6/80 Models

6/80 Models
Diecast, scale 1:64

First made by Morestone in 1952 in Red (Fire Chief), Green (Police), Black (Police) and another Black Police using castings supplied by Modern Products. After a change of ownership (1961) the diecasts became Budgie Toys. Following a further change of ownership (1966) into the hands of Modern Products themselves the diecasts were sold as Modern Toys until the Budgie trademark was bought, whereupon Modern marketed the cars as Budgie again until 1969. The company made a new start in 1969 as Budgie (Seener Ltd.) and reintroduced the model in 1972 in Black. The company became Budgie (Starcourt Ltd.) in 1983 and continued until 1986.

Police car
Diecast, scale bigger than 1:43

Scaled-up version of the previous item. Made by Morestone and then Budgie, but to a somewhat-bigger-than Dinky/Corgi scale rather than the Matchbox-sized Morestone/Modern/Budgie ones seen above, early versions (Morestone) are merely stamped underneath with 'WOLSELEY SIX-EIGHTY. MADE IN ENGLAND'. Later versions (Budgie) are stamped 'WOLSELEY POLICE CAR. BUDGIE TOYS' and have a Police plate across grille and a neater aerial. Some later Budgies have a Police plate across the bootlid as well.

In 1982 Budgie (Seener Ltd) resurrected the model but 'modernised' it's image by deleting the bell, loudhailers and split windscreen(!), replacing them with roof-mounted spotlights and blue light. The following year (Budgie Starcourt Ltd), in a trial run that did not go into full production, the model was further modernised by replacing the blue light with a Police sign and treating the vehicle to an approximation of the late-'60s blue-and-white Panda car livery. Very strange. Second version.

Promod
Diecast, scale approx. 1/43

Currently produced by Promod, this Police 6/80 is based on the 1982 Budgie (Seener) model but with the mid-roof flashing light replaced by a box Police sign.

Benbros
Diecast, scale approx. 1/64

Benbros is clearly marked on the baseplate, and this was a company started in the late 1940s close to the Lesney factory in London. Though they often imitated the Lesney products, this seems to be their version of the Morestone (etc) police car, but slightly smaller (about 4mm shorter).

Pathfinder, 6/80 and 6/80 Police car
White metal, scale 1:43

Midget
Diecast, scale 1:64

In the mid-'70s Midget Toys of Birmingham produced white metal kits, mainly their own versions of Matchbox models. However, their 6/80 was a copy of the Morestone/Budgie policecar No5, though without loudspeakers (thus making it a civilian 6/80) but with a tiny Wolseley grille badge.

Canterbury
White metal, scale 1:76

Approximately 'OO-gauge' saloon from Canterbury Miniature Commercials, intended to complement model railway layouts.

John Day
White metal, scale 1:76

Part of a range covering many periods of British motoring history and meant to accompany model railways. Kits have a one-piece body shell, a chassis that includes seats and wheels (but no dashboard or steering wheel) and vacform windows.