] model manufacturer which has its origins in the [[Corgi Toys]] brand introduced by [[Mettoy]] in 1956. Known for its British and North American vehicle models, the company has arguably become one of the best die cast makers on the market.


In 2008 the company was acquired by [[Hornby Railways]],<ref name=et1>[https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/hornby-plc-acquires-toy-car-maker-corgi-classics-in-7-5-million-pound-deal/articleshow/3001396.cms?from=mdr Hornby PLC acquires toy car maker Corgi Classics in 7.5 million-pound deal] on ''The Economic Times'', 1 May 2008</ref> who has owned the ''Corgi'' [[brand]] since then.<ref name=reuters1/>
== The Corgi Toys era: 1956 to 1995 ==

== History ==
=== Background: Corgi Toys era ===
{{Main|Corgi Toys}}
{{Main|Corgi Toys}}
'''Corgi Toys''' was launched in 1956 as a new range of die-cast toy [[model car]]s by '''Mettoy Playcraft LTD''', the [[toy car]] company founded in 1936. These new toy cars were soon a huge hit because at the time they were the only toy cars on the market that included transparent [[plastic]] windows, they soon became known as "the ones with the windows".
"Corgi Toys" was launched in 1956 as a new range of [[die-cast toy]] model cars by [[Mettoy|Mettoy Playcraft LTD]], the [[toy car]] company founded in 1936. These new toy cars were soon a huge hit because at the time they were the only toy cars on the market that included transparent plastic windows, they soon became known as "the ones with the windows".


[[File:Corgivolkswagenpolo.JPG|thumb|left|Corgi Volkswagen Polo]]
Although Corgi has had many model car competitors ranging from [[Dinky Toys]] to [[Lledo]], its name is well known to this day. In its first year of trading Corgi sold an 2.75 million cars, making it a clear leader of the British toy car industry. In 1966 Corgi won both ''[[The Queen's Award to Industry]]'' and the ''National Association Of Toy Retailers' Highest Standards Award'', two prestigious awards. In March 1969, a year's supply was destroyed in the factory in [[Fforestfach]] in [[Swansea]] by a fire, a major setback, which cut profits tremendously. Despite this, Corgi continued to remain among top [[collectable]]s for many years.
Although Corgi has had many [[model car]] competitors ranging from [[Dinky Toys]] to [[Lledo]], its name is well known to this day. In its first year of trading Corgi sold 2.75 million cars, making it a clear leader of the British toy car industry. In 1966 Corgi won both ''[[The Queen's Award to Industry]]'' and the ''National Association of Toy Retailers' Highest Standards Award'', two prestigious awards. In March 1969, a year's supply was destroyed in the factory in [[Fforestfach]] in [[Swansea]] by a fire, a major setback, which cut profits tremendously. Despite this, Corgi continued to remain among top [[collectable]]s for many years.


Sales increased in the late 1960s and early '70s after the ''[[James Bond]] [[Aston Martin DB5]]'' and the [[Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (car)|Chitty Chitty Bang Bang]] car was released, but sales were fell sharply after the 1969 fire, which led to substantial ground being lost to its main rival Dinky, but by 1971, the Swansea factory was back to full production again after major repairs costing over £1.3 million. The ''Queen's silver jubilee model'' edition released in 1977 was an instant [[bestseller]], along with another nostalgia model, ''Edward VII's coronation state coach'' of 1901. After a rapid decline in sales, in 1983 economic analysts said that decline was inevitable; children and adults had moved on to more sophisticated toys, others however did not agree; they believed if it had not been for the fire there would have been no problem.
Sales increased in the late 1960s and early '70s after the ''[[James Bond]] [[Aston Martin DB5]]'' and the [[Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (car)|Chitty Chitty Bang Bang]] car was released, but sales were fell sharply after the 1969 fire, which led to substantial ground being lost to its main rival Dinky, but by 1971, the Swansea factory was back to full production again after major repairs costing over £1.3 million. The ''Queen's silver jubilee model'' edition released in 1977 was an instant best-seller, along with another nostalgia model, ''Edward VII's coronation state coach'' of 1901. After a rapid decline in sales, in 1983 economic analysts said that decline was inevitable; children and adults had moved on to more sophisticated toys, others however did not agree; they believed if it had not been for the fire there would have been no problem.

