About Corgi:

Corgi, the leading name in die-cast scale models and one of Britain's best known brands, has been producing models for over 40 years.

Corgi's famous model vehicles captured the imagination of millions of baby boomers and, what were once simply toys for boys, are highly sought-after in the expanding collectibles market.

Some models, in mint condition and complete with box which originally sold for a few shillings are now fetching hundreds of pounds. Today, the majority of Corgi cars, trucks and buses are produced as once-only Limited Editions and are often sold out within weeks of release.

Although top prices grab the headlines, die-cast scale model collecting is an easy hobby to start and many vehicles, both old and new, can be acquired for a few pounds.

The Corgi brand was created by the Mettoy Company of Northampton which first started to produce colorful, pressed metal toys in the 1930s. The name Corgi (after the Welsh dog) was chosen for three reasons: first, because it was short and catchy; secondly because the models were to be produced in Swansea and thirdly because of its status in being strongly association with the Royal Family.

The first Corgi models appeared in 1956 and covered British-built saloon cars of the period. Names redolent with nostalgia including the Ford Consul, AustinCambridge, Morris Cowley, Riley Pathfinder, Vauxhall Velox, Rover 90 and Hillman Husky wereamong the first to be produced. Each model sold for 3/- (15p).

Always at the forefront and to ensure a point of difference from other die-cast vehicles, Corgis were sold as "the ones with windows". Other later innovations included Glidamatic spring suspension, opening bonnets and boots and diamond jewelled headlights.

Without doubt, Corgi's best known model is James Bond's gold painted Aston Martin DB5. First produced in 1965 and featuring ejector seat and front-mounted machine guns, it was an instant success earning the UK Toy of the Year Award. Priced at around 10/- (50p), by 1968 more than 3.9 million had been sold. At a recent auction, a rare gold-plated version given only to visiting VIPs to the Corgi factory made ÃÆ''Ã'Ã'£1300.

One of the top selling models of all time, reaching five million units, is the 1966 Batmobile. Other best sellers include the John Player Special Lotus Formula 1 racing car and the Ghia L 6.4 (which had a molded Corgi dog lying on the rear parcel shelf).

In 40 year's, Corgi has produced models of virtually every type of car, bus and truck. Some of the most sought-after model cars include the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally Mini Cooper S (ÃÆ''Ã'Ã'£300 to ÃÆ''Ã'Ã'£400), 1966 The Man from U.N.C.L.E's 'Thrushbuster' Oldsmobile (ÃÆ''Ã'Ã'£250-ÃÆ''Ã'Ã'£300), 1959-61 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop, pale green body (ÃÆ''Ã'Ã'£175-ÃÆ''Ã'Ã'£200). And if you have got the right Noddy's car, produced in 1969, lurking in the attic it could be worth an amazing ÃÆ''Ã'Ã'£700 or even more!

The Corgi Collector Club has over 10,000 members worldwide, click here for more details.

New Corgi models are released every month. The current range embraces cars, trucks, buses, fire engines, airplanes and character vehicles with prices ranging from $5.99 to $149.99.

Any history of Corgi cannot start without first mentioning the Mettoy Company which initiated and produced this world famous range of die-cast toys from 1956 to its demise in 1983. July 1956 saw the launch of Corgi Toys, but the story begins way back in 1933, when the founder Mr Philipp Ullman settled in England from Germany.

Mettoy [1933 - 1954]

1933

Mr Philipp Ullman settles in England from Germany bringing with him 21 years of experience and knowledge of the toy industry. 6 months later Arthur Katz settles in England joining Philipp Ullman who had by now been given working space at Winteringham's in Northampton.

1934

The first models were produced in Tinplate and formed the basis of the company which became Mettoy Limited.

1936

The Mettoy Company detached itself from Winteringhams (the name coming from its product METal TOYs) on 29th February 1936.

1944

Due to shortages of raw material (WWII) the company joined in the war effort producing all types of shell and mortar carriers. The heavy demand placed on Mettoy in connection with the war effort led to larger premises being found in Swansea in 1944.

1949

Following an expansion of a further 100,000 sq ft at its Swansea site the new Mettoy factory was officially opened on 2nd April 1949.

1950

Following an expansion of a further 100,000 sq ft at its Swansea site the new Mettoy factory was officially opened on 2nd April 1949.

1954

The first drawings for the new Corgi range were produced by Marcel Van Cleemput who had joined Mettoy earlier that year and went on to become Chief Designer. The first drawing was of an Austin Cambridge and with much trial and error with castings things started to come together early in 1956.

