Wells-Brimtoy Ambulance Truck (friction)

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This model is the Wells-Brimtoy Ambulance Truck in white. This item has item has a flywheel and is friction driven. The company also produced non-friction driven toys of the same size (approximately 3.75 inches or 82mm long).

The model has a diecast plastic chassis with pressed metal rear body. It has been shaped with rudimentary representations of the body lines. There is no glazing. At the front is a cast representation of the grille. The rear body is lithograph printed to represent the rear body and has two windows, a red cross, and signage that reads "Ambulance" in red lettering on both sides, a red cross and two air vents on the top, and two windows and a door, with red cross, at the rear together with a number plate [AMB 557].

The original black plastic wheels are still on the model, mounted on steel axles. The rear axle passes through the friction drive motor to power the vehicle, the flywheel being mounted inside the truck cab.

The base plate is a single piece, pressed tin unit. It has been press fitted to the body and the plastic body pins melted to hold it to the body. It appears to be plated. There are no manufacturer's marks on this model, although the country of origin details are printed on the top of the rear, in tiny lettering, "Made in Gt. Britain".

I do not know exactly when this item was issued but believe it to be between the 1950s and 1960s.

Item: 3773