437 - Superior Ambulance on Cadillac Chassis in red and cream livery


€42,95

When introduced by Corgi in October 1962 this striking American ambulance featured an infamously erratic mechanism on the model’s rear axle to switch the rooftop bulb on and off, thus simulating a flashing emergency light. It was one of the few Corgi innovations of the era that failed to live up to expectations and was eventually replaced in 1966 by a simpler battery operated circuit that powered a flashing bulb*.

This Corgi Model Club edition marries the red and cream livery of the earlier model with the circuitry of the later variant. Both were given Corgi’s patented ‘Trans-O-Lite’ system whereby light from the bulb illuminated the model’s front and rear roof lights. Corgi sold over one million of the red liveried version of Corgi 437.

*Sadly these specialist bulbs, which incorporate a bi-metal strip to make it flash on and off, are sadly no longer available in the size needed.

SizeLength: 115mm Width: 40mm Height: 45mm

Scale: 1:54

THIS IS NOT A CLUB MEMBERSHIP MODEL, SO NO DISCOUNT APPLIES. THIS IS A SHOP ONLY RELEASE.

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Customer Reviews

Based on 24 reviews
75%
(18)
8%
(2)
4%
(1)
8%
(2)
4%
(1)
S
Sussex Paul
Overall a great model

The red version is a great recreation of a well remembered model - the paintwork/decals and detail are very good. Like some others though I feel the clear, non-flashing light is too much of a compromise in 2025.

Although I appreciate there's a balance with authenticity. On the original model I found you could create a replacement bulb by applying a thin layer of red nail varnish to a clear bulb. A more radical approach would have been for CMC to come up with an LED flashing mechanism under a plastic dome to simulate the original bulb. This should be easy with the tech we now have.

Overall, though, a lovely model.

M
Malcolm Kemp
Another first class model

Another wonderful model First class service

M
Martien van Geijlswijk
Corgi models

What I don't understand is why do you make new models that all have a different scale.Corgi's earlier models were all 1:43 scale.
For a reason not to make a purchase All the models I have and collect are 1'43 scale only. Anything that deviates from this scale will not be put in my display case

H
Harald Hofmann
Great Modell

Looking pretty good like in the times of my childhood in the sixties. One thing : It s no 1:43 size line I had it! It seems to be like 1:55 or similar.

M
Mark

Owned a number of originals but this reproduction is superb! Hopefully we will see the blue version one day please Corgi Model Club?

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