Corgi y Corgi Premiums Europa (precio EUR)

A genuine WWII veteran, PS853 was one of 79 Spitfire PR.XIX aircraft built by Supermarine at their Southampton factory towards the end of 1944 and was subsequently delivered to the Central Photographic Reconnaissance Unit at RAF Benson on 13th January 1945. She would fly operationally with RAF Nos. 16 and 268 Squadrons from bases at Melsbroek and Eindhoven in Holland, sorties which included nine information gathering mission against suspected German V-Weapon sites. Following the end of the war, PS853 would become associated with performing commemorative flypasts, becoming one of the first aircraft initially allocated to the RAF’s Historic Flight at Biggin Hill in 1957. The Flight would sell PS853 thirty years later to raise funds for the restoration of their crashed Hawker Hurricane LF363, however, following the tragic death of her new owner, the aircraft was subsequently acquired by the Heritage Department of Rolls Royce. Since then, the ‘Rolls Royce Spitfire’ has thrilled millions of spectators at Airshows and events across the country, with the distinctive throaty growl from her Rolls Royce Griffon engine demanding that every eye in her vicinity be glued to her every display move. A fitting flying tribute to the work of Photographic Reconnaissance Units during the Second World War, PS853 also proudly represents the rich heritage Rolls Royce possesses in the field of aero engine technology and is a much-loved focal point of their impressive Heritage Flight activities from their East Midlands Airport base.

This 1:72 twin-seater Spitfire model is an accurate depiction of an experience plane that still flies out of Biggin Hill today. As well as a convenient display stand, this die-cast model includes rotatable propellers and detailed crew figures. History Although the Supermarine Spitfire arguably occupies the position as the world’s most famous aircraft and certainly the most famous fighting aeroplane, a more recent incarnation of this incredible aircraft is helping to preserve its legacy as a none fighting variant of the aircraft, a Spitfire which was made for two. Although there were unofficial modifications made to a handful of Spitfires during WWII which allowed two pilots to fly in the same aircraft, it wasn’t until after the war had ended that Supermarine began marketing their famous fighter as an officially produced two-seat training aircraft. Every single aircraft produced started life as a single seat fighter variant, mainly the Mk.IX, so it could be said that these rather placid Spitfires all had a darker side, something those fortunate enough to fly in one should remember – they may well be in a Spitfire made for two, but this is the RAF’s famous fighter at heart. This Spitfire was originally constructed as an LF Mk.IXc in 1943, entering RAF service with No.441 (RCAF) Squadron in 1944. She actually has a combat victory to her name, having claimed a Messerschmitt Bf 109 over Arnhem just two days after making her combat debut, but would spend much of her service life performing ground attack missions, or escorting bombers. Currently part of the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar fleet, how would you like a flight in this incredible Warbird?

For millions of British people, the Supermarine Spitfire is much more than just an aeroplane. A fighter aircraft which was as deadly as it was beautiful to look at, the Spitfire stands as a symbol of the nation’s defiance in the face of tyranny, one which prevailed against seemingly insurmountable odds during the Battle of Britain, effectively removing the threat of invasion. Even though the prototype Spitfire flew 89 years ago this March, the aircraft could probably claim to be even more famous now than it was back then, with airworthy examples of this magnificent aircraft gathering ever more admirers with each passing year. For those wishing to fly in a Spitfire, this dream held by so many people is now an achievable reality for those able to afford it, and for those who can, they have the very real possibility of being able to say, “I’ve flown a Spitfire!’ In order to do so, you need to speak to specialists like Duxford based Aerial Collective, and if you’re going to fly in a Spitfire, why not do so from the airfield which took delivery of the first service Spitfire back in the summer of 1938. This beautiful Spitfire model represents one of their aircraft currently presented in the colours of Spitfire Mk.IX ML365, the personal aircraft of ace pilot Group Captain Peter Russell ‘Johnnie’ Walker CBE, DFC and DSO. Anyone fancy the flight of a lifetime?