Corgi

1956

The launch date for the Corgi range was to be the 9th July 1956. The firm of Playcraft Limited (a sister corporation to Mettoy before they both merged) launched the Corgi name to the World. The name coming from a Welsh breed of dog, as both the Mettoy and Playcraft factories were based in Swansea, South Wales. Mettoy knew that to copy the Dinky product would not be enough to guarantee the success of the range. So, it was agreed that all the vehicles in the Corgi range would have windows. "The First with Windows" became one of the early selling slogans. December 1956 was the launch of the Corgi Model Club and a newsletter was published on a regular basis.

1957

Corgi produces its first catalogue and also entered the world of TV advertising. 1957 also saw the release of the first gift set and in its first full trading year reached nearly 2_ million pieces.

1959

The innovations continued and October saw the launch of the Renault Floride, featuring windows, seats and panelling, setting wheel and spring suspension. These feature soon became standard on all new models, and a lot of the old ones were upgraded. The suspension system became known as "Gildamatic". 1959 also saw the introduction of a travelling Display Van (a forerunner of the Roadshow Vehicle!) to cover various trade shows and motor racing venues.

1960

The Chipperfields Circus range was first launched.

The Proteus-Campbell Bluebird Record car was produced and a model was presented to Donald Campbell before his departure to the USA for the record attempt.

1963

The Mettoy company invited subscriptions from the general public for the Company's Shares. It became a public company on 13th June. The issue was oversubscribed 2 times.

1964

To celebrate Mettoy's 30th Anniversary a new range was introduced under the name of Corgi Classics of veteran and vintage models.

1965

Along with the numerous amount of new models that was now expected of Corgi the company produced one particular model which would become the most universally known and remembered diecast model -"007 Aston Martin DB5".

1967

Two prestigious awards were given to Corgi (Mettoy) - the "Queens Award to Industry" and the National Association of Toy Retailers "Highest Standards Award".

1968

November 1968 saw the release of a model which is still very much sought today - "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang".

1969

On the 10th March 1969 a fire broke out in Swansea and gutted the warehouse with the total loss of its histmains and at least a year's stock of Corgi models. As result a back-log of orders mounted and many retailers would turn to Dinky. Phillip Ullman retired as Chairman and Director after more than 35 years with Mettoy.

1971

The Mettoy Company was suffering in the hands of Mattel and as a result the Northampton factory closed with a loss of 900 jobs. An agreement was entered into with Fisher-Price to produce their range of toys for distribution in Europe. Philipp Ullman, President and founder of the company died.

1974

ÃÆ''Ã'Ã'£1.3 million was spent on new buildings, plant and tools as an extension to the existing Swansea site.

1977

A 1902 State Landau was designed and produced to coincide with the Silver Jubilee celebrations.

1983

Following more redundancies in Northampton the whole of the company's activities were relocated to Swansea. The design side would cease altogether. From 1956 for the next 27 years the Corgi range grew dramatically, but in 1983 with the company in serious financial difficulties the receivers were called in and it was thought the last Corgi Toy was produced. However a management buy-out was eventually formulated and the company was re-formed as Corgi Toys Limited in early 1984.

1984

Chris Guest was appointed Sales & Marketing Director and the company emerged as being marketing-led with a view to the 1980's and 1990's rather than a product-led manufacturer of the 1960's. The production area was also strengthened by manufacturing appointments at senior level and a continuing investment program.

1985-1989

Having concentrated its efforts during the first 2 years on regaining its market share in the UK, Corgi then turned to develop the overseas markets in both the toy and collector areas. Already exporting worldwide, extensive distribution arrangements were made, particularly in the USA and Australia and greater emphasis into the European markets was also realized. The collector area was encouraged by the introduction of a Corgi Collector Club with a worldwide membership. Corgi rapidly increased its market share and established itself as a leader in the competitive die-cast toy market. The company's achievements were recognized in January 1987 when it was voted British Toy Company of the Year by the National Association of Toy Retailers.

1989 [ December]

Corgi Toys Limited was taken over by the US based toy company Mattel. Mike Rosser, Chief Executive for Corgi Toys Limited said that its Board had recommended the Mattel offer to Corgi shareholders as providing the best future for Corgi .

1990

The first Corgi model to be made in China is launched, the MGA in British racing green.

1991

The Swansea factory and offices were closed and Corgi moved to Mattel's UK headquarters in Leicester.

When Corgi became part of Mattel there was a lot of concern from individual collectors and trade alike that this would mean the end of the great Corgi tradition of faithful die-cast modeling. There were even fears that the Corgi name would be dropped from the collector range and it would henceforth be branded Hot Wheels! Peter Eichorn (Executive Vice-President) attended the very first Biggest Little Motor Show, held at Telford in 1992. During his after-dinner speech at Telford, Peter immediately laid everybody's fears to rest by committing Mattel to the further development of Corgi.

Mattel were true to their word. Their backing enabled Corgi to launch many successful new toys on a worldwide basis. Running alongside the traditional toy markets, the Classics range developed substantially during the first half of the 1990's. Particular emphasis was placed on commercial vehicles of the 1950's and 1960's - the age of nostalgia .

