Issued 1962-64    Length 97mm

 

Morris & Stone issued their first AA Land Rover in 1955 under the 'Morestone' name but by 1962 the real Land Rover had been extensively updated and so a completely new model was cast when Budgie issued their version.

 

Designed as a conventional body and base, the AA Land Rover had a number of interesting features. The main body casting included a bench seat inside (but this time without driver) and at the rear an opening tailgate. The cab was fitted with clear windows. The black roof section was a separate piece which on the front had a sign board with 'AA Road Service' decals. There were two types of decal, the first issue with rounded ends and the later ones with squared ends.

 

Other decals on the model were the 'AA Road Service' signs on each side and the 'AA' logo on both front wings and upper rear corners. The grille was also a decal which included the number plate. There were two numbers used, 'YYU 384' on the first models and later 'WLM 889'. Both these were shared with the similar RAC Land Rover No.278. Matching number plates were attached to the rear in the righthand corner. Silver trim was appled to the headlights of the early models. Unlike the RAC version there was no aerial on the AA Land Rovers.

 

A new black glossy base was cast for the AA Land Rover which also incorporated the front bumper. Lettering read 'A Budgie Toy No.268 Land Rover' with 'Made in England' at the rear. The earlier models with painted metal wheels had the number flush with the base but later because it was adapted for fitting to both the AA and RAC Land Rovers, the number was in a framed panel.

 

The axles passed through covered grooves in the base and at first had black painted metal wheels with knobbly tyres. Later these were changed to silver plastic wheels but the knobbly tyres remained. There was also a spare tyre on the bonnet.

 

The AA Land Rover came in two different boxes. The first was the A9 type with red end-flap numbers. On the second type of box these red numbers were continued but the the manufacturer was listed as 'Budgie Models Ltd. A member of the Guiterman Group of Companies' (A10). This design of box (with red end-flap numbers) was only used for the AA Land Rover and is scarce. 

 

Whilst both the AA and RAC Land Rovers in mint condition are rare, the AA version is a little easier to find.