This highly detailed 1:72 Supermarine Spitfire T9 SM520 represents a training aircraft that is still in use today. With rotatable propellors and detailed crew figures, it also comes with a stand so you can display with pride. History Even though the heroes of Fighter Command prevented the Luftwaffe from claiming air superiority over Britain 85 years ago this year, the sound of a Rolls Royce Merlin engine flying in the skies above us still has us all immediately gazing skyward to this day, just to catch a glimpse of the iconic aircraft which might be flying above us. Earning an unrivalled reputation during those dark days of war which endures to this day, the Spitfire continues to inspire our nation and preserve the memory of the brave airmen who fought so valiantly to maintain our freedom against overwhelming odds, the ‘Few’ to who we owe so much. That being the case, anyone who has a Spitfire story to tell is guaranteed an audience, and if you’ve actually flown in one, you can claim to have done something most of us would give our eye teeth to do. Thankfully, there are companies around the country who have gone to great expense in owning and operating a growing fleet of two-seat Spitfires, magnificent machines which allow members of the public to realise their dream of flying in a Spitfire. Of all the Spitfire T.9s currently flying, surely G-ILDA will be one of the busiest in this Battle of Britain anniversary year, as she is presented in the colours of a Mk.I Spitfire flown by Pilot Officer Nigel Rose during the summer of 1940 – she really is a stunner!

Supermarine Spitfire T.9 TE308 (G-AWGB) Finished as A58-606 ‘Grey Nurse’ Sharkmouth, operated by Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar. As one of the most successful fighter aircraft of the Second World War and one which was produced in huge numbers, it can be a little surprising to learn that the Supermarine Spitfire was not produced in a two seat training variant during the war, meaning that pilots converting to this awesome machine would be making their first flight in the Spitfire as their first solo. The Vickers Supermarine company did propose the development of a two seat variant of the Spitfire to Air Ministry officials as far back as 1941, but as there was no official support for the project at the time, they simply returned to further development of single engined fighters. Once the war had ended, stories of unofficially modified two seat Spitfire projects started to circulate, with the ones produced by the Soviet Air Force being perhaps the most significant. Britain would eventually supply Russia with more than 1000 Spitfires and it was discovered that they actually converted several Spitfires to two seat configuration, however, rather than moving the front cockpit slightly forward as Vickers Supermarine would later do, the Russians elected to simply add a second cockpit behind the existing one, using a narrower section of the fuselage. Making these aircraft extremely distinctive, this also must have also created a rather claustrophobic working environment for the second pilot. With this information in hand, Vickers Supermarine revived their interest in producing a two seat Spitfire as a private venture and in 1946, selected a Spitfire Mk.VIII airframe as their donor aircraft. In fact, one of the most interesting facts about the two seat Spitfire variant is that there is no such thing as a new-build Spitfire T.9 trainer, because every single example was originally manufactured as a single seat fighter. Something of a post war phenomenon, the two seat Spitfire did attract several military operators over the years, including the Irish Air Corps, however, it is during the warbird restoration era and more specifically over the past two decades that the popularity of ‘Spitfires made for two’ has really become established. As arguably the most famous aircraft of all time, the ability to boast that you had flown in a Spitfire used to be the preserve of talented and extremely fortunate pilots, however, as they now had the opportunity to carry a passenger, the chance to fly in a Spitfire was now open to anyone and there has been no end of people desperate to have a Spitfire flying experience. Nowadays, offering Spitfire experience flights has become an extremely lucrative business, to a point where only a few years ago, almost every Spitfire under restoration was being converted to T.9 or two seat Spitfire standard. These aircraft are now much loved in their own right, regularly appearing at Airshows, in addition to operating in all but the poorest weather conditions, taking its latest lucky passenger on their Spitfire experience flight. These Spitfires made for two are maintaining and even enhancing the legacy of this magnificent aeroplane, bringing R.J Mitchell’s classic fighter to the attention of a new generation of Spitfire aficionados. Supermarine Spitfire TE307 was originally constructed as a Mk.IXe fighter variant in 1945, but due the end of the war in Europe, was immediately placed in storage, where she would remain for the next five years. She was then selected as a conversion airframe to T.9 trainer standard, initially earmarked for service with the Egyptian Air Force, but when this sale fell through, embarked on a service career flying with the Irish Air Corps. Following retirement and disposal, she would go on to be used during the filming of the famous move 'The Battle of Britain', before moving into private ownership and periods spent with different owners in France, Canada and the US over the next few decades. She would later be purchased by Warbird Experiences at Biggin Hill and returned to British skies at that time wearing the famous standard RAF wartime day fighter scheme, however, she was about to take on a very different persona. In a development which saw this aircraft become one of the most distinctive airworthy Spitfires in the world today, TE307 was given a smart new scheme in honour of the fighters flown by the men of No.457 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force during WWII. With each of their aircraft benefitting from the application of sinister looking shark mouths under the engine cowling, the unit was known as the 'Grey Nurse' Squadron and Spitfire TE307 now carries the registration A58-606 and the codes ZP-W in honour of Squadron Leader Bruce Watson, who flew with this unit. If you would like to fly in one of the most distinctive Spitfires in the world today, you need to get in touch with our friends at the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar and join the long queue of people hoping to have this unique aviation experience.

