That factory body re-painting move makes no sense to us today, but yet it has been accepted as fact because several 32A models exist that clearly show the original white coat under the final much lighter showing red final coat. Later painted over metal factory red models show much darker, leading to a color variation commonly known in America but missed by Mike Stannard in his 1985 guide.On our own very sunfaded blue #42B Studebaker Lark Wagon, it faded to a much lighter powder blue rather than turn a darker blue. For that matter, most sunfaded colors in the Lesney lineup tend to lighten up in color with severe sunlight exposure rather than darken as you propose Hugh. I have heard of intentionally over-exposed Lesneys turning darker though, but I have never engaged in any experiments to check those claims. I would love a blue roofed 29B Austin Cambridge for our collection because I remain unconvinced that all examples are the result of sun exposure rather than paint formulation variations used right from the Lesney Factory.
Our collecting is not only based on our knowledge of Lesney history and our personal preferences and tastes, but also on keeping an open mind when viewing oddities when they turn up today. There are still lots of questions to be answered in the world of Lesney Toys.....Kwakers
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