spot the gem

[DrJeep]

I'm pleased with this cheap lot, though the condition could be better. One of them is a gem, even in this state.

[Idris]

The only thing I can see which looks even slightly unusual are the wheels on the 37a, but I can't make out whether they are painted, dirty, or an unusual colour.

[nearlymint]

Coke truck is a benbros model, must be the 60 closed window grey wheels maybe?

[DrJeep]

The only thing I can see which looks even slightly unusual are the wheels on the 37a, but I can't make out whether they are painted, dirty, or an unusual colour.

Coke truck is a benbros model, must be the 60 closed window grey wheels maybe?

Jason's right - the Coca Cola truck is a Benbros and I think it's the gem. It's the version with very small black wheels (and a lot of old dirt).

Benbros coca cola truck

IMG_7029 (1).jpg (395.75 KiB) Viewed 873 times

They're quite rare and can make good money - a play worn example (better than this but without the decals) went for £69 this week on eBay. I'll give it a clean and then put some comparison pictures up.

Fortunately the Commer does have a rear window - fortunately because not only is it overpainted but the roof also has a big dent. I'll still give it a clean and see how it looks, as the blue paint appears to be good. It is the version with 8x18 black wheels.

[nearlymint]

Very interesting, not something I would have noticed. They are very small wheels, thanks for showing as I would have overlooked them. J

[Idris]

Coke truck is a benbros model

I was trying to work out why the radiator didn't look quite right!

[DrJeep]

I was trying to work out why the radiator didn't look quite right!

The Benbros really is very similar to the Matchbox, which makes it hard to spot unless the photographs are good. Someone else noticed this one, putting in a bid in the last second of the auction that exactly matched my maximum. But as it was only £2.50 plus postage I didn't really splash out on this lot.

I do think the Benbros is quite scarce. I've seen a couple of very poor misidentified examples in the last few years, and this one isn't great either. It's number 49 and probably the last Benbros model, unless the mythical 50 RAC Landrover actually exists.