Your collection of Supermarine Spitfires is about to get a little bit bigger with our latest bundle offering. Putting all three of our latest Spitfire secret releases together in one package, along with our popular T.9 ‘Grey Nurse’ – TE308 – Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar model, this is the bundle of every aviation enthusiast’s dreams.Hangar As well as our long-standing favourite aviation archive model, this bundle also includes: · Supermarine Spitfire T9 – MJ627 – Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar · Supermarine Spitfire T9 – SM520 – Spitfires.com – Goodwood Aerodrome · Supermarine Spitfire T9 – PV202 – Aerial Collective – Duxford Airfield All four of these models represent different versions of the two-seater Spitfire, an aircraft that can be hired from different hangars around the country for experience flights. Every one of these models is based on a plane that offers passenger flights. Have you ever been in one of these planes?

The classic Mini, created by Sir Alec Issigonis, was revolutionary for its time when it was launched in 1959. It was small, economical, easy to drive and infinitely nippy. Only 10 feet long, parking was no problem and it became the cult car of the century, loved - and owned - by celebreties such as Peter Sellers, his wife Britt Ekland, Lulu, Spike Milligan and many others, as well as being the chosen car of drivers everywhere. The Mini proved to be versatile over the years. It has been seen as a saloon, estate car, pick up van, cabriolet and also a very popular rally car. And it is still going strong today.

Designed to compliment your 00 gauge model rail layout, Corgi Trackside presents die-cast scale models of the vehicles that helped the railways to run. Maintenance, engineering and supply vehicles are all here to bring your layout to life!

Designed to compliment your 00 gauge model rail layout, Corgi Trackside presents die-cast scale models of the vehicles that helped the railways to run. Maintenance, engineering and supply vehicles are all here to bring your layout to life!

5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Thunderbirds are GO! You can now release all the Thunderbirds at once, with this incredible bundle inspired by the most famous supermarionation show of all time. These international rescue vehicles have been recreated in die-cast form, featuring the most realistic, screen-accurate markings and colourings you have ever seen in scale models. This incredible bundle includes: Lady Penelope’s iconic FAB 1 car Thunderbirds 2 and 4 Thunderbirds 1 and 3 The Thunderbirds 60th Anniversary Collection celebrates 60 years since the first episode aired on our TV screens. Do you remember where you watched it?

