NO.31 BREAKDOWN TRUCK

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This attractive model was based on a Mark 1 Ford Transit with a rather unorthodox ‘cut-down van’ style of body. Although this was probably an unlikely conversion on full sized Transits, it did result in an attractive model with its sweeping chariot body.

An early drawing in an Impy sales leaflet (dated May 1967) depicts the model with a more conventional separate breakdown body. Presumably at this stage the artist had little to go on other than ‘Ford Transit breakdown truck’. The model's next appearance was in the USA retail giant, Mongomery Ward’s 1968 Christmas catalogue. This fascinating photo shows a number of Impy models at their pre-production stage. The Transit breakdown truck is shown with non-standard ‘BP’ transfers and black jib. I have an example of the breakdown truck finished like this (and have seen a second one) so suspect the initial batch was issued like this. The ‘BP’ transfers are from Lone Star’s larger ‘Roadmasters’ Austin tanker. The ‘BP’ Transit also features a non-standard interior. Presumably the Transit interior moulding wasn’t yet ready as this left hand-drive interior is actually the front section taken from the Impy VW Microbus!

The standard Impy model is finished in dark blue with oval Esso labels.

In late 1971 the Transit finally received Hi-speed wheels and ‘Commercials’ branding. Shortly afterwards a version was produced with square Shell stickers. These also appeared at the same time on No.24 Foden Tanker. ‘Shell’ versions of both models are hard to find so these must have had a short production run. Another rare version is the silver plated model from the short-lived ‘Silver Commercials’ range. A lighter blue body colour was later introduced followed by a final turquoise shade with orange jib. This late model is usually found in a Commercials picture box featuring attractive artwork.

For the full story of this model see my article (published in Diecast Collector magazine) under the Blog section of this site.