Rarities sell well

Whilst Matchbox Yesteryear, Superkings, Merit kits and Scalextric all featured in the Vectis March sale, it was the Corgi and Dinky toys that topped the bill. Some highly desirable models surfaced, one being the No.302 Hillman Hunter "London to Sydney Marathon Winner." Finished in blue and white with a black bonnet, grey interior and Golden Jacks take-off wheels, it came with a kangaroo, instructions and unapplied decal sheet. Mint in a blue and yellow window box the estimate of £140 was quickly met and eventually sold for £460.

For Bond fans, a Corgi Lotus Esprit from the film "The Spy Who Loved Me" was on offer. This pristine example came with the missiles still attached to a sprue in an excellent hammer and sickle film strip window box. What set this apart, though (the item was bid all the way to £1,700) was the "The New James Bond Corgi" outer sleeve: these models were given to VIPs following the press showing of the film. The Lotus box sleeve carried various signatures, including that of celebrity Roger Moore.

Rally fans weren’t disappointed either: the Corgi No.322 Rover 2000 “International Rally Finish” car is a great model but the auction featured a factory shrink-wrapped tray pack containing six examples in a mint state. Scarce stuff indeed, which realised £1,000.

A Dinky No.920 Guy Warrior "Heinz 57 Varieties" was another great example of the diecast genre. With its red cab and chassis, yellow back and Supertoy hubs with black treaded tyres, it was excellent overall, although the back exhibited some minor chips on the protruding edges. A plain blue and white striped box set this lorry off and it doubled its estimate, making £950.

More on trade packs: this time a Dinky No.30S Austin Covered Wagon Trade Pack, containing six examples. Four had a maroon cab, chassis and ridged hubs, with light tan metal tilts while two were finished with a blue cab and chassis, mid-blue ridged hubs and metal tilts. Condition of these was generally excellent to near mint and the sextet was supplied in a trade pack with dividers. The guideline of £240-280 was surpassed, the wagons realising £420.

Dinky fans could also have bid on No.38E, an Armstrong Siddeley Coupe Trade Pack containing six examples. Three were grey cars, with mid-grey ridged hubs and blue interiors while three were finished in green, with mid-green ridged hubs and with a grey interior. Described as excellent to excellent plus they came in an original divided trade pack and achieved £600.