Vintage Postbag, February 1974

A March Model

Sir,

I have noted with interest your references to model cars of one’s boyhood and wonder if you remember the 1934 or 1935 Grand Prix Mercedes which was once available from Messrs. March Models Ltd., Little Grosvenor Mews, Berkeley Square, London W1? My father made me a present of one of these cars approximately thirty-five years ago and I have treasured it ever since. The body is a hollow metal casting with embossed bonnet louvres and appears to be chromiumplated. The wheelbase is 2¾ in., track 1½ in., and overall length 4 in. The ribbed tyres on knock-on wire wheels are marked “Dunlop” and, although the car is not absolutely accurate as to scale, the general lines are pleasing.

As with motoring matters—and music— nostalgia is a most potent force and I received a severe dose, Sir, when you mentioned the old tune “Just Like in a Story Book” some time ago. Quite delightful!

Little Bispham J. R. Goulburn

[Yes, sir, I remember those rather deluxe March models, but mainly the earlier MG Midget and Ulster Austin, and I believe they also made half-models, rather like “Waterline” ship models. They were quite expensive, more so, surely, than clockwork Hispano-Suizas and P2 Alfa Romeos?—ED.]