Featuring Corgi’s innovative ‘Trans-O-Lite’ battery operated lighting system, all four corner roof lights of this wonderful die-cast Cadillac Superior Ambulance model illuminate, as well as the main emergency beacon. The first issue of the model, from 1962, had an ingenious but erratic switch on the rear axle, simulating ‘flashing’ emergency lights when the model was pushed along the floor. A follow up version from 1966 omitted the temperamental axle switch but retained the clever ‘Trans-O-Lite’ system. This is the version we have chosen to replicate.
For British children in the 1960s, more used to traditional emergency vehicle marques such as Bedford and Austin, this streamlined Superior-bodied Cadillac Ambulance must’ve seemed like something from the future. It was a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, Corgi building on their ever-increasing reputation for die-cast models with a host of spectacular features. The Ambulance also includes Corgi’s famed ‘Glidamatic’ suspension, which along with the ‘Trans-O-Lite’ system is faithfully featured on our Corgi Model Club replica.
The initial 1962 version was given a red livery, whereas this rarer 1966 version came in pale blue and white. The eagle-eyed will notice that the box features an illustration of the original red version because no pale blue drawing was ever created. In the interest of authenticity we’ve also replicated the wording on the original box flash proclaiming the flashing lights. Sadly, that’s something our model cannot simulate because the small ‘flashing’ bulbs that Corgi included in the 1960s models are no longer manufactured. We have however included a bulb with the model, which does faithfully illuminate the clever ‘Trans-O-Lite’ system. We have also modified the original's battery compartment to take a modern battery (not included).When this ambulance was introduced by Corgi in 1962 it was revolutionary. Featuring a battery operated emergency light, UK buyers had never seen anything like it before. What’s more, the illumination was additionally transferred to the model’s front and rear roof lights via Corgi’s innovative ‘Trans-O-Lite’ system.
To British schoolboys in the early-60s, who would have been used to ambulances from more traditional marques such as Bedford and Austin, this streamlined Superior- bodied design would have seemed like something from the future! A red liveried version was produced until 1966, after which the model was repainted in this new and much rarer pale blue and white variant.
Size: Length: 115mm Width: 40mm Height: 45mm
Scale: 1:54
