In 1974 for some reason best known to Corgi another 1:43 scale VW Beetle was released when all the other output was 1:36 scale. This is a pretty model except for the ghastly gold steering wheel sticking out of the roof. It is one of the best I have had for some time. The metallic blue paintwork is excellent on this one, quite unusual as this finish can be chipped quite easily. The 400/401 boxes and catalogue entries refer to this as a VW1300 and most models have had the base revised with a plate to read 1300 but this one is unchanged and shows 1200. This is a known and quite scarce early variation, hence the higher price, and would infer that this is likely to be an April 1974 issue in a 400 box.
The windows are clean and undamaged and it has nice gold 8-spoke wheels with correct tyres. The steering system works well.
The clever use of the shiny base extended to make bumpers front and rear has been going since the first 256 issue of this model in 1965!
This is the British issue with Corgi Motor School stickers on the doors. These are complete and fresh.
Model number 401 was issued in July 1975 in a different box showing a diorama and including a pack of bollards.