Corgi reformed as '''Corgi Toys Ltd.''' in 1984 and turned its attention to regaining the British toy company's confidence. Three years later Corgi turned to the export market for profits, soon distributing in [[Australia]], [[Continental Europe]] and the [[United States]]. Shortly after this Corgi started the ''Collectors Club'', which quickly gained worldwide membership.


[[File:Corgi 2cv white bg.JPG|thumb|right|200px|A Corgi [[Citroën 2CV]], promotional for [[Petrofina|FINA]]]]
[[File:Corgi 2cv white bg.JPG|thumb|right|200px|A Corgi [[Citroën 2CV]], promotional for [[Petrofina|FINA]]]]
Corgi reformed as "Corgi Toys Ltd." in 1984 and turned its attention to regaining the British toy company's confidence. Three years later Corgi turned to the export market for profits, soon distributing in Australia, [[Continental Europe]] and the United States. Shortly after this Corgi started the ''Collectors Club'', which quickly gained worldwide membership.
In 1989 the company was taken over by [[Mattel]], the worldwide toy manufacturing giant (manufacturer of [[Barbie]] Dolls and [[Hot Wheels]] cars), and production was moved to Leicester, the Mattel headquarters. Corgi then introduced a new range: Corgi Classics, selling nostalgia cars, vans and trucks from the 1930s, '40s, '50s and '60s, aimed at those who had grown up during that period. At around the same period in the US, Corgi released a new range of [[truck]]s, fire tenders and [[bus]]es based on North American prototypes, though these were not as successful as had been hoped.


In 1989 the company was taken over by [[Mattel]], the worldwide toy manufacturing giant (manufacturer of [[Barbie]] Dolls and [[Hot Wheels]] cars), and production was moved to Leicester, the Mattel headquarters. Corgi then introduced a new range: Corgi Classics, selling nostalgia cars, vans and trucks from the 1930s, '40s, '50s and '60s, aimed at those who had grown up during that period. At around the same period in the US, Corgi released a new range of trucks, fire tenders and buses based on North American prototypes, though these were not as successful as had been hoped.
== Corgi Classics Limited ==
In 1995, Corgi regained its independence as a new company, '''Corgi Classics Limited''', and moved to new premises in [[Leicester]].


=== Corgi Classics Limited ===
[[File:Arriva Scotland West 800 model.JPG|right|thumb|A Corgi model bus. Buses are mainly produced under the "Original Omnibus Company" brand.]]
[[File:Arriva Scotland West 800 model.JPG|thumb|left|200px|A Corgi model bus. Buses are mainly produced under the "Original Omnibus Company" brand]]
Corgi Classics turned to [[British television]] for model ideas, and soon released models such as [[Mr. Bean#Car|Mr. Bean's Mini]], [[Inspector Morse]]'s [[Jaguar Mark 2|Jaguar]] and later models based on [[Enid Blyton]]'s [[Noddy (character)|Noddy]] tales. A variety of firms ranging from [[Cadbury plc|Cadbury]]'s chocolate to [[Guinness]] beer to [[Stobart Group|Eddie Stobart]] haulage have had Corgi scale models made of their road vehicles. In 1995 Corgi introduced a new range of 1/76th scale UK and Hong Kong bus models under the '''Original Omnibus Company''' banner; by 2007, the total number of individual model releases in this sub-range had exceeded eight hundred.
In 1995, Corgi regained its independence as a new company, "Corgi Classics Limited", and moved to new premises in [[Leicester]].<ref name=hist/> Corgi Classics turned to [[British television]] for model ideas, and soon released models such as [[Mr. Bean#Car|Mr. Bean's Mini]], [[Inspector Morse]]'s [[Jaguar Mark 2|Jaguar]] and later models based on [[Enid Blyton]]'s [[Noddy (character)|Noddy]] tales. A variety of firms ranging from [[Cadbury plc|Cadbury]]'s chocolate to [[Guinness]] beer to [[Stobart Group|Eddie Stobart]] haulage have had Corgi scale models made of their road vehicles. In&nbsp;1995 Corgi introduced a new range of 1/76th scale UK and Hong Kong bus models under the "Original Omnibus Company" banner; by 2007, the total number of individual model releases in this sub-range had exceeded eight hundred.