A newly tooled design, the CORGI Thunderbird 4 die-cast model is a heavily weighted release and represents the first time we’ve offered the iconic submarine as a solo model. Pull down the light bar to fire twin torpedoes from the nose-mounted launcher. Thunderbird 4, piloted by aquanaut Gordon Tracy, is a 30-foot-long underwater and sea surface craft and one of the fastest craft on or under the sea. Although much smaller than the other Thunderbirds vehicles and with a limited range, TB4 plays a vital role in any underwater rescue operations. Thunderbird 4 is usually carried to and from the danger zone aboard Pod 4, one of the six pods carried by Thunderbird 2. If required, however, the Thunderbirds International Rescue submarine has hover jets fitted for travelling short distances across land to reach the water under its own power. A highly trained aquanaut with stints in the Submarine Service and the World Aquanaut Security Patrol under his belt, Gordon Tracy is an expert oceanographer. He is also the designer of a unique underwater breathing apparatus, which he has modified and improved for International Rescue. Good-natured and high-spirited, he possesses a strength and tenacity that make him a respected leader and commander. He is also one of the world’s fastest freestyle swimmers and is a past Olympic champion with the butterfly stroke.

Long requested by Gerry Anderson fans, the CORGI Thunderbird 5 die-cast is finally here for the first time with this newly tooled release. This highly detailed die-cast model includes a stand for display in two ways – by itself, or docked with Thunderbird 3 (sold separately). Thunderbird 5 is International Rescue’s space station and the heart of the organisation’s communications network, maintained in a secret geostationary orbit high above the Earth. John Tracy and his younger brother Alan take turns to man this satellite, with each staying aboard for a month at a time. Between them, they maintain a constant vigil across the globe. Using sophisticated monitoring equipment, they are able to hear every radio transmission being broadcast with special filters attuned to messages of distress in any language. Born on 8th October, 2040, 25-year-old John Tracy was educated at Harvard. He followed in his father’s footsteps to become an astronaut prior to his involvement with International Rescue. An electronics expert with a degree in laser communication, John is the quietest and most intellectual of the Tracy brothers. Slighter in build than his siblings, he is lithe and graceful. As space monitor for International Rescue, stationed aboard the massive space satellite Thunderbird 5, John has ample time on his hands to indulge his favourite pastime of astronomy. Four astronomy and outer space textbooks have been published bearing his name and his incessant space-searching led to the discovery of the Tracy quasar system.

FAB 1 is a charming model to celebrate Thunderbird's 60th anniversary year. This bright pink die-cast model is packed full of fun features and comes in premium packaging to mark this milestone year. FAB 1 is a striking pink Rolls Royce owned by Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward and driven by the inimitable Parker. Outwardly, FAB 1 is simply a powerful, sophisticated six-wheeled vehicle, but beneath the highly polished exterior is a veritable armoury of tricks. From smoke bombs to machine guns, booster jets to hydrofoils, FAB 1 has it all! Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward is the 26-year-old daughter of aristocrat Sir Hugh Creighton-Ward and his wife Amelia. Penelope inherited her father’s spirit and determination and craved danger, action and intrigue. Soon after completing her education, she rejected the aristocracy’s endless round of social engagements and became a secret agent. It was while working as the chief operative of the Federal Agents Bureau that Penelope first met Jeff Tracy and she immediately accepted his invitation to become International Rescue’s London Agent. Aloysius Parker is the last of a long line of faithful Cockney retainers who have served the English aristocracy for centuries. However, unable to follow the family tradition and find employment as a butler, he fell in with various villains in the London underworld who taught him the tricks of the trade. Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward caught him while he was helping himself to the contents of an oil tycoon’s safe. Penelope had heard of Parker’s superior talents and offered him a working partnership in her espionage activities, as well as employment as butler at Creighton-Ward Mansion and chauffeur of her Rolls Royce FAB 1.

