481 - Chevrolet Police Car

With the same ‘split casting’ as the Chevrolet Taxi Cab (Corgi 480) and Fire Chief (Corgi 482), all three were introduced into the Corgi range in 1965. This was an era when Corgi were looking to make inroads into the lucrative American market – but also, thanks to US cop shows appearing on British TV, there was a big demand for American-themed toy cars in the UK. Police cars were a popular choice, perfect for chasing the bad guys in their getaway car across the living room carpet! 

Based on a first generation (1958) Chevrolet Impala, all three Corgis were given Glidamatic suspension, 481 also having two police figures, a roof-mounted emergency light and generic ‘Police Patrol’ stickers on the doors. The ‘split casting’ allowed the top and bottom halves to be painted separately, creating a two- tone look that perfectly suited emergency vehicles!