Jeep were a long way ahead of Land Rover who didn't get a forward control model out for another five years or so. I was surprised after buying this model just how early in the Corgi story it came. It is also worth looking at it's construction. The base is die-cast, not tin. Most 1959 releases had tin bases, all the commercial vehicles did for sure. The other oddity is the way the rear axle is attached, via lugs cast into the body work. I can't think of any other Corgi where this method is used.
Keep looking. The doors are outlined in relief - that is the outlines stand proud of the bodywork. Not unusual in die cast toy cars of the fifties and sixties. The Spot-Ons all had their doors outlined this way. Few Corgis did though, they are mostly engraved. Corgi doors are outlined with a groove.
There's more. What are those vertical slots in the load bed sides? they look like they should have something fitted in. Nothing Corgi ever used. Lastly the choice of vehicle, this is only the second American vehicle in the range. The first was the Studebaker in 1958. This is a very strange choice for the second ever American Corgi. Is it a model bought in? It really does not fit. In van Cleemput's book he says 'This was the first model to be tooled in the Harlestone Road tool room' which could possibly account for the difference in style.
The FC150 Jeep was first released as model number 409 in 1959. This model has no rear tilt, is always pale blue with a red radiator grille and has neither seats nor suspension. In 1965 it was re-released as number 470. This time is was blue or mustard in colour and it had gained a rear tilt, suspension and seats. The 1959 release varies only in having either turned or spun hubs which does not affect value.
