International 6x6 Truck

Corgi got some value out of this old casting over the years, Of course its most familiar turnout is that of a Chipperfields Circus crane truck. Officially it is an International Harvesters M35 2½ ton 6x6 truck. It was initially used by the United States Army and subsequently utilized by many nations around the world. Over time it evolved into a family of specialized vehicles. It inherited the nickname "Deuce and a Half" from an older 2½-ton truck, the World War II GMC CCKW.

Corgi Toys has it as made by International Harvesters, however Wikipedia has it built by REO, Kaiser, Studebaker, AM General, Kia and Ssangyong with no mention of IH.

1118 Military Tow Truck

This was its first trip out as a military 'Tow Truck' with a 6x6 chassis. It looks more like a cargo truck or a troop carrier to me but its role in the Corgi range was to tow the Corporal Missile launch pad. The original truck was produced from 1959 to 1964 and is found in three versions with UK, Dutch and US markings. UK & Dutch markings getting a premium over US. In 1965 it was re-released as 'Troop Transporter' having US markings with 'US7811332' on a decal and under model number 1133.

This example is in remarkably original condition with the addition of a CD sticker from the Accessory packs - not sure how the Foreign Office would react if one of the London embassies started to run one of these as diplomatic transport... Sadly the accessory stickers have suffered in the cleaning process.

1121 Chipperfields Crane Truck

The second trip out for the International 6x6 was as the first of the Chipperfields Circus range. This one was to stay in the range until 1969. Suspension has been added since the previous year's military version and a crane jib. There are a very few listed variations none of which seem to affect value. The jib is pressed tinplate and can be chromed or painted, the box can be a lift-lid box or and end-flap box, and that is it really. Other than that it is one of the defining Corgi models, as popular now as ever so will always get a premium on price. However there are masses of playworn examples around so you can get a bargain if you take your time.

1133 Troop Transporter

This was a re-release of 1118 Military Tow Truck having US markings with 'US7811332' on a decal and under model number 1133. I have yet to find one of these