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This is another model that gets overlooked, as appears pretty basic. There was a lot of development in this one though. The prototype shown is based on a Y5 Peugeot with part of a Y25 Renault roof. This model isn't mine sadly, but was photographed at the Joe Rechia Collection sale. It is in the hands of a member here.





This early bare metal example in component form shows where adjustments needed to be made to the mould.


Note the base has Y28 on the top surface which is unseen when assembled........


but doesn't have it on the underside, although the copyright date is already complete.

First runs had the floor held in place by the screen


Note the increase in the dimensions of the steering column mounting box.

On production runs this was reversed.


Metal screen, meter and radiator changed to plastic after initial preproduction trial runs.


The smooth tan roof is as on a preserved example of the taxi, but was not approved by the New Products Committee. This model appeared in some catalogues.


The plastic meter reverted to metal after the first production run.


Fixing pins were added to the body sides to secure the roof more effectively.


The Tampo around the window frame, and the minute writing under the window is often missing on later runs, as is the silver on the roof strut.


A small casting change was made after the first run to strengthen the area around the rear lights.


The last Made in England model in blue looks very smart. Shame about the wheels. Trials for this version can be found without the roof pins, but I've not found one yet. There are more versions, but as not Made in England they are outside my collecting area.

Fascinating!
Thank you!

What Bob has highlighted in his excellent post above is common practice within the 'Models of Yesteryear' range, in particular the 2nd series starting in 1960 with model number 15, the 1907 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, bringing in the introduction of plastic components and a general increase of the size of models and the 3rd series starting in 1973 with the new face-lifted range with wider plastic based wheels, brighter metallic colours and another increase in the size of the models.

Avid collectors of these models have endless fun searching for the differences on these models and working out the 'Time-Lines'.

Ghosthunter.

This post was specifically to show the development of the taxi, a 1984 model, as I thought it might be of interest. Not really anything to do with models from the 60's or 70's, other than the fact that the concept model used components from the '60's Y5 Peugeot. A similar thing was done when the Model T van was being designed, and components from the '70's version of the Y1 Model T car were used.

You forgot this one Bob. Correct number plate is on the right which matches the cast rear number but around a dozen were run off with the incorrect number on the left - extremely rare. The top mock up looks very nice with my other taxi's Bob and also have the bare metal with the different cab base.


and the original vehicle. We Yesteryear collectors like our models to look like the real one, not some ponced up paint job and dot dash wheels on a Bentley for instance

I have your photo on file Mick, but forgot to add it to the post Never seen another one, only than the one you have.

Neither have I Bob. When they asked about it in the MICA mag it was presumed 2 last digits were changed and it was only the one. I sent photo to MICA and it appeared in the next month mag and promptly got an offer for 500 US for it. This was in the days of snail mail and think it came a few days after the mag issue so seemed to me some got their mags before others.

Excellent thread Bob, I have some unused parts for this model. I have metal and plastic screens and some cab floors I think somewhere.
J

Some spare parts for the Taxi. Screen in metal and plastic, meter in metal and plastic and various other parts including 2 types of floor. J

J,
Pm sent
Gary