In 1999 Corgi Classics Limited was taken over by Zindart, an American collectors specialists. By 2000, as in the 1960s, Corgi was once again the top British model maker. In 2002, Corgi bought the rights to the [[Lledo]] name (and many of the moulds), taking over the popular ''Days Gone'' series. The '''Lledo Vanguards''' series was also acquired in the deal. Days Gone and Vanguards models were sold by Corgi under the Lledo moniker until 2004, after which the Lledo name was dropped and the models officially became part of the Corgi Classics line.
In 1999 Corgi Classics Limited was taken over by Zindart,<ref name=hist/><ref name= sec/> an American collectors specialists. By 2000, as in the 1960s, Corgi was once again the top British model maker. That same year, Corgi bought the rights to the [[Lledo]] name (and many of the moulds), taking over the popular ''Days Gone'' series. The ''Vanguards'' series was also acquired in the deal. Days Gone and Vanguards models were sold by Corgi under the Lledo moniker until 2004, after which the Lledo name was dropped and the models officially became part of the Corgi Classics line.


In 1999, Corgi debuted the Aviation Archive line of diecast military [[aeroplane]]s. Beginning with 1/144 scale, Corgi created one of the most expansive and widely collected lines of highly detailed limited edition collectable die-cast metal aircraft. This line has been expanded in successive years to include new moulds and liveries and even new scales, such as the super-detailed 1/32 scale Aviation Archive line. Corgi followed with a new line of 1/50 scale [[Armoured fighting vehicle|armoured vehicles]] ranging from [[World War II]] up to through the [[Vietnam War]]. In 2006, Corgi began selling hand painted, spin-cast metal figures and soldiers in the ''Forward March'' series which compliments their 1/32 and 1/50 scale lines of vehicles.
In 1999, Corgi debuted the Aviation Archive line of diecast military [[model aircraft|aeroplanes]]. Beginning with 1/144 scale, Corgi created one of the most expansive and widely collected lines of highly detailed limited edition collectable die-cast metal aircraft. This line has been expanded in successive years to include new moulds and liveries and even new scales, such as the super-detailed 1/32 scale Aviation Archive line. Corgi followed with a new line of 1/50 scale [[Armoured fighting vehicle|armoured vehicles]] ranging from [[World War II]] up to through the [[Vietnam War]]. In 2006, Corgi began selling hand painted, spin-cast metal [[toy soldier|figures and soldiers]] in the ''Forward March'' series which complements their 1/32 and 1/50 scale lines of vehicles.


In May 2008, international models and collectables group [[Hornby Railways|Hornby]] announced the acquisition of Corgi Classics Limited for [[British pound sterling|£]]8.3&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2008/05/01/hornby-corgi-idUKL0166601520080501|title=Hornby adds model car maker Corgi to its collection|date=1 May 2008|accessdate=26 February 2011|first=Mark|last=Potter|agency=[[Reuters]]}}</ref> Under Hornby ownership the Corgi brand underwent a rebrand in 2012, this saw the introduction of a new logo and style of packaging, however the main element reasoning behind the change was the relaunch of Corgi Toys.
In May 2008, international models and collectables group [[Hornby Railways|Hornby]] announced the acquisition of Corgi Classics Limited for [[British pound sterling|£]]8.3&nbsp;million.<ref name=reuters1>{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/hornby-corgi-idUKL0166601520080501|title=Hornby adds model car maker Corgi to its collection|date=1 May 2008|accessdate=26 February 2011|first=Mark|last=Potter|work=[[Reuters]]}}</ref><ref name=et1/> Under Hornby ownership the Corgi brand underwent a rebrand in 2012, this saw the introduction of a new logo and style of packaging, however the main element reasoning behind the change was the relaunch of Corgi Toys.