We've not had Thunderbirds 1 and 3 in our collection for a while, and this is the first time that Thunderbird 3 is in the correct shade of red-orange, which is sure to delight Gerry Anderson fans. We've improved the font and decoration of the models too, so they are both more screen-accurate representations. These iconic designs are the perfect collector's items for the 60th anniversary of Thunderbirds and come in premium packaging. THUNDERBIRD 1 Thunderbird 1, the spearhead craft of International Rescue, is piloted by Scott Tracy, the eldest of the five Tracy brothers. At 115 feet long and bearing a wing span of 80 feet, the rocket-powered Thunderbird 1 is sleek and fast with a top speed in excess of 15,000 miles per hour. Though armed and carrying its own rescue equipment aboard, the principal role of Thunderbird 1 is to get to the danger zone as soon as possible, enabling Scott to assess the situation, advise on specialist equipment required and then direct the rescue operation. Scott can then oversee the rescue either onboard Thunderbird 1 or from the Mobile Control Console which forms an essential part of his equipment. In addition to his Thunderbird 1 duties, Scott often co-pilots Thunderbird 3 with his brother Alan and whenever his father Jeff is absent, Scott’s seniority places him in command of the island headquarters International Rescue calls home. THUNDERBIRD 3 Thunderbird 3 is International Rescue’s space rocket piloted by astronaut Alan Tracy. The blond-haired, baby-faced astronaut and champion race driver is utterly dedicated to International Rescue, meeting his tremendous responsibilities with a maturity that belies his years as the youngest brother in the Tracy family. TB3 is the tallest vehicle in the International Rescue fleet, measuring 200 feet in height. Launched from its concealed hanger beneath the Tracy Island Round House, the rocket is used for all space rescues and also acts as a link to Thunderbird 5. Two crew members are required, usually meaning Scott will accompany Alan as co-pilot. Apart from piloting Thunderbird 3, Alan also assists his brother John by taking turns at manning the Thunderbird 5 space station.

To celebrate 60 years of Thunderbirds, this re-release of Thunderbird 2 and 4 rights a wrong that fans will truly appreciate! For the first time, Thunderbird 2 is produced in the correct shade of apple green with a matte paint finish, making it our most screen-accurate representation of this iconic machine. It also comes in premium anniversary packaging for collectors. THUNDERBIRD 2 Thunderbird 2, piloted by Virgil Tracy, is the freighter that carries all of International Rescue’s ingenious heavy engineering equipment. With a maximum flying speed of 2,000 miles per hour, Thunderbird 2 is 250 feet long, has a wing span of 180 feet and stands 60 feet high. The centre section of the vehicle carries one of a selection of six pods, each housing the many different specialised rescue machines used by the International Rescue team: primarily Thunderbird 4, the Mole and the Firefly. Virgil is always on hand taking part in virtually every daring situation in which International Rescue is involved. Fearless and with an iron resolve, Virgil is also a complex young man who combines physical strength with his gentler side as a gifted artist and pianist. THUNDERBIRD 4 Thunderbird 4, piloted by aquanaut Gordon Tracy, is a 30-foot-long underwater and sea surface craft. Although much smaller than the other Thunderbirds vehicles and with a limited range, TB4 plays a vital role in any underwater rescue operation. Gordon is good-natured and high-spirited, possessing a strength and tenacity that makes him a respected leader and commander. He is also one of the world’s fastest freestyle swimmers and a past Olympic champion at the butterfly stroke.

Gerry Anderson’s famous TV series, Thunderbirds, was first broadcast fifty-five years ago. The original show, which used a combination of marionette puppetry and scale-model special effects sequences – a technique known as ‘Supermarionation’, has been loved by generations. Corgi proudly presents a range of replica die-cast models that celebrate this iconic TV creation! Thunderbird 2 and 4 Thunderbird 2, piloted by Virgil Tracy, is the freighter that carries all of International Rescue’s ingenious heavy engineering equipment. With a maximum flying speed of 2,000 miles per hour, Thunderbird 2 is 250 feet long, has a wing span of 180 feet and stands 60 feet high. Thunderbird 4, piloted by aquanaut Gordon Tracy, is a 30 feet long underwater and sea surface craft. Although much smaller than the other Thunderbirds vehicles and with a limited range, TB4 nonetheless plays a vital role in any underwater rescue operations.

Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger Ausf E (Early production) ‘Tiger 131’, Schwere Panzer-Abteilung 504, Point 174, Gueriat el Atach, Tunisia, 24th April 1943, ‘To catch a Tiger’ Although the Allies had become aware of a powerful new German heavy tank from its introduction on the Eastern Front in September 1942, British and Commonwealth forces would not encounter the mighty Tiger I until the final stages of the battles to capture Tunis in April 1943. During heavy fighting around Guriat el Atach, one Tiger tank was abandoned by its crew and captured by British troops, who defended their impressive prize until it could be recovered and repaired. Highlighting the significance of this acquisition, Tiger 131 was later inspected by both King George VI and Winston Churchill and would become the most famous fighting vehicle in the world.

As you might expect with one of the world's most famous restored military artifacts of the Second World War, the story of 'Tiger 131' and how she came to reside in a museum in rural Dorset is a fascinating one and draws visitors from all over the world to come and see this once feared 80 year old German tank. Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger I turret number 131 was built at the Henschel tank works in Kassel during February 1943 and was destined to be one of only a handful of these mighty tanks sent to bolster Afrika Korps forces who were battling to stem the Allied tide in Tunisia. Assigned to the 504th Heavy Tank Battalion, she was sent by rail to the port town of Trapani in Sicily, before being shipped across the Mediterranean Sea to Tunis. Once in Tunisia, this now famous Tiger was prepared for combat and as the Commander's Tank of the 3rd platoon, was given the red turret number 131. Joining up with what few existing Tigers remained in the area, the tank went into action against the British in April 1943, where she would face the Churchill tanks of the 48th RTR and determined ground forces, which at that time were very much in the ascendancy. What happened once the tank was committed to combat had been the subject of some discussion and until only recently, shrouded in some mystery. Whilst engaged in fighting with troops of the British Army 2nd Battalion, Sherwood Foresters, Tiger 131 was hit multiple times by small arms fire and significantly, also by an anti-tank shell which glanced off the mantlet, striking the turret ring. This resulted in the jamming the turret traverse mechanism and probably seeing members of the tank's crew sustaining injury. Shaken up and probably fearful of further, more devastating shell strikes, the crew quickly abandoned the tank and ran for the safety of German lines, leaving their almost pristine new Tiger in the middle of an active battlefield. As the chance to take the Tiger represented a significant potential war prize opportunity and something Allied military officials would be desperate to get their hands on, the Foresters attempted to hold on to their prize during the heat of battle, facing numerous enemy counterattacks, as the Germans were clearly attempting to prevent the Tiger from falling into enemy hands. It would be several days before British tank recovery crews could safely enter the area and recover the tank. Tiger 131 was the first German Tiger tank to be captured intact by Allied forces in the Second World War and as such, was a real coup for the British. The Tiger was taken to a servicing depot nearby and assessed, before later being inspected by both King George VI and Winston Churchill in Tunis, following the capitulation of German forces in the area. Of vital importance to the war effort, the tank was transported by ship back to Britain, arriving in Glasgow on 8th October 1943 and almost immediately dispatched to the Department of Tank Design in Surrey to undergo detailed evaluation. Interestingly, it was placed on public display on Horse Guards Parade later the same year, a gift made by the British First Army to Prime Minister Winston Churchill. This would be the start of a busy period for Britain’s increasingly famous Tiger tank, as it would be used not only for display and trials purposes, but also forming the subject of a detailed military analysis, assessing both the technology employed by the enemy in its construction and its combat effectiveness. Finally, the tank was dismantled and thoroughly inspected, so engineers could understand everything about their fearsome armoured adversary. Following the end of the Second World War and with evaluation of the Tiger tank no longer a pressing priority for the British military, the semi-dismantled tank was presented to the Tank Museum in September 1951, where it could be protected from falling into further disrepair and potentially being lost to the nation forever. The initial challenge was to prepare the tank for public display, but once the general public had the opportunity to see her, it didn’t take long before her reputation as one of the world’s most famous and historic tanks ensured