Rare F1 car model for auction in Shrewsbury

Valued at around £250, the hand-made model of the Williams FW07 was made by Western Models Ltd and has been entered in Halls' toys and collectibles auction at the Battlefield salerooms on September 17 by the widow of a late public relations manager for Leyland, who co-sponsored the car.

The model, believed to be one of only two made, was presented to the vendor's husband and has remained in his office for almost a decade since he died. The only other model is kept in the Williams Museum.

The 1980 F1 Championship was memorable not only for Williams' first Constructors' Championship but also for the feud between Jones and teammate, Argentine Carlos Reutemann, who won in Monaco and finished third in the Drivers' Championship.

Also on the starting grid at the auction is a collection of more than 100 Ferrari model cars, of 1/43 scale in their original packaging, which belong to a local collector and valued at £750.

"The models have been produced by various Italian model makers, many of whom have such exuberant names, like 'Bang', 'Best' and 'Brumm', which seem to typify what you'd expect from a Ferrari," said Halls' toys specialist Stewart Orr.

"They make a marvellous display of what many consider to be automotive art.

"It's surprising just how many different types of Ferrari of this size have been made over the years, but given their immense popularity and renown it's easy to understand their worldwide status for model collectors and racing fans alike."

Also consigned to the auction is an interesting collection of 'O' gauge model train coaches made by Edward Exley, which are valued at up to £600.

"Exley Coaches are held in very high regard as they are quite the best of 'O' Gauge models made from traditional materials and have real glass in the windows," said Mr Orr. "An Exley Coach cost almost £4 when new at a time when the average wage was £6 a week."