Notifications
Clear all
Forum 43
9
Posts
6
Users
22
Likes
265
Views
Topic starter
04/01/2023 11:16 am
CORGI CLASSICS 9000 Series 1915 Ford Model T
Corgi produced several really well designed classic cars in the 1960s. These has features unusual for the times and were carefully executed. Unlike other Corgi Toys, these were aimed at the adult market and as a result, had less sales than the traditional child oriented models. Sale to adults was a relatively new idea in 1964.
A feature of these Corgi Classic models was passengers. Few models in this era had miniature drivers and passengers. I find these classic early cars really appealing.
Corgi Classics as originally conceived was an Adult Collectible introduced in 1964 and discontinued after a factory fire in 1969. This was the first model introduced in London, in January 1964 at the Dorchester Hotel Corgi along with the 1927 Bentley 3 Litre.
This 1/40 scale model was introduced as #9011 in black and 9012 in yellow. This version was hood open with two figures inside, a driver with short sleeved white shirt and a red bow tie and a female passenger in a pink dress with scarf and bonnet. In November 1964, a blue version, #9013 was made with top up (black plastic) and white coated driver trying to start the car with a crank. During their production life up to 1969, about 300,000 of the top down versions black or yellow were sold (combined) and about 160,000 of the blue top up version were sold.
In November 1964, a blue version, #9013 was made with top up (black plastic) and white coated driver trying to start the car with a crank. During their production life up to 1969, about 300,000 of the top down versions black or yellow were sold (combined) and about 160,000 of the blue top up version were sold.
These castings were resurrected in the 1980s in silver boxes with cheaper wheels and no figures.
The 9012 yellow version had black fenders and usually came with yellow wheels. Black wheels from the 9011 were sometimes used also.
Similarly, the 9013 blue top up version appeared normally with yellow but appeared with black wheels. A blue wheel 9013 version is claimed but I have not seen one.
04/01/2023 11:47 am
Thanks for pictures and interesting history. I like the people with the cars.
Ed Davis
Inverness, Illinois, USA
David Green reacted
04/01/2023 2:30 pm
Thanks for this interesting bit of Corgi history David. In 1964, with the baby-boomer generation in full swing, I'm surprised to learn that the adult-collector market was actively pursued by Corgi. Marketing was obviously aware of this, which make their decision all the more intriguing. Trying to capture sales from all the dads of those kids was, in hindsight, a clever strategy.
This post was modified 5 months ago by Christopher Moroni
David Green reacted
04/01/2023 2:47 pm
I assume this was a 1980s reissue, found with no box.
Frank Reed
Chesapeake, VA
David Green reacted
Topic starter
04/01/2023 3:53 pm
Yes Frank. The wheels are unpainted metal and it has a top up unlike the original black version, but still a great little model.
Frank Reed reacted
04/01/2023 3:57 pm
@david-green yes you have to have a Model T in the collection, right? 👍
Frank Reed
Chesapeake, VA
David Green reacted
04/01/2023 5:18 pm
Many thanks, David, for your fine history as well as the sharing of your Corgi greats. I have not only enjoyed these, but those great little people keep getting involved with other models in my collection!
Topic starter
05/01/2023 9:47 am
I forgot to add release years and model numbers for this original Corgi Classics Series.
1964.
- 9001 – 1927 3 Litre Bentley Le Mans Winner
- 9002 – 1927 3 Litre Bentley—Red
- 9011 – 1915 Model 'T' Ford—Black
- 9012 – 1915 Model 'T' Ford—Yellow
- 9013 – 1915 Model 'T' Ford with Hood
- 9021 – 1910 Daimler 38
1965.
- 9031 – 1910 Renault 12/16 — Lavender
- 9032 – 1910 Renault 12/16 — Primrose
1966.
- 9041 – 1912 Rolls-Royce 'Silver Ghost'
05/01/2023 2:12 pm
Thank you for the diecast history lesson David and the many pictures. You have been at it a loooonnnnggg time. 
Models = Miracles in miniature = Holding History in ones hand
Cheers and Happy Collecting,
Steve