Husky / Corgi Juniors by Mettoy
#1c Reliant TW9 Ant



The three wheeler Reliant TW9 Ant was an obscure choice for Corgi to add to the Juniors range in 1970.
Just over 2000 examples of this fibreglass cabbed 700cc engined lightweight were built 1967-1987 with only Greece as a significant export market although they were to be seen and heard at British Rail parcel depots when the Juniors model was on UK pegs.
The Ant came in both the long and the short Whizzwheels picturecard blisterpacks during its 2 years in the range.

Production featured blue tinted windows, plated baseplate, 5-triangle 10.5 x 1.5mm wheels & gray plastic clip on trackset stabiliser bumper (which was supplied lose in the blister so easily lost!). The first run was painted cream with plain black wheels however the vast majority made were orange with plain black wheels , some of which were given green rather than blue tinted windows.This model lasted just long enough to get hot foiled wheels however these were sometimes only fitted to the rear axle.


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Above: The first release in cream with green tinted windows and black plastic wheels complete with its grey plastic bumper for trackset 'racing'.

Above: The TW9 was recoloured to orange with black wheels,
It is shown here with its removable racing bumper fitted in place.


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Above: The last issue was in orange with chrome wheels.

Above: A Corgi Juniors period model selector chart.


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code number
body colour
windows colour
base colour
wheels
code 1
cream
blue tinted
plated
10.5x1.5mm black plastic
code 2
orange
green tinted
plated
10.5x1.5mm black plastic
code 3
orange
blue tinted
plated
10.5x1.5mm black plastic
code 4
orange
blue tinted
plated
chrome 10.5x1.5mm black plastic

Values based on Vectis + ebay actual selling prices.
prices for mint models in blister pack, the value for uncarded models is approximately 1/3
cream, black wheels - £25-£35
orange, black wheels - £15-£20
orange, chrome wheels - £20-£25