V
Vanguards
The brand name used by Lledo, initially for models in its 'Days Gone' series of vehicles of the 1950s and 1960s. Later the Vanguards brand was developed as a separate entity offering scale models.

The name has been continued since the Lledo brand was acquired by Corgi Classics.

Vauxhall
Vauxhall started car production in 1903 from premises at Vauxhall in London. In 1905 it moved to Luton in Bedfordshire. The company's founder was Alexander Wilson, who had started his ironworks at Vauxhall in 1857.

From its independent status Vauxhall was taken over by General Motors of the USA in 1925. The influence was demonstrated by the distinctive styling during the post-war years. Surprisingly one of the most prolific producers of toys of Vauxhall cars was Matchbox, both in its '1 - 75' Series and with the Prince Henry in the Yesteryear range. Good 1/43rd scale models are available in the Lledo Vanguards range.

Gradually the name of Vauxhall was linked with that of Opel of Germany.

Verem
The brand name used for producing models which had previously been part of the Solido range (see Solido). The brand was launched following the acquisition of Solido by Majorette. The Managing Director of Majorette, Emil Veron, adopted the name Verem from his own.

Veteran cars
Cars produced up to 1916.

Victory Industries
A company based in Guildford which produced a series of cars in plastic to 1/18th scale. They were sold through garages and were relatively expensive.

Vintage cars
Cars produced from 1917 to 1930.

Vitesse Group
The Vitesse Group was founded by Bernard Peres, a collector who owned a model wholesale business in France. He teamed up with Mr Abrunhosa, an experienced tool makers. The operation was established at Oporto in Portugal, and for many years, from the start of the company in the early 1980s, all production was undertaken in Portugal, albeit at first much of the work was sub-contracted. However, later there was the inevitable move to the Far East. Sadly the group stopped production in 2001 following financial problems: some of the tooling and dies have been acquired by Ixo Models, a subsidiary of Sonic International (Toys) Co Ltd.

The basis of the company's output was largely 1/43rd scale cars. Over the years various brand names were introduced, each devoted to particular ranges.

The first was Onyx, concentrating on Formula One. In addition to 1/43rd scale, 1/24th was also adopted. However, the cost of licence agreements in recent years saw Onyx withdraw from the current Formula One scene.

Quartzo provided rally cars, and in particular classic Formula One.

City was the brand for commercials; Victoria for military vehicles; Skid for rally cars.

Subsequently the name Vitesse has re-emerged, now part of Sun Star, using some of the original Vitesse dies as well as new tooling.

Volkswagen 'Beetle'
One of the 'cult' cars, many toy and model manufacturers have included a Volkswagen Beetle within their ranges, so it is possible to build up a comprehensive collection, representing all the changes undergone by the actual car.

The car saw its origins from the desire by Adolf Hitler, in 1934, to have a 'People's Car': he asked Dr Ferdinand Porsche to design the car. By 1938 such a car had been developed, with engine at the rear. It was known as the KdF Wagen (Kruft durch Freude). The Second World War held up production, which was resumed in 1946. It was from America that the car attained its popular name of 'Beetle'.

The first mass-produced model of the car came from Märklin in 1939.

Volkswagen developed other designs, starting with the Italian-designed Karmann-Ghia, and later the Passat, Golf and Polo.

The 'new' Beetle, or Concept Car, is already proving easily available in model form.