As a Corgi Collector, these British made 1:43 scale die-cast models appealed to me and I have set about creating this web catalogue. I buy models a few at a time, photograph and document them and then they’re yours to buy so I can afford some more.

Lledo launched the Vanguards range in 1996, which specialised in replica classic British cars. They did produce some other European vehicles but only the VW Beetle and Cabriolet came in the British made era. Vanguards are notable for keen attention to detail, with accurate decals for logos and scripts on the body of the car, chrome gas cap, door handles, and trunk hinges. Well-designed wheels and hubcaps also added to the sophistication of the finished model.

Rear view mirror and accurate windshield wipers were also offered. Many Lledo models came with rear view mirrors in the box that could then be affixed to the car. To put the car back in the box one had to remove the mirrors - so a word of advice - don't glue them on the car!

Although selling well, the company could not compete against low cost producers from Hong Kong and China who also entered the market with high quality products. As a result, Lledo went bankrupt in 1999, and the naming rights and model range were bought by Corgi which continued producing Lledo models in China until 2005, when the remaining models were merged into the Corgi Classics range.

The Lledo range was possibly the last mass production die-cast manufacturer to make its products in the British Isles or even Europe.

My catalogue covers just the British era, starting with the launch range and ending with some 1999 issues. I am not sure yet which were actually the last British made models. I tend to find that those that have the text ‘Precision Die-cast Replica’ on the box and no mention of ‘England’ are made in China but it may be that some may have been made here and put in later style boxes. You’ll see the Rover 2000 Police car here, for example, which is a China model (and is just a temporary entry here until I have resolved the matter). The box declares Made In China and the base of the car has no reference to England. However, that was a 1998 issue! So is there an earlier version that was made in England? It looks like they may have made a few here and then carried on in China. I now have two of these as I thought I had found a British one but, again, the base was the China type despite the seller’s reassurance at the time that it was from England! I have also just added the Thames Singer van which was released in March 1999 and yet is clearly made in England. I am sure there must be other 1999 issues which are also Made In England?  

I can well understand how, at the time of liquidation, there may have been models made in England that the new factory continued to make with a different base and box text. These could be quite scarce. So far I haven't found any, though, so it may simply have been that no models continued and only new models started in China. I shall keep looking. Watch this space!