Question on a 25b code 1

[Lrrp59]

Is it normal for the code 1 to have painted tail lights? I've now found a second.

Thanks,

Jeff

[nickjones]

Hi Jeff, Yes the red tail lights have been noted although they are not t very common see here -
http://www.vintagebritishdiecasts.co.uk ... /xx25b.htm

[kwakers]

Hi Jeff, kwakers here. I have 2 Nick code ones with mis-spelled bases with red tailights, one with clear windows, and one with green windows. I also have a third with mis-spelled base without red tailights, but it has a factory black painted motor under the rear lid. That one has clear windows, and Antonin has another like it that we discussed on the old Forum. I don't remember if his tailights on his painted motor were red or unpainted. Please check all yours for a painted black motor that was done before assembly. We speculated it was an early very short run of these painted motors to add a realistic accent to the fine detailing of that air cooled VW motor. The detail is simply amazing! kwakers

[Diecast]

Hi Dick
you remember it well, I have models with red tail lights, with "Volkswagon" base plate, with/without painted motor.
Antonin

[kwakers]

Nick was looking for details on the painted motor version Antonin, so I guess we have examples now with and without red tailights. That is the way I remembered yours, but I wanted your update to be sure. Thank You!
We presented the case on the old Forum that these are intentionally sprayed black motors at the factory, not just accidental overspray that others questioned. I feel the black motors were done for a limited time, and probably should be designated as code one with or without tailights. The red tailights were apparently done early on the mis-spelled base, but not all models got them painted at the factory as can be seen by just our examples. They deserve a footnote as coming both ways, but not any more than that in my opinion. The blue tailights would be considered errors on these early Beetles I guess. kwakers

[nickjones]

There seem to be quite a few variations of the early VW with VolkswagOn base, clear or tinted windows, painted or unpainted engine and 9.5x20 or 10x24 wheels

[kwakers]

You forgot red or blue tailights also Nick that bedbugs like Antonin and I actually search out to collect. Because of the numbers I have seen on EBay, the latest being just last month, the mis-spelled base continued for quite some time before it was caught by Lesney. How everyone in the collector community missed that variation for so many years, (even Mike Stannard in 1985!) is simply amazing. I only consider it a difficult variation now, not rare with the number that have changed hands these last 4 years since I have found mine. The hard part about finding variations of it are that you almost have to see them in person. Most E Bay pictures hardly show the base to see the lettering, let alone the engine or tire sizes and treads clearly. (This complaint by the caveman without a digital camera, how sad.......) kwakers