Corgi toys were first released in 1956 by the Mettoy Company. Before this time, the main product of the company was lithographed metal toys. In 1948 they produced their first die-cast models and named them ‘Castoys’, these early models contained a clockwork motor that was also used in early Corgi models, giving them an edge over their rival toy maker Dinky Toys. .

The Corgi brand got its name from the Welsh dog breed and this logo can be found on most Corgi boxes and packaging. The toys were produced in Swansea by Mettoy Playcraft Ltd and the motherboards were marked Made in Great Britain.

The first true Corgi model was the No. 200 Ford Consul, manufactured in 1956.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s some of the best models were released, TV and movie themed models were always high on many children’s Christmas wish lists. The Volvo de los Santos, the Avengers gift set with John Steed’s Bentley and Emma Peel’s Lotus, the James Bond Aston Martin complete with functional ejector seat were just a few of the many individual models and gift sets they made. that the Corgi brand was so popular.

The detail on these models was really cool, with plastic windows, detailed interiors, doors that open, spare wheels, and various extras, this always gave Corgi the edge over other brands of die-cast models.

In 1983, the Mettoy company went into suspension of payments and the Corgi toys became the subject of a management purchase and then went on to produce limited edition models intended for the adult collector.

For many who grew up in the 50s and 60s, now seeing or owning an original Corgi toy will always bring back happy childhood memories of receiving the last Corgi as a Christmas present.

Because most of these early toys were owned primarily by children and many of them ended up broken, scratched, or missing the boxes, this makes the surviving models rare and sought after by collectors today.

To find a model in perfect condition still in its original box with all packaging and accessories, you can be sure of owning an item that you can only appreciate in value.

Although many collectors are interested in the value of these toys as an investment for the future, there are also some who collect to bring back memories of a golden age of die-cast toys.