Corgi UK

The Corgi brand was created by the Mettoy Company of Northampton, which started producing colourful pressed metal toys in the 1930s. In 1955, the iconic 'Corgi' name was chosen from seventy candidates for three reasons: it was short and catchy, the models would be produced in Swansea (Wales), and for its strong association with the Royal Family. The first Corgi models appeared in 1956, covering British-built saloon cars of the period. These new toy cars were a huge hit because they were the only ones on the market featuring transparent plastic windows - they became known as "the ones with the windows." In the first year, Corgi sold 2.75 million cars, establishing clear leadership in the British toy car industry. Corgi's most famous model is James Bond's Aston Martin DB5, first produced in 1965 with ejector seat and front-mounted machine guns. An instant success earning UK Toy of the Year, over 3.9 million had been sold by 1968. The 1966 Batmobile reached five million units sold, another all-time bestseller. After the challenges of the 1980s, including receivership in 1983, the brand was revived through management buyout. It passed through Mattel ownership (1989-1995), became Corgi Classics Limited, and was acquired by Hornby in 2008 for £8.3 million. Today, Corgi continues under Hornby Hobbies plc, with the Corgi Model Club representing a carefully curated selection of the greatest diecast models from Corgi's famous heritage.