she quickly assumed a status few other wartime exhibits could hope to achieve, gaining something of a cult status nobody at the museum could have ever envisaged. Now a major attraction and a unique link to the land battles of the Second World War, one of the most significant developments in the history of this tank occurred in the late 1980s, when museum officials decided that they were going to embark on an ambitious restoration project, returning Tiger 131 to as near to her 1943 configuration as possible. Something which clearly attracted worldwide attention, this project also included their intention to return her to running order. With this in mind, in the spring of 1990, the tank’s turret and transmission were removed from the hull and a concerted and extremely costly restoration program embarked upon. An undertaking which could not be completed using existing museum resources alone, the project owed much to a Heritage Lottery grant and the expertise of the Army Base Repair Organisation, however between them, they achieved something quite incredible in the world of military preservation. After ten long years of effort and with many tens of thousands of pounds having been spent, the Tiger was due to be driven back the short distance from the Army repair facility to the museum site in early December 2001, but unfortunately, just one week before a high profile handover ceremony was scheduled to take place, disaster struck. Whilst undergoing a test drive, the tank’s rare and original Maybach engine blew up. Although Tiger 131 was now looking in pristine condition, the engine rebuild would mean a lengthy delay for the project and it wouldn't be until the Museum's Tankfest event almost three years later that the general public would finally have the chance to see this magnificent machine moving under its own power. Anyone with knowledge of Tiger tank operation during WWII will know that this monstrous vehicle was notoriously difficult to operate for its crews, with the engine and transmission needing delicate handling by an experienced driver, if the tank was not to suffer breakdown. As a consequence, the people charged with operating the only working example of this mighty tank in the world during public demonstrations would arguably have even greater pressure on their shoulders from an operational perspective, despite the fact that thankfully, no one would be shooting at them. After several years of successful operation, 2010 would see the tank's Maybach engine once again having to undergo complete overhaul, whilst at the same time, the opportunity was also taken to make numerous other improvements to various components and systems, with the intention of making future powered demonstrations safer, more reliable and preserving the longevity of this famous tank. The original decision to restore Tiger 131 to running condition has been vindicated many times over the years, as the tank is now a major attraction for the Tank Museum, not to mention something of a commercial heavyweight - people just can't get enough of 'Tiger 131'. This is perhaps just as well, because the Museum have a sizeable task in ensuring the long term wellbeing of their star tank attraction. In 2013, Tiger 131 added an impressive new string to her already sizable armoured vehicle bow when she made a triumphant appearance in the feature film ‘Fury’, operating flawlessly on set and adding real historical authenticity to this wartime story. Being only too aware of this tank’s incredible and enduring public appeal, the museum now holds regular ‘Tiger Days’, which attract thousands of visitors to the museum, each one hoping to experience the sight and sounds of the only genuine Tiger tank to be seen running anywhere in the world. As it rumbles around the museum’s outdoor arena in a way only Tiger 131 can, you can quite literally see the crowd all leaning forward as one, desperate to get their first glimpse of a tank which is famous the world over and even though it may be 80 years old, is regarded by many as the epitome of tank design, efficiency and fearsome reputation. Tiger 131 is a 50 ton armoured behemoth which has captivated the British public ever since she arrived in the country back in 1943 and it's astonishing to think that she continues to attract huge crowds of admirers from all over the world and is in arguably better condition than she was when she made her combat debut in Tunisia during WWII. She may be a military relic from a time most people would prefer to forget, but she is also a unique link to the machines we only usually get to read about in books and see in a handful of grainy black and white pictures from the Second World War. A restoration project which started over thirty years ago has seen the Tank Museum raise its profile exponentially over that time, putting them on the world map as the custodians of the most famous military vehicle in the world and ensuring this captured WWII German tank continues attracting many thousands of visitors to the fair county of Dorset.

