Corgi 1139

Notes

We are delighted to offer for sale this extremely rare prototype of the Chipperfield’s Menagerie model. This version with a plastic cab never went into production.

Monty says “This incredibly rare pre production/trial version made to see if plastic was a viable option. It was felt that the model needed the weight of Diecast metal and was rejected. As far as I am aware very few even exist!”

We are very pleased to offer this model for sale once more – now as part of The Lewes Collection.

The cab looks just like the diecast version that went into production – it is not until you pick it up that the difference becomes immediately apparent – to state the obvious, this plastic version is so much lighter!

And this was the sticking point, in order to make the quality Chipperfield’s range of models, then clearly diecast metal was the best option. This plastic option was quickly shelved and probably just a handful of sample pieces were made. This is one of them!
This all plastic cab has plastic wheels, too (of course). With suspension. Note that the bumper and transmission detail is in black plastic – the production version would have a grey bumper and red metal transmission. Small as-made roof blemish. Screwed base.

The trailer is composed of metal and the wheels are red to match the cab. Two cages are included – one with the Chipperfield’s decorative transfer. Two lions are inside (note the light grey plastic lifting eye), and another cage with a red lifting eye. Inside is the rhino (still within the plastic bubble). This would be used in Corgi 1144 Scammell Crane Truck with Rhino.
Black elasticated cord keeps both cages in place. Note the grey plastic anchoring unit for the cord (incomplete – but note the production version was in red!).
A truly remarkable find – and another museum piece from this collector.