41a variation code 1

[Idris]

As promised, herewith photographs of the 41a variation code 1 (i.e. no decal alignment rings) I found at the NEC on 27/12/13.
Although Nick lists it, I cannot find it in Stannard, Houghton, AIM or NAMC. (U.K. Matchbox appears not to have covered the D-types.) So where is it referenced/how did Nick become aware of it?
As previously noted, there is no evidence of it ever having carried decals (as suggested by Nick in his listing). My guess would be that this variation will turn out to be similar to many others we have discussed in the past - htf but often overlooked (e.g. 11c variation code 1).

[tjlglass]

I would say ultra rare Hugh and a great find. Btw are you still looking for an engine cover ?

[Idris]

Btw are you still looking for an engine cover ?

I am indeed (but I'm not swapping this for it!)

[kwakers]

I believe this variation was made public only when Hardy offered one at his E Bay Toy website store that had no casting rings, but did have the standard early number 41 decals on it. The date he originally posted his Buy it Now is not known to me, but I found it early this year, and while still considering it for myself, the listing disappeared only a few months ago. Hardy's example was not mint, but priced very realistically in my opinion for an early undocumented casting. Perhaps this early casting was known before this, but like Nick has stated in his guide, we need others with knowledge of it's history to educate us a bit. Because this Jaguar was modeled after a factory racer and not a street car, I would say the model was always meant to be released with it's 41 decal, even if any exist without them. Perhaps a few pre-production examples were sent to the distributers before the decals were available for them? We may never know or be able to prove that decals may or may not have been removed at some point from a 56 year old survivor without these decal guides. I believe Hardy's description called this one without the decal guides a short run before the cast outline was added for the ease of placing decals on this model at the factory. kwakers
This one is still a bit new to us to be called Ultra rare, so Please sell me yours quickly now that Hardy's is gone.........
Perhaps you understand now why I would not yet commit to my favorite model of 2013 yet??
How about 2 engine covers for this one Hugh?? LOL

[Idris]

I believe this variation was made public only when Hardy offered one at his E Bay Toy website store that had no casting rings, but did have the standard early number 41 decals on it.

If Harvey's version had decals, then I would suggest that it can't have been the source of the entry on the catalogue page because otherwise Nick would not have written "I require further info on this model....as it may have been issued without decals".

[kwakers]

That is a Great point Hugh, Nick must have heard about one other than yours without decals on it. That might make 4 so far. Hardy's two with decals, and yours and Nick's discovery without, unless of course Hardy has one of each and has suggested that possibility to Nick. I also find it interesting that Nick has no note of this one's discovery at his site as he would normally note, even though I believe the variation had been found quite recently. We may have both variations to look for now without decal casting circles Hugh. It may well be that two of each are now known and are able to be verified. kwakers

[numi]

Hi Idris,congrats on finding this unheard-of casting.A Super find indeed !!
numi

[ChFalkensteiner]

Although Nick lists it, I cannot find it in Stannard, Houghton, AIM or NAMC. (U.K. Matchbox appears not to have covered the D-types.) So where is it referenced/how did Nick become aware of it?

I do not remember the circumstances clearly, but I know I became aware of it in early 2008 thanks to a post on some internet forum - perhaps MCCH. Presumably Nick saw that post too, or he just got the information from my Stannard addendum file in which I added this variation then.

On that occasion I downloaded a comparison picture which I still have, but I am sorry I do not remember who posted it originally. The model without decal guides shown in that picture is in very bad condition and has no decals.

[kwakers]

Could that original picture you still have be compared to Idris' model Christian. If they are not pictures of the same model, then two without decals would now be known. When Hardy sold his used one with decal, we know he had a better one already in his collection with decals. I don't consider Idris' model 'in bad condition', just 'nearlymint'......LOL kwakers

[ChFalkensteiner]

Could that original picture you still have be compared to Idris' model Christian. If they are not pictures of the same model, then two without decals would now be known. When Hardy sold his used one with decal, we know he had a better one already in his collection with decals. I don't consider Idris' model 'in bad condition', just 'nearlymint'......LOL kwakers

No problem.





These are clearly two different examples, as the amount of paint loss is obviously different.