Ten Model Cars for Christmas by Andrew Roberts

Your totally subjective guide to Corgi, Dinky and Matchbox toys that this writer hopes for on the 25th December…

Dinky Thunderbirds 'FAB 1'

While Corgi enjoyed an association with James Bond cars, their rivals at Dinky signed an agreement with Gerry Anderson's 'Century 21' company. Their model of Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward's Rolls-Royce, with its boot-mounted harpoon launchers, rockets fired from behind the radiator grille (spares cost 6d from your local toy shop), and an opening canopy. Despite 'FAB 1' costing 15/11d (aka months of pocket money for the average British child), it was a highly sought-after Christmas present for 1966 unless you preferred…

Corgi The Avengers Gift Set

"Mrs. Peel – we're needed". The Avengers Gift Set featured a 1927 Bentley, a Lotus Elan with drop side windows and figures of Patrick Macnee and Diana Rigg, and a set of three spare umbrellas. At 16/9d, Corgi No. GS40 may have been even more expensive than FAB 1, but who could put a price on defeating cads who wished to rule the world; the firm sold 112,000 box sets during its launch year of 1966. The fact that the Bentley was red rather than green and the Lotus white rather than blue was of little importance - ITV did not broadcast in colour before 1969.

Dinky Captain Scarlet Spectrum Patrol Vehicle

"Captain Scarlet is indestructible - you are not! Remember this - do not try to imitate him!". Fortunately, Dinky's 1968 Spectrum Patrol Vehicle was a comparatively safe tribute to the Francis Matthew-voiced Century 21 hero, as well as costing a reasonable 8/11d. Of course, you could also ask your father to impersonate Donald Gray as Captain Black – "This the voice of the Mysterons... We know that you can hear us Earthmen…".

Corgi 007 Lotus Esprit

Possibly the ultimate Christmas present for many young 007 fans in 1977. Corgi launched their Lotus Esprit in July, and it was a significant part of the publicity for The Spy Who Loved Me. It became the company’s most popular model since 1973, with sales of more than 1.3 million units. Back in suburbia, countless would-be Roger Moores marvelled at the retractable fins and rocket launchers, and their parents considered £2.25 well spent. That is, until someone ignored the warning on the box not to use their new Bond Car in water…

Matchbox Police Set Jaguar XJ12

Corgi produced a rather nice XJ12C, but in 1978 Matchbox replicated the four-door bodyshell. Arthur Lowe promoted their police Jaguar on ITV, and the K-66 box set also included bollards, road signs and two motorcycles. And if your Christmas presents also included the 'SuperKings' Porsche 911 Turbo, you could stage a traffic stop on the living room carpet.

Dinky Space 1999 Eagle Transporter

For many young Britons, the highlight of the 25th December 1975 was Frank Spencer driving a Hillman Imp into the sea in Some Mothers Do 'Ave Em and receiving the Eagle Transporter from Space 1999. Dinky timed the launch of model no. 359 with the worldwide screening of the latest Century 21 production. The die-cast replica was probably the most successful aspect of a show in which certain cast members acted as if they were sleepwalking.

Corgi Ford Consul Cortina Super Estate 'Golfer'

Or a model car that perfectly embodied Dagenham's marketing dreams. Ford GB evidently hoped the Cortina 'Woody', would appeal to the country club set, so Corgi gave their 1966 Estate a golf club setting, complete with a caddy. However, the intended customer base for model No. 440 is unclear - surely few 10-year-olds dreamed of becoming an off-duty bank manager.

Dinky Morris Mini Traveller and Austin 'Seven' Countryman

On many occasions, the Dinky box-shaped wrapped present under the tree contained a replica of a familiar car. In 1961 the scale models of the Mini estates (with 'finger-tip' steering) were excellent value at 3/6. They also reflected BMC's marketing practices. Just as rival dealerships demanded separate Morris and Austin versions, Dinky produced a Traveller and a Countryman in different shades.

Corgi 007 Aston Martin DB5

In the summer of 1965, Eon Productions met with Corgi to discuss a special die-cast model to promote the release of Thunderball that December. The resulting DB5 debuted in October 1965, and the steep price of 9/11d did not prevent retailers from selling out within minutes. The original gold paint finish was because Corgi's early attempts at silver apparently resembled zinc.

Corgi The Professionals Ford Capri 3.0S

"The perfectly detailed and life-like figures of Doyle, Bodie and Cowley are ready to go as C.I.5 continues its never-ending fight against crime". The 1980 model Capri reflected the popularity of The Professionals with viewers who were too young to view a programme aired after the 9 pm watershed. It also taught generations of Britons to a) smirk into their rear-view mirror and b) distrust anyone who scowled a lot and drove an FD-Series Vauxhall.