Click on any photo to see a larger version...
The English company "Creaks of Camberley" produced a Code 3 model of a Ford TT Prison Van to coincide with the World Congress of the International Police Association that was held in November 1991 in Wellington, New Zealand. The model was supposed to be sold only by direct mail order from Creaks in England, however it is thought the model was available to participants at the World Congress. Certainly, availability of the model was publicised in 1991 by Roly Hermans, co-founder of the Police Vehicle Collectors Club (New Zealand Section) who lived in Wellington at that time.
The model is based on a Matchbox Yesteryear Y21-5 1926 Ford Model TT Van that has been reworked so that it is a replica of the Fords used in both Auckland and Wellington. This model represents the Wellington "Black Maria" that was, in fact, painted with green paintwork. It is a limited edition of 1000 models world-wide and was issued in the original Matchbox Yesteryear "type N" window box with an additional end-tab sticker identifying it as an item from "The Alternative Collection" (as shown in the photos).
A numbered, limited edition certificate is included inside the packaging and the base of the model carries a corresponding tampo printed number.
In 1986 the New Zealand Police reconstructed a 1921 Ford Prison Van to celebrate their centenary. The vehicle is still used in a public relations role. It is to be hoped the reconstructed van is more powerful than the original Wellington "Black Maria" which was reputed to be so under-powered that the prisoners had to get out and push it up the hill to the Terrace Goal (Jail).
The model has no opening parts. The vehicle body is green and the roof is black, the chassis, front mudguards, and engine cover are black, the seats are grey plastic, and the steering wheel is black. There is no glazing.
At the front the model has a chrome grille and headlights assembly with black wash radiator panel. Just behind and above the engine cover is a tiny NZ Police insignia (NZP) that is barely discernable except with the aid of a loupe. The windscreen frame is chrome. The sides have a decal with the NZ Police insignia (NZP with laurel on either side and red, black, and gold crown above) flanked by the letters "G" and "R" in gold with black outline. Just behind the cab side window is a small oval window. The rear doors and their oval windows are cast into the body and carry no markings. Below the doors is a small black and white number plate [N.Z.P.2]. Two red rear lights are above the rear doors. The roof has been altered by the addition of a raised section that incorporates louvred air vents that would have provided "fresh" air into the rear of the prison van.
The baseplate is black metal and incorporates the front mudguards. A separate grey plastic unit represents the stabilising sub-frame, flywheel, drive shaft and rear differential and axle housing. The underside of the van body carries the "Matchbox" logo — all other details are cast in to the base "1926 Ford TT Van" to the top behind the front axle, "Y21 © 1988" on two lines in the centre middle, "Matchbox Intl. Ltd, Models of Yesteryear" on two lines forward of the rear axle, "Made in Macau" at the bottom behind the front axle. It is held to the body components by four machined rivets.
All wheels are green plastic units with a 12 spoke pattern cast on them and separate black rubber tyres. It appears as if the wheels have been painted to match the body colour.
Other Comments/Identifying Features: The model has the numbered Certificate of Authenticity that outlines the history of NZ Police's earliest motorised paddy wagons and states "Model produced to co-incide with the World Congress of the International Police Association in Wellington, New Zealand in November 1991". The corresponding number appears under the left foot step.
Item: 3198
The model has no opening parts. The vehicle body is green and the roof is black, the chassis, front mudguards, and engine cover are black, the seats are grey plastic, and the steering wheel is black. There is no glazing.
At the front the model has a chrome grille and headlights assembly with black wash radiator panel. Just behind and above the engine cover is a tiny NZ Police insignia (NZP) that is barely discernable except with the aid of a loupe. The windscreen frame is chrome. The sides have a decal with the NZ Police insignia (NZP with laurel on either side and red, black, and gold crown above) flanked by the letters "G" and "R" in gold with black outline. Just behind the cab side window is a small oval window. The rear doors and their oval windows are cast into the body and carry no markings. Below the doors is a small black and white number plate [N.Z.P.2]. Two red rear lights are above the rear doors. The roof has been altered by the addition of a raised section that incorporates louvred air vents that would have provided "fresh" air into the rear of the prison van.
The baseplate is black metal and incorporates the front mudguards. A separate grey plastic unit represents the stabilising sub-frame, flywheel, drive shaft and rear differential and axle housing. The underside of the van body carries the "Matchbox" logo — all other details are cast in to the base "1926 Ford TT Van" to the top behind the front axle, "Y21 © 1988" on two lines in the centre middle, "Matchbox Intl. Ltd, Models of Yesteryear" on two lines forward of the rear axle, "Made in Macau" at the bottom behind the front axle. It is held to the body components by four machined rivets.
All wheels are green plastic units with a 12 spoke pattern cast on them and separate black rubber tyres. It appears as if the wheels have been painted to match the body colour.
Other Comments/Identifying Features: The model has the numbered Certificate of Authenticity that outlines the history of NZ Police's earliest motorised paddy wagons and states "Model produced to co-incide with the World Congress of the International Police Association in Wellington, New Zealand in November 1991". The corresponding number (186) appears under the left foot step.
Item: 3199