In 2019 a new series was launched called: CORGI CHUNKIES is new range of toys with moving interactive parts, free-rolling, soft-tyred wheels, left and right hand drive and a strong child-proof build. The chunkies models were designed by Hanan Shpetrick.
== Famous Corgi Classics limited models ==

== Famous models ==
{{multiple image
| title =
| total_width = 400
| image1 = Nationale_oldtimerdag_Zandvoort_2010,_1969_DODGE_CHARGER,_AM-20-10.JPG
| image2 = Bullitt_Mustang.jpg
| footer = ''The Dukes of Hazzard''s '''General Lee'' (left) and ''Bullitt''''s Ford Mustang have been some of the scale models produced by Corgi Classics since its inception as an independent company
}}
This is a list of a few of the most famous Corgi Classics limited models:
This is a list of a few of the most famous Corgi Classics limited models:
*[[Inspector Morse]]'s [[Jaguar Cars|Jaguar]] Mk II
*[[Mr. Bean]]'s [[Mini]]
*[[The Italian Job]] Minis
*[[Doctor Who]]'s [[TARDIS]] and [[Dalek]]s
*[[The Dukes of Hazzard]] [[The General Lee|Dodge Charger]] with Bo and Luke figures
*[[Basil Fawlty]] hitting his [[BMC ADO16|Austin 1100]] Countryman with a branch
*[[USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D)]] and some other [[Starfleet ship registry and classes in Star Trek|Star Trek ships]], including [[Romulan starship|Romulan]] and [[Klingon starships|Klingon]] vessels.
*[[Bullitt]] Ford Mustang with [[Steve McQueen]] figure.
*[[Only Fools and Horses]] Reliant Supervan III.
*The line of [[James Bond]] cars.


* [[Inspector Morse]]'s [[Jaguar Cars|Jaguar]] Mk II
== See also ==
* ''[[Mr. Bean]]'''s [[Mini]]
*[[Corgi Toys]] for detailed history of Corgi under the original parent company
* ''[[The Italian Job]]'''s Mini
*[[Die-cast toy]]
* ''[[Doctor Who]]'''s [[TARDIS]] and [[Dalek]]s
*[[Diecast Collector Magazine]]
* ''[[The Dukes of Hazzard]]'''s [[The General Lee|Dodge Charger]] with Bo and Luke figures
*[[Jada Toys]]
* [[Basil Fawlty]]'s [[BMC ADO16|Austin 1100]]
*[[Model commercial vehicle]]
* [[USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D)]] and some other ''[[Star Trek]]'' ships, including [[Romulan starship|Romulan]] and [[Klingon starships|Klingon]] vessels.
*[[Maisto]]
* ''[[Bullitt]]''s [[Ford Mustang]] with [[Steve McQueen]] figure.
*[[Tomica]]
* ''[[Only Fools and Horses]]'' [[Reliant Motors|Reliant]] Supervan III.
*[[Majorette (toy manufacturer)]]
* The line of [[James Bond]] cars.
* [http://www.oxforddiecast.co.uk/ Oxford Diecast] - successor of the ownership of the original Swansea manufacturing plant.
* The new line Corgi Chunkies.


