MICRO MODELS (die-cast vehicles division) were originally produced by Goodwood Australia Pty in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia between 1952 and 1961. MICRO MODELS vehicles were also produced in New Zealand by Lincoln Industries of Auckland between 1956 and 1960. Production at both facilities was finally halted after conceding to the better quality and ever improving models offered by CORGI and DINKY TOYS of England of the same time period.
A diecast metal body with cut out windows and good details of the VW Combi Bus. Details include cab doors and side door seams, front hood VW emblem, headlight, taillights, side air louvers and engine compartment door. Front and rear bumpers are casted into the body and there is no interior. The chassis is marked G/36, Micro Models, Volkswagen Bus. Diecast rims with rubber tires on metal axles attach to the chassis. The chassis is joined to the body with 4 rivets.
In 1973, the MATAI Company acquired the old dies and material and resumed production in New Zealand but their existence was short, falling into bankruptcy a little over one year later. In the 1990s, MICRO MODELS started manufacturing again in New Zealand with a limited edition of numbered, engraved and certified models being produced from the original dies of the 1950s. These VW Bus models were hand finished to a high quality standard in a light blue Combi and also a white ambulance. Again the production lasted only a short period of time making some of the more limited models produced as valuable to collectors as the examples produced in the 1950s and 60s era.
