A very rare model. 1 of 5 made by Matchbox R&D
During the process of research and development of the DY21 Austin Mini Cooper, the Dinky team borrowed a Mr Mansfield's real car for measurement. In gratitude for his help he was given 4 models in the exact colour and registration of his own car. In total 5 models were made in this colour (the normal model is cream and black)
It is classed as a CODE 4 because it was not meant for public sale
Nigel Clarke acquired it in the 16th January 2013 Vectis sale from Joe Recchia's collection.
Joe's initials are on a yellow sticker on the base of the car. Please see the photos.
It had been part of Nigel's personal collection and recently I bought it from him.
Although I no longer collect the Matchbox Dinky Collection range (I had a very big collection until 1996, with preproduction, code-2 and many other models) I thought this code-4 is an important model to have.
See the history and a picture of the original owner with the real car in MICA Volume 14, nbr 4 (nov / dec 1998) page 142 onwards.
Very happy that I won this one.
marcel