== References ==
== References ==
Line 70: Line 85:


== External links ==
== External links ==
<!-- Per [[WP:ELMINOFFICIAL]], choose one official website only -->
*[http://www.nchwa.com/ NCHWA.com - Price Guides for Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Corgi and more]
<!--
*[http://www.corgi.co.uk/ Corgi UK website]
======================== {{No more links}} ============================
*[http://www.corgi-usa.com/ Corgi USA website]
| PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS IN ADDING MORE LINKS TO THIS ARTICLE. Wikipedia |
*[http://www.ooczone.co.uk/ OOC Zone - An online database covering Corgi's Original Omnibus Co range of 800 plus models]
| is not a collection of links nor should it be used for advertising. |
*[http://www.themodelbus.com/ The Model Bus Website has a large photographic collection of Corgi Classic & OOC model buses]
| |
| Excessive or inappropriate links WILL BE DELETED. |
| See [[Wikipedia:External links]] & [[Wikipedia:Spam]] for details. |
| |
| If there are already plentiful links, please propose additions or |
| replacements on this article's discussion page, or submit your link |
| to the relevant category at the Open Directory Project (dmoz.org) |
| and link back to that category using the {{dmoz}} template. |
|======================== {{No more links}} ==========================|
-->
* [http://www.nchwa.com/ NCHWA.com – Price Guides for Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Corgi and more]
{{Scale model brands}}


[[Category:Die-cast toys]]
[[Category:Die-cast toys]]
[[Category:Hornby Railways]]
[[Category:Model manufacturers of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Model manufacturers]]
[[Category:Toy cars and trucks]]
[[Category:Toy cars and trucks]]
[[Category:Toy companies of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Manufacturing companies established in 1995]]
[[Category:Companies established in 1956]]
[[Category:Manufacturing companies disestablished in 2008]]
[[Category:1956 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1995 establishments in England]]
[[Category:2008 disestablishments in England]]
[[Category:Defunct toy manufacturers]]

Revision as of 11:06, 9 June 2024

For the brand established by the Mettoy Company in 1956, see Corgi Toys.

Corgi Classics Limited
Company typePrivate (1995–99)
Subsidiary (1999–2008)
IndustrieScale model
Gegründet1995[1]
Defunct2008; 16 years ago (2008)
FateAcquired by Zindart International in 1999,[1][2] then became a brand
HauptsitzLeicester, England, United Kingdom
ProdukteDie-cast scale model cars, airplanes, buses, military
BrandsCorgi Toys
OwnerHornby (2008–present)[3]

Corgi Classics Limited was a British die-cast scale model manufacturer established as an independent company in 1995,[1] which has its origins in the Corgi Toys brand introduced by Mettoy in 1956. It is known for its British and North American vehicle models.

Products manufactured and marketed by Corgi included die-cast scale model cars, airplanes, buses, and military.

In 2008 the company was acquired by Hornby Railways,[4] who has owned the Corgi brand since then.[3]

History

Background: Corgi Toys era

Main article: Corgi Toys

"Corgi Toys" was launched in 1956 as a new range of die-cast toy model cars by Mettoy Playcraft LTD, the toy car company founded in 1936. These new toy cars were soon a huge hit because at the time they were the only toy cars on the market that included transparent plastic windows, they soon became known as "the ones with the windows".

Corgi Volkswagen Polo

Although Corgi has had many model car competitors ranging from Dinky Toys to Lledo, its name is well known to this day. In its first year of trading Corgi sold 2.75 million cars, making it a clear leader of the British toy car industry. In 1966 Corgi won both The Queen's Award to Industry and the National Association of Toy Retailers' Highest Standards Award, two prestigious awards. In March 1969, a year's supply was destroyed in the factory in Fforestfach in Swansea by a fire, a major setback, which cut profits tremendously. Despite this, Corgi continued to remain among top collectables for many years.

Sales increased in the late 1960s and early '70s after the James Bond Aston Martin DB5 and the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car was released, but sales were fell sharply after the 1969 fire, which led to substantial ground being lost to its main rival Dinky, but by 1971, the Swansea factory was back to full production again after major repairs costing over £1.3 million. The Queen's silver jubilee model edition released in 1977 was an instant best-seller, along with another nostalgia model, Edward VII's coronation state coach of 1901. After a rapid decline in sales, in 1983 economic analysts said that decline was inevitable; children and adults had moved on to more sophisticated toys, others however did not agree; they believed if it had not been for the fire there would have been no problem.

