RARE! VINTAGE! MINT! GORGEOUS!
HAND-BUILT IN ENGLAND!
MINI MARQUE '43 1:43 1959 FORD POPULAR 100E TWO-DOOR SALOON — UK28A — LICHEN GREEN — LIMITED EDITION #026/200 — MINT CAR / MINT INNER BOX / NEAR MINT OUTER BOX
ORIGINAL COA — APPARENTLY SIGNED
BY FOUNDER RICHARD BRIGGS!

This is a RARE, vintage Mini Marque '43 1:43 1959 Ford Popular 100E Two-Door Saloon, the hand-built English white-metal UK28A in the manufacturer's distinctive Lichen Green. Individually numbered 026 of only 200 examples, this charming little Ford captures the character of an everyday British classic in a beautifully preserved, glossy finish.

A particularly special collector feature is the original Certificate of Authenticity. It identifies the model as No. 026 of a limited edition of 200, and bears a handwritten ink signature on the reverse that appears to read “Richard Briggs,” the founder of Mini Marque '43. Both sides of the certificate are photographed. The personal connection to the company's founder makes this a particularly appealing piece of Mini Marque history.

The full-size 1959 Ford Popular 100E represented the affordable, practical side of Britain's late-1950s motoring scene. With its familiar two-door body, modest running costs, and simple, straightforward styling, the Popular gave families an accessible new car without unnecessary frills. Its understated proportions are a wonderful snapshot of mid-century British everyday life.

This hand-built model faithfully captures the Popular's clean silhouette, distinctive grille, small bonnet ornament, two-door body, narrow bumpers, bright wheel covers, miniature door handles, and stacked rear lamps. The charming POP 59 registration adds a playful period touch, while the rich Lichen Green paint makes this otherwise humble saloon a striking display piece.

About Mini Marque '43: Established in England around 1980 by model-making specialist Richard Briggs, Mini Marque '43 became a respected maker of hand-built 1:43 white-metal automobiles. Its meticulously finished collector models depicted classic British and American marques, including Wolseley, Riley, Packard, Auburn, and other distinguished names. A delightful detail of the company's original packaging is Cilla, Briggs's beloved bulldog, whose portrait became a maker trademark. The colorful carton also bears a traditional Britannia emblem with the proud inscription “Made in England With Pride.”

This example retains its original blue-and-red illustrated outer cardboard box, with Cilla's portrait prominently featured, and its separate original white inner cardboard box. The numbered certificate and protective tissue wrapping shown in the photographs are also included. On the model's underside, the small Cilla bulldog emblem adds one more appealing touch of maker personality.

Note: The original purchaser of this model was himself a 1:43 white-metal manufacturer who maintained a private in-home museum of over 1,000 models displayed in glass cases. He purchased this example directly from the manufacturer, as he personally knew many of the small specialty makers of the era. This model remained in that controlled display environment from the time it was acquired. I obtained approximately one-third of his collection directly from his estate (which I will be selling on eBay); this piece has had only one owner prior to me and has only been removed from the box again for photography before being offered for sale.

PACKAGING & CONDITION

VEHICLE: MINT. A beautiful example with deep, glossy Lichen Green paint, clean glazing, fine model-specific detailing, and an attractive overall presentation. The original collector's museum identification sticker remains lightly affixed to the underside, along with the maker's Cilla emblem. As with any hand-assembled precision diecast model, tiny factory-level finish or assembly variations may be present under extreme close inspection.

BOX: MINT INNER BOX / NEAR MINT OUTER BOX. The original white cardboard inner box is MINT. The original illustrated blue-and-red outer cardboard box is NEAR MINT, with mild shelf wear and a very small corner tear visible in the photographs. The original numbered Certificate of Authenticity and the protective tissue wrapping shown in the photographs are included.

See pics for exact contents and condition.
This comes from a smoke-free home and has NO odors of any kind!
And, please feel free to message me with any questions.

SHIPPING

Packed VERY carefully and shipped promptly within 1–2 business days after purchase. International purchases are handled through eBay International Shipping when available.

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About Donnie's Loft:

I specialize in high-quality diecast, resin, and white metal models from long-time private collections. Each item is carefully inspected, accurately described, and professionally packed. Over 40 curated collector vehicles are added each month, creating a steady pipeline of desirable models, along with occasional personal items from downsizing. I respond quickly to messages and handle every transaction with diligence, honesty, and fairness - treating buyers exactly as I would want to be treated.

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