23c Bluebird Dauphine Caravan

[Idris]

The NAMC’s “Catalog of all Series Matchbox Models” (second edition) notes the existence of light GPW for the mauve body with a thin tow bar (Nick's tow bar types 1 to 4).
AIM's “1-75 Series Regular Wheels” catalogue (second printing, 1983) lists the mauve body with reinforced tow bar (Nick's tow bar types 5 and 6) as coming with either large knobbly GPW, small fine GPW, and large fine GPW. It also refers to small knobbly SPW on the mauve-bodied version (both flat and reinforced tow bar). It is impossible to reconcile these observations with Nick's listing, implying the possible existence of yet more wheel variations on the mauve version of this already complicated model.(Interestingly, a "helpful "note at the end of the entry states that there are three sizes of GPW: small, medium, and large. However, only small and large GPW appear in the variation table! As if that weren't enough, it adds that variation 23-3f has medium-sized GPW - except it's catalogued with small SPW!)
Stannard contain a mistake: variations 23c-14 and 23c-15 are identical, and I would suggest that variation code 14 should be listed with tow bar type D. In addition, variation code 23c-12 (mauve body, 1 mm wide pillars, hinge type 2, tow hitch 5, 9 x 24 SPW) is unlisted by Nick, but would fit in nicely as the new variation code 16.
Houghton's variation 23c-3 is a mauve body with mauve door but a crimson base. Given that we established on Lefora that the BDCB variation preceded the metallic green version which came before the all-mauve issue, this does seem unlikely. Comments are welcome.
Houghton's unlisted variation code 23c-14 matches Stannard's variation code 23c-12 (see above).
In addition, Houghton's variation code 23c-17 exposes another mistake in Nick's table: variation code 19 should have tow hitch 6 rather than tow hitch 5 (which would make it identical to variation code 17). Houghton notes the 18 tread GPW as being 8 mm in diameter whereas both Nick and Stannard have them as 9 mm diameter. My guess is that 8 mm is correct, but can anyone confirm?
U.K. Matchbox covered the model in Vol. 1 no. 1 (Mar. '77) p6, with a follow-up (actually a correction) in Vol. 1 no. 2(Apr. '77) p18., but these were primarily concerned with the windowed version. The model was examined again in Vol. 8 no. 3 (Aug. '84) p105. Once against, Stannard's unlisted variation code 23c-12 appears, this time as variation code 11.

Please remember that two different threshold castings have been identified for Nick's variations 1 and 2.

[jsherwood]

I've been cataloguing my collection, and found what I believe to be an unlisted variation of the 23c Bluebird Dauphine Caravan.

It's very close to Nick's code 21 - with 1.5mm window pillars, 9 x 24 GPW, hinge type 3 and has the thick half round foot as in hitch type 6 but also has a flat tow hook with no raised ring.

Cheers

John

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[DrJeep]

That's a good find, John. I wonder if this rather sad specimen might once have been the same? It would explain why the ring was added.

[yellowfoden]

Hi John,

Very nice photos, especially the close up of the tow hitch and a super example of this model as well.

I have the same model but I have coded it to Stannard code 16.
Stannard code 16 equates to Nick’s code 20 but he shows it as having a ring on top. I am not sure that is right.
If you read Nick’s description he says he has photo-shopped some images which you can see by studying the crossover pictures of each of the hook types so it would be easy to make an error.
These I have attached for easier reference.

I have never come across a hook type 5 with raised ring as he has shown so I am wondering if this should be a flat top hitch.

Life would be easier if each online image on auction sites were as clear as yours.

I have attached a part scan of the Stannard code with your variations in red block.

Bert

[jsherwood]

Thanks for replies - I see what you mean now, Stannard's Type E Flat Tow bar and thick bottom step doesn't match any of Nick's 6 types, but does match my photo above, which fits Stannard code 16.

I'll have to lower the 'unlisted variation' flag to half-mast. I will check Stannard more closely in future, and not rely on only one source.

(Bert, I have 2 other Bluebird Dauphine Caravans with hitches shown below, they match Nick's code 22 with raised ring and thin bottom step and code 23 with raised ring and thick step.)

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Cheers
John

[GHOSTHUNTER]

I wonder what design we would class this one as.

Suposedly one of the 'Pre-Pro' models with glazing but with a foot design very close to #6 in the reference pictures above.

It may just be light shining on the back surface inside the hole or it is in fact the raised area around the hole in the foot.

The whereabouts of this model is unknown until the hitch design has been established!

Ghosthunter.

[yellowfoden]

I'll have to lower the 'unlisted variation' flag to half-mast. I will check Stannard more closely in future, and not rely on only one source.

(Bert, I have 2 other Bluebird Dauphine Caravans with hitches shown below, they match Nick's code 22 with raised ring and thin bottom step and code 23 with raised ring and thick step.)Cheers John

Thanks John,

The two new photos are excellent and I am especially pleased to see the thin version of the raised ring model. Another great couple of nice clear photos.
My caravan park is almost full but I was saving a bay for such a model. I shall keep looking.

So do not tie off your flag pole ropes too secure just yet in relation to Nicks guide. My own listing is firstly based on what I have, then in line with other catalogues and also trusted collectors.

Silly postage prices and import tariffs are slowing down the acquiring of such models but it does mean I appreciate the ones I have even more.

Such a simple casting but one that as captured a lot of interest over the years with the way it evolved and the what if could have been aspect as shown by Kevin.

Bert

[Diecast]

I think, I have mentioned it 8 years before, just to remember, I will post it once more. There are 9 types (or even more) hitch and base combinations.
Antonin

[Diecast]

Hitch Type 2

[Diecast]

Hitch Type 3