The First Twelve Models

The Darracq and Spyker (the two cars featured in the film) were introduced at toy trade fairs in early 1955 leading to a range of twelve models.

By 1960 catalogues listed 28 models plus six Military Models and four Miniature Lorries. The Lorries do not seem to been produced, but were listed as:

L40 Articulated Tanker
L41 Articulated Lorry
L42 Six Wheel Lorry
L43 Six Wheel Tanker

Most of the range was still available in 1967, but all toy manufacturers were now being badly affected by competition from Mattell's Hot Wheels.

Some 'silver' plated models were produced, presumably for mounting on giftware such as ashtrays. These can be identified by one or two holes in the base for the mounting screws.

Wheels & Axles

Wheels were produced in a number of sizes and styles and were made of either metal or plastic. In general, plastic wheels are later than their metal versions.
Metal wheels are commonly only painted on their outsides.

Axles are simple metal rods and came either be domed at one end and crimped at the other, or a straight cut at both ends with the wheels being a push-fit.

Wheel Types

Version	Diameter	Style	Meterial	Image
A	11 mm	12 Spokes	Metal
B	11 mm	12 Spokes	Plastic
C	10 mm	8 Spokes	Metal
D	22 mm	16 Spokes	Metal
E	17 mm	16 Spokes	Metal
F	9 mm	10 Spokes	Metal
G	9 mm	10 Spokes	Plastic
H	14 mm	Solid with 24 embossed wire spokes	Metal
I	10 mm	Solid	Metal
J	7 mm	Solid	Metal
K	16 mm	12 Spokes Railway flange	Metal
L	8 mm	12 Spokes Railway flange	Metal
M	15 mm	10 Spokes	Metal
N	20 mm	Solid	Metal
O	10 mm	Solid	Metal
P	12 mm	12 Spokes	Metal
Q	8 mm	Solid	Metal
R	13 mm	12 Spokes Dished	Metal
S	6 mm	Solid	Metal

Packaging

The first models were packed in beige boxes decorated to look like a travelling trunk. Later boxes came in light blue as well as beige.

At first the contents of the boxes were rubber stamped on the end flap. Printed descriptions followed accompanied by either a line drawing or the words OLD TIMERS SERIES on the other flap.

From 1960 the models were marketed as 'Showcase Veterans' in a clear plastic box with a coloured base. The base was marked 'CHARBENS MADE IN ENGLAND' and a paper label describing the model was held in place, along with the model, by an elastic band.

Some models were sold in gift packs with the models tied to a card base. (The one shown on this page has had some of the models replaced with non Charbens items.) In 1962 blister packs were in use and sold as the 'Mini Car' series.

Charbens Toys was purchased in 1975 by David and Maureen Smith to make plastic packaging for their own products. By 1986 the company was renamed Charpak Ltd. and is still in the packaging business, although now in Huntingdon.

Leaflet No.1

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