Corgi Rockets were probably best known by their bright chrome like colours and were a step beyond the Whizzwheels and Superfast wheels of the time.
I only have a few of these so have created one article based on my models, these are also refered to as the 900 series because most are numbered from 900 upwards and started out as a small range of seven cars and was released in 1969 and after a battle with Mattel over copyright issues stopped production in 1971, in mint condition and in original packaging these can command very high prices.
The first is the Jaguar XJ6, No 902, this has the classic chrome paint finish in green and has an opening boot and was released in 1969, this had been adapted from an old Husky casting (Jaguar XJ6 No39) and was also in the Corgi Juniors range.
Next is the Cadillac Eldorado, No907, again the chrome like finish and again an old Husky casting (Husky No9) , this had an opening bonnet and also made as a Corgi Juniors.
There was also the Aston Martin DB6, No901 that came from the Husky castings, the remaining initial models were new designs, later to be added to the Corgi Juniors range:
No903 Mercedes Benz 280SL, No904 Porsche Carrera 6, No905 The Saint’s Volvo P1800, No906 Jensen Interceptor.
See also Corgi Rockets Carabo
Corgi Rockets had die-cast metal bases that featured a central channel where a separate black nylon chassis, that also held the wheel and axle assembly, would fit.
The chassis could be removed using a “Golden Tune Up Key” – a gold coloured metal tool which was supplied with each model that featured a simple key at one end to unlock the chassis from the base of the model, and a tool at the other end to remove the axles from the chassis. As such, the models could be “tuned up” and the axles lubricated using a separately available “Rocketlube” lightweight oil dispenser in the form of a felt tip pen. The “Golden Tune Up Key” supplied with each model was also labeled with the name of the individual model.
Extra kits were also available with extra wheels chassis and key.
All the models in the Corgi Rockets range also featured in the Corgi Juniors range, as well as some of the models carried over from the Husky range. A Jaguar E-Type 2+2 was featured in both Corgi Juniors and Husky ranges, but the earlier Husky version was a different casting to the Corgi Juniors version, which also featured an opening bonnet. The Corgi Juniors range was priced to compete with Matchbox models whilst the Corgi Rockets range sold for a higher price comparable (in the UK) with Mattel’s Hot Wheels. The Rockets range met with early success and was voted Boys’ Toy of the Year for 1971 by British toy industry journal Toy Trader.
History from Wikipedia, for more Click Here
