Corgi 252
Gold-plated Corgi 252 Rover 2000. Very near mint/not boxed. A sensational item from the estate of Percy Wilford, Senior Model Maker at Corgi and associate of the Chief Designer for Corgi, Marcel Van Cleemput. Starting bid £500. Please note that QDT apply 12.5% buyer's commission.
Notes
One of three gold-plated Corgi models at QDT, that have come from the family of Percy Wilford, Senior Model Maker at Corgi.
Unique sample or one of a very short run (possibly 12), this gold-plated Corgi 252 Rover 2000 has a red interior, shaped spun wheels with suspension and a grey base. Note that a small quantity of gold-plated Rovers were commissioned by the Rover Motor Company in 1963 to coincide with the launch and to give away to VIPs, including press and export distributors. Note too that this particular model has a standard base and not ever intended to be fitted to a cigarette case. Estimate date of production 1963.
Note the splitting to the original tyres.
For reference Percy Wilford is mentioned and photographed on page 71 of The Great Book of Corgi.
Corgi paperwork below confirms that Percy Wilford and his son Robert worked for Corgi (the legal document below confirms that Robert Wilford joined Corgi as an apprentice in 1963).