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This model is the Corgi 275-B-2 Austin Mini Metro in red in a special promo release box that was timed to coincide with the release of the real vehicle. [Manzke codes it B-2, Force et al code it B-1]
The car has opening front door and opening rear hatch. The exterior boasts front and rear black plastic bumpers. The front bumper is molded to include number plate and radiator grill. Either side of the front bumper are the lights, represented by silver/chromed plastic inserts.
The interior is a creamy coloured plastic with a right hand drive, black plastic steering wheel that has been inserted into the creamy dashboard (instrument panel). The glazing is clear with the front screen imprinted with a representation of two windscreen wipers and the interior rear vision mirror. The rear screen has horizontal lines cast to represent a rear demister and it also carried a representation of the rear window wiper.
All wheels are of the "speed wheel" type - hollow one piece plastic with a "chromed" patterned "hub" in the center.
The base plate is black plastic and is marked in front of the front wheels "Made in GT Britain", at the centre top with corgi and at the bottom centre "Austin Mini Metro 1.3 HLS". The base is also molded to represent a basic drive train and exhaust system. It is held in place with two rivets.
This model was issued to British Leyland in January 1981 to coincide with the release of the real car. An alternative version in Gold with yellow interior was also produced for British Leyland. Both are included in the 400,000+ Metros sold by Corgi. Its scale was said to be 1:36.
Item: 1251