41a variation code 1

[Diecast]

So I guess the driver sits on top of the pin cast into the baseplate, But I can't see how the driver would be able to come loose and fall out so all 41a with missing drivers must be factory errors, This must apply to the 41b as well, Hmmm...interesting!.

You are right Nick, it is practically impossible to dig out the driver from the cockpit. By 41b Jag it is no problem.
Antonin

[nickjones]

Thanks Antonin, It is handy to know simple things like this.

[kwakers]

As always any member on here ever wanting one of my items get hold of me on here and we can do a deal as I'll have no fees, so we both win.

I will buy the 41A Tim, Please see my P.M.this A.M. I had no idea they both were available. (From your collection??) kwakers

[kwakers]

The 41B seems to have changed to a non-captured driver Nick because of the typical round base mount for it's driver. I have several without drivers, and I have just looked at another that does not have the fat-base driver like Antonin's 41A disection has. The next question now becomes whether the design of the 41B will allow room for a fat-base early driver, and when the change came from that design to the fall-out style drivers we all know so well that were used later in the 41Bs. In 1957 the 39A Zodiac Convertible was released with these fall-out design drivers, so did the 41A change to them before the 41B was introduced in 1960? That might account for the driverless 41As that Nick has brought to our attention. Get ready for more possible discoveries and #41 variations here Boys and Girls Thanks to Antonin's Great 'surgery' on that poor 41A. That is simply an amazing discovery, that fat bottomed driver. Who would have ever noticed or even suspected such an early great driver design after 50+ years?? Now we all see it!.......kwakers

[Tinman]

I've restored and owned many "a" and "b" D-Types. Never have seen an "a" with any other type of driver. I've replaced missing drivers in several "a" models for their owners. I never take the model apart to replace the driver. If a new driver can go in through the top ... that's the most likely way the old driver left.

IIRC, the driver on the "b" is unique to the Jag as it has a square peg on the under side. Some of the other drivers do double duty and were used on other models. The "b" driver is the only one that uses the square peg (at 90* to the base).

[numi]

Managed to get a chance today so here are some pics of my beater.
numi

[mike]

Beautifully Numi.
Thanks for the view.
Austria Bussi by Mike & Nico.

[motorman]

Managed to get a chance today so here are some pics of my beater.
numi

That's not a beater Numi....that's a well loved wee car!!!

[matchbox_n_molars]

It seems apparent that Idris is on the money that this variation is not among the rarest of vintage Lesney toys. I remember a few years back when the flurry of discussion surfaced on the MCCH with regard to the discovery of the 25b Volkswagen with the misspelled bases. We soon learned that, while somewhat difficult to find, they were out there for those that keep looking long enough.
After finding this thread about this early variation of the 41a I had been watching ebay for less than two weeks when this one surfaced out of Australia. I think some others (probably some of you guys) found this one on ebay too based on the level of bid activity. Anyway, it's in Ohio as of Monday.
This one's got two dandy decals but some paint bingos.


I don't see any unique projections or features on the base:

[motorman]

Greg, those decals were definately applied in the factory after lunch!!...............a liquid lunch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hic Hic Hic!!!!!

Well done, nice find.