1994

Corgi launched the Original Omnibus range, with its 1:76 scale commercial vehicles designed to complement OO gauge railway layouts. The same year, the company invested in new tooling aimed at the American market featuring commercials, fire vehicles and coaches.

The 1990's have also seen Corgi re-entering the world of TV and films, with successes such as Mr Bean's Mini, the Inspector Morse Jaguar and the Morris Minor from Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em.

Significantly increased investment in tooling, limited editions, authentically and great attention to detail have resulted in record demand and collectability. It is these factors which have driven Corgi to its number one position today.

1995

On the 7th August after five years of ownership by Mattel, Corgi was back in private hands, following a management buyout led by Chris Guest and venture capitalist Cinven. The connection with Mattel was finally severed when the new Corgi Classics Limited moved from the Mattel building into new premises, just a _ mile away on the Meridian Business Park, Leicester, on 23rd October 1995.

The name Corgi was settled upon in late 1955 and was chosen from a list of about seventy names. The company held a competition for the name, but in the end the name of Corgi was suggest by Henry Ullman. There were various reason why this name was chosen. First of all, it was the name of a sturdy little Welsh dog and the Corgi range was produced in Swansea, Wales. Secondly, the name of the breed was felt to be somewhat prestigious as the Corgi is the favored breed of the Royal Family and their Corgi were dogs were often featured in the media. Thirdly, the name was short and snappy like the popular Dinky name.

Saturday 24th June 1995 was another landmark in Corgi's history when the first ever Corgi Heritage Centre was opened to the public. The centre is a joint venture between Corgi Classics and Chris Brierly of Chris Brierly Model in Heywood Lancashire. It was officially opened by His Worshipful the Mayor of Rochdale, councillor Rodney Stott. He and the Lady Mayoress arrived in appropriate style in a Bristol LG5 vintage bus in North Western Livery, kindly loaned by the Greater Manchester Museum of Transport. Steve Berry from BBC TV and radio program Top Gear also came to have a guided tour of the museum, displays and large Corgi retailing area.

1996

During 1996 expansion continued with the purchase of Basset Lowke property and tooling and the launch of the First Corgi Collector Centre. Corgi also secured licenses for the Beatles and Mr. Bean products and launched the Hong Kong Product Range.

1997

This year saw the launch of the French Collection Heritage product range and the establishment of the Toy and Gift Division. The Corgi Collector Centre roll out continued and the Cadbury license was secured.

1998

During 1998, Corgi moved to direct sourcing of production in Hong Kong and the Aviation Archive range was launched. ICON figurines were developed and the Corgi Collector Centre now stood at 35 locations. Licensing for the Guinness range was secured.

1999

The latest chapter in the history of Corgi Classics Ltd has been written with the company's acquisition in October 1999 by US collectibles specialist and Nasdaq listed company Zindart.

Corgi's incumbent management team has been retained under the new ownership and continues to identify and pursue new openings in the collectibles and toy markets. Zindart introduces new investment and presents further opportunities for Corgi to apply its collectibles expertise to the US markets.

Corgi has now introduced a dedicated Sales & Marketing operation based in the USA and is looking to establish a firm foothold in the US. Corgi's acquisition of the UK die-cast collectibles company Lledo, including tooling plus the highly respected Vanguards and Days Gone ranges, further strengthens Corgi's offering in the die-cast model car sector.

Corgi has developed a world class collectible die-cast model vehicle business and continues to extend its product range and distribution into selected niches of the mass toy market. The company is also successfully exploiting opportunities to move the Corgi brand into the wider market for gift and collectible products.

Other notable events for Corgi during 1999 included the acquisition of Lledo Collectibles, the launch of ICON Figurines and the German Product Range. Collector Centres now standing at 45.

2001

Early in the new Millennium Corgi Inc. Sales and Marketing operation was established in the USA and a licensing deal secured for Noddy from Enid Blyton.

Corgi introduces the Unsung Heroes an innovative die-cast line of US Military vehicles. These historically accurate, mud covered, vehicles offer the collector and veteran a glimpse and a reminder of what life was like in Vietnam.

2004

Corgi Classics announced that it has been awarded a global license from Warner Bros. Consumer Products to produce and market a line of high quality die-cast Batmobiles, inspired by DC Comics Batman Comic Book Series. George Volanakis joined Corgi in February 2004 as its President and Chief Executive Officer.

George brings over 30 years of experience in the toy industry from such companies as Hasbro, Inc, The Ertl Company Inc, Mattel Inc, and Milton Bradley Company. Corgi-USA, 105 West Adams Street Suite 2050 Chicago, IL 60603 Phone 1-800-800-Corgi (2674)