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spot the gem

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2018 10:10 am
by DrJeep
I'm pleased with this cheap lot, though the condition could be better. One of them is a gem, even in this state.

Re: spot the gem

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2018 1:41 pm
by 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.

Re: spot the gem

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2018 2:22 pm
by nearlymint
Coke truck is a benbros model, must be the 60 closed window grey wheels maybe?

Re: spot the gem

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2018 2:49 pm
by DrJeep
Idris wrote: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 wrote: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
Benbros coca cola truck
IMG_7029 (1).jpg (395.75 KiB) Viewed 877 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.

Re: spot the gem

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2018 3:04 pm
by nearlymint
Very interesting, not something I would have noticed. They are very small wheels, thanks for showing as I would have overlooked them. J

Re: spot the gem

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2018 9:24 pm
by Idris
nearlymint wrote:Coke truck is a benbros model
I was trying to work out why the radiator didn't look quite right!

Re: spot the gem

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2018 10:36 pm
by DrJeep
Idris wrote: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.