Launched alongside the release of 'No Time To Die' to celebrate the first collaboration between Triumph Motorcycles and James Bond, the Triumph Scrambler 1200 Bond Edition is an ultra-rare special edition motorcycle inspired by the custom stunt bike that features in the film and was limited to only 250 models worldwide. This model recreates edition number 007, which is part of the collection at the Triumph Visitor Centre in Hinckley, UK. First launched in 2018, the Triumph Scrambler 1200 has rapidly become a modern Triumph motorcycle icon, setting a new benchmark thanks to class-leading riding capabilities both on and off-road, outstanding specifications and extensive customisation options. The Scrambler combines an iconic style and silhouette with the capability of an adventure motorcycle by design, featuring a specially tuned high-power 1200cc Bonneville 8-valve parallel twin engine and a 21” front wheel that offers a commanding riding position and incredible off-road driving potential. Based on the top-spec Scrambler XE’s category-dominating performance and capability, the Bond Edition also benefits from class-leading state-of-the-art technology, specification and equipment. It is wrapped in an exclusive Bond design scheme that includes premium 007 branding on the lower panel side finisher, a premium real leather seat with an embroidered logo, and a unique Bond TFT instrument start-up screen.

Having bucked the car industry's trend towards monocoque construction with their Herald in 1959, creating a small sports car based on its components was a simple and cost effective way for Standard Triumph to earn American dollars with a cheaper companion to their larger 1961 2-litre TR4. The first prototype was produced by Italian stylist, Giovanni Michelotti, at his workshop in Turin in autumn 1960, and was actually built by cutting down a Triumph Herald although the production versions used a bespoke chassis design. The Spitfire was announced at the 1962 Earls Court Motor Show and would go on, through four distinct updates, to be produced until 1980. A total of 314 332 were made. The Spitfire Mk3 was announced in early 1967 and featured a larger 1296cc engine, which replaced the original 1147cc unit and offered a power increase of 8bhp to 75bhp@6000rpm and a similar increase in maximum torque to 75Lb.ft@4000rpm; this lustier engine improved the driving experience considerably. The front disc brake calipers were enlarged by using the latest Girling 14LF Mk3, a modification that had been proven by Triumph's Competitions Department in both racing and rallying. The Mk3 was also the first Spitfire to use both a negative earth electrical system and a new more user friendly fold-away hood design. However, the most obvious visual difference was the raised front bumper, which was positioned in the middle of the front-grille rather than below it. Engine: 1296cc 4IL OHV; Power: 75bhp@6000rpm; Torque: 75lb.ft@4000rpm; 0-60 mph:14.5 seconds; Maximum speed: 95mph; Kerb weight: 1652lbs.

The automatic Stag modelled was completed on April 10th, 1970, and is pre-production car 12, chassis number LD17. It is one of approximately twenty-five pilot-build Stags built before full production commenced; a process designed to simulate the production line and finalise the assembly sequence, jigs and tooling. LD17 was one of 12 Stags taken to Knokke, Belgium, in June 1970 for the Stag’s press launch which allowed Triumph’s Gordon Birtwistle to test each example on the Jabbeke Highway prior to the journalists driving them. It also featured in Maxwell Boyd’s Sunday Times’ Road test and the BBC TV documentary ‘The Dream Car’, which followed the Stag’s development up to and including the car’s launch. Retained by Triumph for PR work, LD17 starred in Gordon Wilkins’ Stag road-test for BBC TV’s ‘Wheelbase’ programme and a favourable report by John Bolster in Autosport. One of only three Stags in Wedgewood blue (then being phased out of Triumph’s colour palette), it was eventually sold by Triumph and by 1985 Triumph specialists, The Stag Centre, had purchased it. In 2003 enthusiast Martin Dimmick took ownership and, with help from the Stag Owners Club, reclaimed its original number plate, stripped it and had the bodyshell restored. Current owner, London-based Chris Bodill, purchased it dismantled in 2012 and completed the restoration in 2020. It was then featured in the November 2020 issue of Classic Cars magazine, which celebrated the Stag’s 50th anniversary.