Corgi 'CLASSICS' 1912 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost.

[GHOSTHUNTER]

The Silver Ghost was introduced into the 'CLASSICS' range during August 1966 as model number 9041, it was based on a real car with a Barker 'Pullman' carriage type body. The model was an instant success and to keep up with demand, many examples were made up to 1969 when production was suspended.

The picture below shows most of the examples in my own collection...

1912 R-R, 1.JPG (116.33 KiB) Viewed 937 times

...as you can see there are more than just the One version. What you see are essentially a production run from the first 1966 issue (starting at left), up to the 'Hardy Boys' version and then the Two re-issues from 1970 and 1985 (finishing at right rear). Not all versions are shown as some are in storage and I am unable to get them, as Two versions are missing from the 1985 production.

1912 R-R, 2.JPG (156.69 KiB) Viewed 937 times

The above picture shows Black exhaust and rear brake drums on the left model with Grey exhaust and brake drums on the right model, both models have the 'Domed' rivets. Later versions have 'Countersunk' rivets.

1912 R-R, 3.JPG (96.58 KiB) Viewed 937 times

The Two known window frame colurs on the pre-85 production models, the model on the left has Tan frames and is very hard to find, with the more common colour of Brown frames on the right model.

1912 R-R, 4.JPG (119.16 KiB) Viewed 937 times

Only Two known box types, with or without the text telling you to 'REMOVE THE MODEL FROM THE REAR'.

...and finally my own version with some extra detailing added.

1912 R-R, 5.JPG (77.79 KiB) Viewed 937 times

This has steerable front wheels, revolving starting-handle and a 'Spirit of Ecstacy' mascot made out of a single strand of electrical wire, filled with solder and fixed onto a flattened shirt pin. It is then passed through a hole in the top of the grille so she can be turned like on a real car so as not to fowl the bonnet panel when opened.

1912 R-R, 6.JPG (68.79 KiB) Viewed 937 times

The whole steering method I devised can be added to many toy or model cars with only minor adjustments specific to that model, one feature I did not put on this model is working suspension, however, I have a spare model destined to be converted into the famous C. S. Rolls 'Balloon Car' Silver Ghost, which will have full suspension along with the steerable front wheels.

GHOSTHUNTER.

[YYS4BOB]

I always liked this model. I had a set of the original Corgi Classics (just one example of each) in my collection before the major sell-off to specialise in YY's. I never knew thee were so many variations on this one. No surprise there, as I never knew how many YY Rolls Royce variations there were 'til I met Kevin!!

[GHOSTHUNTER]

Thank's Bob.
These are great models and prices are not too high, I have picked-up many a Bentley very first issue on catalogue number 900, for just under £30, the Ghost model in it's box in the first picture has a £22 price label on it and I guess I brought that one during the mid-90's.

The first models were launched in early 1964, a 3 Ltr Bentley and a Model 'T' Ford, these stayed in full production until 1968, when some minor tooling changes took place taking them up to 1969 when production was suspended due to a major fire. Only the Rolls-Royce saw production during 1970 when the tooling was changed for the Rolls-Royce to make it into a TV Tie-In model for the 'Hardy Boys' show in the U.S.

A further production run was done of the Rolls-Royce using the 'Hardy Boys' castings, but painted in the usual dark oak for the wings and chassis and Silver-Grey for the main body and bonnet, but these versions are hard to find because it seems not to have gone into 1971.

Then some of the models were re-issued for 1985 using repaired tooling, the Rolls-Royce uses the same body and chaasis from the 'Hardy Boys' issue, wheels seem to be the same as the original Model 'T' Ford type, non 'Jewelled' headlamps and both the exhaust and brake drums have been deleted.

GHOSTHUNTER.

[Alan H]

I have one of these myself, not sure which version. My Father's, bought for him by my mother, and sat on his desk for years. After he died I pinched it along with a red Y6-2 Bugatti and a white Mercedes Y-10-2. Serious nicotine stains that I mostly got off with a bath. It's the only Corgi in the collection at the moment, though I did have a few back in the day.

[GHOSTHUNTER]

Thank you Alan for the story, I am sure your Father would be quite happy knowing His beautiful Rolls-Royce is still in the Family, perhaps you can get a picture of it and post it here.

GHOSTHUNTER.