Volume VIII, Number 11

The Great Transition in Small-Scale Toy Cars - Corgi, 1968-71
by Doug Breithaupt



Corgi went through an amazing transition between 1968 and 1971. The four models shown below are a perfect example of the variety of changes that occurred on small-scale Corgi models during this period. The introduction and success of Mattel's Hot Wheels were the primary catalyst for this period of change but other factors should be considered as well.

The model represented here is clearly a 1968 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado. It can be confirmed as a 1968 due to the placement of the front turn indicators which moved from the lower bumper in 1967 to the fenders in 1968. Introduced in 1968-69, Corgi first offered this model in their Husky line. The Husky name was used by Corgi for all their small-scale toy cars up to this period. The casting presents a decent likeness of the real car except that the front windshield should be more curved. The opening 'bonnet', as Corgi stated on the package, shows the 472 c.i. V8, painted silver. The red interior is basic but with reasonable accuracy, although the red color is quite toy-like. The wheels are the regular wheels used on Husky models of this period and not unlike those offered by Matchbox and others. A tow-hook is provided.

The second version of the Cadillac Eldorado arrived in 1970. Corgi decided that the Husky name should be dropped in favor of the Corgi Junior name. They simply cleared the center section of the base where the Husky logo and name had appeared and used paper stickers to add the Corgi Junior name. This was the case for 1970 only, after which the Corgi Junior name was cast into the base-plate. The color changed to a metallic green, a color close to an actual color offered on the real Eldorado. The red interior did not change and regular wheels were still offered.

In 1970-71, Corgi offered new 'Rockets' models that featured a suspension that could be removed. Faster wheels called 'WhizzWheels were used and could be removed from the suspension system. The interior is off-white and the tow hook was no longer included. The base has been modified to accept the Rockets suspension. Unfortunately, the suspension system made the car ride too high and the Rockets only lasted into 1971. The final example of the Eldorado likely dates from 1971. It is again in metallic green with the red interior. It has the tow hook like the earlier models. This is the Corgi WhizzWheels model and sports solid black plastic wheels. The base plate now includes the Corgi Juniors and WhizzWheels names as well as "PAT. APP.3396/69". In one other change, the fender wells under the hood have now been cast solid where they were open on the earlier models. A later version came in white with a black bonnet.

This model is shown in the original blister card (right), and included a collector card that could be cut out. The back of the card has facts about the real car. it also notes that WhizzWheels are "Terrific on Corgi Rockets track system".

The 1967-68 Cadillac Eldorado was a popular model with toy car makers. In addition to Corgi, examples were done by Hot Wheels, Johnny Lightning, Impy, Playart, Marx, Tootsietoy and several other small Asian companies. In just four years, Corgi moved from traditional models to speed versions with their toy cars and in doing so, provided the collector with a challenge to find all of these examples.


1968 Cadillac Eldorado #9-B - Husky (1968-69)


1968 Cadillac Eldorado #9-B - Corgi Junior (1970 - paper label)


1968 Cadillac Eldorado #9-B - Corgi WhizzWheels (1971)


1968 Cadillac Eldorado #9-B - Corgi Rocket (1970-71)


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