I can not really add anything to confirm the status of these promo models, but it is interesting to know when they were being marketed. The Dodge Van first appeared during 1979 as K-80.
- K-80 Custom Van.jpg (61.19 KiB) Viewed 2267 times
but by 1981, it had become K-11.
- 1981-82, K-11 Michelin Van.jpg (61.91 KiB) Viewed 2267 times
So I am wondering what number do we allocate to the 'Promo' version(s), because as far as I know the model does not display a catalogue number on it's base, certainly not the examples I have seen.
Lesney only seem to have released Two Van versions, the Custom Van and the Michelin tyres Van and these have their own box (I am deliberately ignoring the emergency services versions as they stand alone with their own identities and boxes), so why make a half decent model Van and not exploit it as they did with the 'Yesteryear' Vans!!
These promos do seem to be coming to market during the mid-80 and in plain White card boxes or in boxes with very little text (KH Norton example), so did Lesney offer the Van to Second party retailers (Code 2 status with appropiate labels on packaging), or Third party retailers and home hobbyists (Code 3 status with more basic labeling), I do not know, it will take some digging around some old catalogues and magazines in storage to find some more info about these, but it is an interesting area of our hobby.
BTW, I quite like the Van as a model.
Ghosthunter.
