How you can buy your very own classic Birmingham bus – for £300!
May 3rd, 2018
How you can buy your very own classic Birmingham bus – for £300!
A “VERY rare” vintage Birmingham bus is coming up for auction at Lichfield – and it could be yours for just £300!
Sadly though the winning bidder won’t be able to take a seat behind the wheel as the four-wheeled wonder is a pint-sized replica.
This much-loved 55cm-long model is, however, quite the rarity.
It is a large size Tri-ang pressed steel pull-along toy of a double decker bus in Birmingham Corporation blue and cream livery, complete with the city coat of arms.
Toys and railwayana valuer Jon Price explains: “This toy was normally to be found in London Transport red livery but for a brief period in the early 1960s it was offered by special order only and at a premium price in three other major city transport liveries, including that of Birmingham.
“It is not known how many were produced but there can’t be very many survivors – possibly one the major department stores ordered a batch, but who knows?
“This item is in playworn condition with some wear and damage but because of its rarity should still make a good price at auction.”
The guide price is £300 to £400.
The bus will be auctioned at Richard Winterton’s Toy Sale at The Lichfield Auction Centre at Wood End Lane, Fradley Park, on Monday, May 21.
Up for grabs are dozens of Dinky, Hornby and Matchbox collectible models alongside teddy bears and dolls.
Jon Price carries out free valuations of toys, model trains and dolls between 9.30am and 4pm every Tuesday at The Lichfield Auction Centre at Wood End Lane, Fradley Park.
Richard Winterton’s Toy Sale starts at 12 noon on Monday, May 21. Viewing is on Saturday, May 19, from 9.30am to noon and on the morning of sale from 8.30am.
Bids can also be made online via www.the-saleroom.com/richardwinterton