All text and pictures © 1997 Stefan Axelsson.

Corgi Toys have been manufactured by Mettoy Playcraft Ltd and their predecessor Playcraft Toys Ltd since 1956, although Mettoy has been around since 1934, producing both plastic and diecast models. Corgi Toys are named after the Corgi dog, and likewise came from Wales. 1961's catalog contains pictures of the plants in Swansea. This is the reason for the fact that Corgi Toys are marked with 'MADE IN GT BRITAIN' instead of the usual 'MADE IN ENGLAND'.

Many of the early Corgi models where equipped with flywheel-engines. These models had numbers ending with 'M' for 'mechanical'. Another early feature was models with windshields. These were efforts to beat Dinky Toys, who'd been around since 1933. Dinky Toys were dominating the market. The ongoing struggle saw quality and realism increased. The previous plain bottom-plates got exhaust systems and markings for the engine and rear axle. Wheels turned into ones with detailed rims and rifled tyres. In 1959 Corgi Toys came with suspension.

In 1961 Corgi Toys presented a series of accessories including a garage, telephone booth, and racing depot among others. During the '60s Corgi also presented a series of models with detachable plastic parts (like hardtops).

Below are some details of British Corgi models I've come across.

103 mm, produced between October 1970 and December 1973.
Die-cast model with two opening doors, black roof, crystal windows, plastic interior, black radiator, crystal headlights, red taillights, chrome bumpers, suspension. The same body was also used for model 402-A. There were three versions of this model, which came with a figurine of Graham Hill:
1. Tan body, black roof and stripes, red interior.
2. Metallic blue body, black roof, tan interior (pictured).
3. Metallic bronze body, black roof, cream interior.

402-A: Ford Cortina GXL (Mk.III) police car

103 mm, produced between August 1972 and December 1976.
Die-cast model with two opening doors, black roof, crystal windows, plastic interior, black radiator, crystal headlights, red taillights, chrome bumpers, suspension, police sign and flashlights on the roof, horn on the front bumper. Has 'WhizzWheels'. Derived from model 313-A. There were two different versions of this model:
1. White body, red and black stripe.
2. White body, pink and black stripe.

92 mm, produced between January 1966 and December 1968.
Die-cast body, opening rear hatch, crystal windows, plastic interior, crystal headlights, red taillights, chrome bumpers and front, suspension, rubber tyres, golfer and caddie. Dark blue metallic paint with look-a-like wood trim on sides and rear hatch.