Corgi Toys is the name of diecast toys produced by the United Kingdom company, Mettoy Playcraft Ltd. Mettoy was founded in 1933 by a German emigrant named Philip Ullmann who was joined by Arthur Katz shortley after. The two teamed up to create toy vehicles. Corgi Toys were launched in the UK in July 1956. The toys were made at a manufacturing plant in Wales for 27 years. The Corgi name comes from the Welsh breed of dog with the same moniker.

The first models that Corgi produced were well-known British vehicles. The 1956 releases included Ford Consul, Austin A50 Cambridge, Morris Cowley, Vauxhall Velox, Rover 90, Riley Pathfinder, Hillman Huskey, Austin Healey 100 and Triumph TR2.

Corgi diecast cars have long been admired and respected in the diecast car industry. The most valuable diecast cars in the Corgi line-up included the James Bond Aston Martin DB5, the Batmobile and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The Aston Martin remains the top selling toy car ever made.

Corgi then entered into the heavy commercial vehicle diecast sector. In 1957 Corgi released the Carrimore Car Transportor which featured full glazing. The first gift set offered in December 1957 included the car transportor as well as four cars: Austin Cambridge, Jaguar 2.4, Austin Healey and MGA. Other offering included the Carrimore Low Loader, the Euclid TC12 Bulldozer and the Bedford Fuel Tanker.

Corgi Toys have been an important part of the creation and growth of the diecast toys industry.

Corgi Diecast Cars on eBay

ELIGOR 1315 CITROEN C15 C 15 POSTES POSTE VAN MINTBOXED    US $39.99

ELIGOR 1317 CITROEN C15 C 15 EDF GDF VAN MINT BOXED    US $39.99

VINTAGE 1980 CORGI 348 FORD THUNDERBIRD VEGAS 143 MIB    US $26.05

VINTAGE 1979 CORGI 262 CAPTAIN MARVEL PORSCHE 143 MIB    US $51.44

VINT 1979 CORGI 263 CAPTAIN AMERICA JETMOBILE 143 MIB    US $66.44

C913 Corgi Dewars Whisky Truck 143 scale DC S11    US $40.00