A Corgi Citroën 2CV, promotional for FINA

Corgi reformed as "Corgi Toys Ltd." in 1984 and turned its attention to regaining the British toy company's confidence. Three years later Corgi turned to the export market for profits, soon distributing in Australia, Continental Europe and the United States. Shortly after this Corgi started the Collectors Club, which quickly gained worldwide membership.

In 1989 the company was taken over by Mattel, the worldwide toy manufacturing giant (manufacturer of Barbie Dolls and Hot Wheels cars), and production was moved to Leicester, the Mattel headquarters. Corgi then introduced a new range: Corgi Classics, selling nostalgia cars, vans and trucks from the 1930s, '40s, '50s and '60s, aimed at those who had grown up during that period. At around the same period in the US, Corgi released a new range of trucks, fire tenders and buses based on North American prototypes, though these were not as successful as had been hoped.

Corgi Classics Limited

A Corgi model bus. Buses are mainly produced under the "Original Omnibus Company" brand

In 1995, Corgi regained its independence as a new company, "Corgi Classics Limited", and moved to new premises in Leicester.[1] Corgi Classics turned to British television for model ideas, and soon released models such as Mr. Bean's Mini, Inspector Morse's Jaguar and later models based on Enid Blyton's Noddy tales. A variety of firms ranging from Cadbury's chocolate to Guinness beer to Eddie Stobart haulage have had Corgi scale models made of their road vehicles. In 1995 Corgi introduced a new range of 1/76th scale UK and Hong Kong bus models under the "Original Omnibus Company" banner; by 2007, the total number of individual model releases in this sub-range had exceeded eight hundred.

In 1999 Corgi Classics Limited was taken over by Zindart,[1][2] an American collectors specialists. By 2000, as in the 1960s, Corgi was once again the top British model maker. That same year, Corgi bought the rights to the Lledo name (and many of the moulds), taking over the popular Days Gone series. The Vanguards series was also acquired in the deal. Days Gone and Vanguards models were sold by Corgi under the Lledo moniker until 2004, after which the Lledo name was dropped and the models officially became part of the Corgi Classics line.

In 1999, Corgi debuted the Aviation Archive line of diecast military aeroplanes. Beginning with 1/144 scale, Corgi created one of the most expansive and widely collected lines of highly detailed limited edition collectable die-cast metal aircraft. This line has been expanded in successive years to include new moulds and liveries and even new scales, such as the super-detailed 1/32 scale Aviation Archive line. Corgi followed with a new line of 1/50 scale armoured vehicles ranging from World War II up to through the Vietnam War. In 2006, Corgi began selling hand painted, spin-cast metal figures and soldiers in the Forward March series which complements their 1/32 and 1/50 scale lines of vehicles.

In May 2008, international models and collectables group Hornby announced the acquisition of Corgi Classics Limited for £8.3 million.[3][4] Under Hornby ownership the Corgi brand underwent a rebrand in 2012, this saw the introduction of a new logo and style of packaging, however the main element reasoning behind the change was the relaunch of Corgi Toys.

In 2019 a new series was launched called: CORGI CHUNKIES is new range of toys with moving interactive parts, free-rolling, soft-tyred wheels, left and right hand drive and a strong child-proof build. The chunkies models were designed by Hanan Shpetrick.

Famous models

The Dukes of Hazzards General Lee (left) and Bullitt's Ford Mustang have been some of the scale models produced by Corgi Classics since its inception as an independent company

This is a list of a few of the most famous Corgi Classics limited models:

References

  1. ^ a b c d e The history of Corgi on Hornyhobbies.com
  2. ^ a b CORGI INTERNATIONAL LIMITED – Hong Kong S.A.R., China. November 17, 2006 on Sec.gov
  3. ^ a b c Potter, Mark (1 May 2008). "Hornby adds model car maker Corgi to its collection". Reuters. Retrieved 26 February 2011.
  4. ^ a b Hornby PLC acquires toy car maker Corgi Classics in 7.5 million-pound deal on The Economic Times, 1 May 2008
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