Corgi’s first modelling of the iconic Beetle pulled out all the stops. Presented in deluxe packaging, complete with a plastic rhino charging the hapless rally car, the model went on to sell in numbers in excess of 760,000. Packed with features, it was given both an opening boot and bonnet, each lifting to reveal some impressive diecast detailing. Best of all, the model could be steered via a spare wheel mounted on the roof.

The look was completed by East African Rally stickers and decals. Launched in 1965, the model stayed in the Corgi range until 1968.Two years later, Corgi used the same casting for a police version (Corgi 492), which cleverly used the spare wheel’s hole in the roof for an emergency light.

Size: Length: 93mm Width: 40mm Height: 35mm

Scale: 1:44