Corgi Model Club reissue: Ecurie Ecosse Racing Car Transporter

After a long wait, this one finally landed, and fittingly, just ahead of Christmas. The 1:48 scale Ecurie Ecosse Racing Car Transporter, reproduced exclusively for the Corgi Model Club, has been high on my anticipation list for some time. I had seriously considered hunting down an original Corgi #1126 complete with box, but market reality quickly set in. Prices regularly sit at four times the cost of this modern release (around $100), and often more depending on condition.

First introduced in October 1961, #1126 is widely regarded as one of the standout diecast models of the classic era. Part of the prestigious Corgi Major range, it wasn’t just bigger than the standard Corgi Toy, it was more ambitious. The transporter features twin decks capable of carrying three racing cars, along with a fully modeled onboard workshop. Inside, you’ll find benches and even a miniature vice, all visible through the model’s signature sliding side door. It’s a design that still feels remarkably clever more than six decades on.

The original was offered in two metallic blue finishes: a deep blue that matched the real Ecurie Ecosse transporter, and a lighter blue variant. This Corgi Model Club edition opts for the darker shade, and it suits the model perfectly. Like the original, it includes self-centering steering, a premium feature at the time and one that helped justify its higher price point when new. While it cost more than a typical Corgi in the early 1960s, it clearly delivered more—both in scale and in play value.

Beyond the standalone release, this transporter also appeared in Gift Set 16, paired with three racing cars, further cementing its appeal. Production ended in 1965, with approximately 145,000 transporters sold individually and an additional 90,000 through the gift set. Those numbers are healthy, but not excessive, one reason original examples in good condition remain so desirable today.

Which brings us to the inevitable collector’s question: What impact does a faithful reissue like this have on the value and collectability of the original? In many collecting circles, high-quality reproductions are seen as complementary rather than competitive, offering enthusiasts the chance to enjoy an iconic piece without diminishing the historical significance, rarity, or aura of an authentic 1960s example. For some, the original will always be the ultimate prize. For others, this release delivers the experience, the nostalgia, and the engineering brilliance at a far more accessible level.

Whichever side you fall on, there’s no denying that this Corgi Model Club reproduction is a superb tribute to one of the most imaginative and desirable transporters ever to wear the Corgi name.