Corgi Toys Volvo P1800 228/258 variations

Corgi Toys Volvo P1800 228/258 variations
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In addition to the standard models listed in Luc Vancampenhout’s blog, there are a number
of other variations to look out for. These include prototypes that never went into production
(for example, the tan and pink model recently sold by QDT), factory mix-ups or the result of
hybrids between the 228 and 258 models.
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1. Early caramel 228 with yellow, rather than the usual red, interior
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There was no clean break in 1965 between the outgoing 228 Volvo and the incoming 258
Saints car. By 1965 the standard 228 Volvo was being produced in dark orange with a yellow
interior. As well as being sold individually, the model was included in late versions of Gift Set
28. This carried on until stocks ran out. As stocks ran out, at various points in time, the unnumbered base from the Saints car became standardised between the two models and
plain, rather than illustrated, boxes were used for the 228. For one production run, white
body-shells were sent back down the production line, over-sprayed in tangerine and then put
in transporter sets. Finally, some Saint models were sold on this way without the bonnet logo
but issued in plain 228 boxes. The last 228 will have been issued in 1966, when Gift Set 48
replaced GS 28.
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2. Three versions of the dark orange/tangerine 228 from 1965. Note the Saint in
the middle one.
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3. The bases of the same cars. The left has the standard 228 base. Others are
plain.
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4. Late 228 in tangerine, with white under-colour showing under chips
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5. The Saints car, without logo issued in plain 228 box, from GS 28.
As well as the variations discussed above, the Saint himself turns up from time to time in
dark orange 228 models (Photo 2), while is occasionally missing from 258 models (Photo 6).
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6. Left = white 228. Middle = white 228 with Saint. Right = 258 with no Saint figure.
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I have also seen a white 228 with a yellow interior.
I am always interested to hear of (and purchase) other variations as they come to light.
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SN April 2015