BUNDLEC26 The Smallest Cog Collection

Ford Transit Custom 300L1, Shadow Black (Richard Hammond's The Smallest Cog)

Product code: VA15105

Richard Hammond's Ford Transit Custom Leader in Shadow Black is now immortalised in 1:43 die-cast form, perfectly replicating the vehicle that the car enthusiast loves so much. It comes in stylish Ford Transit-branded packaging, making it ideal for Ford collectors.

History

Herefordshire-based classic car restoration workshop, The Smallest Cog, was founded by TV presenter Richard Hammond in January 2021. The Transit modelled arrived at the workshop in February 2022 and has remained in constant use. 

Richard was excited to have what he considers to be ‘his’ van. The first new vehicle he ever had charge of was a high-top Renault Traffic belonging to the antique pine furniture business he worked for as a young man - he has loved vans ever since. 

He made a short film for the DriveTribe website about this Transit, praising its performance and comfort whilst also describing it as a time machine that reminded him of his youth. 

The van was put to work immediately, used for everything from collecting parts or equipment to popping out to get lunch. It’s also employed as a tender and occasional tow vehicle for The Smallest Cog’s racing team, carrying the parts, tools and tea-making equipment that are an essential part of classic car racing. 

The racing team began as a PR exercise for the workshop, allowing them to showcase their technical abilities by building an MGB GT, which is now partially sponsored by CORGI, to race in the Classic Sports Car Club’s Swinging 60’s Racing Series. 

It was initially driven by Anthony Greenhouse, but more recently, Richard has also raced the car because he couldn’t resist the lure of the racetrack.

Individual price: £37.99

Ford Escort Mk2 RS2000, Midnight Blue (Richard Hammond's The Smallest Cog)

Product code: VA14909

The RS2000 modelled was first registered on May 10th, 1979, in Leicestershire. It was exported to the Isle of Man on April 16th, 1981, and spent 33 years there, although for some of that period it had a hard life as it was modified for road rallying. In November 2014 it was sold to an enthusiast in Ireland who had a collection of fast Fords. He placed it in a classic car auction in Herefordshire in May 2021, and the current owner, Herefordshire-based TV presenter Richard Hammond, won the bidding. 

Richard’s intention was that it would become a show car for his then fledgeling classic car restoration business, The Smallest Cog. Unsurprisingly given its years as a rally car, Neil Greenhouse and the ‘Cog’ team found it to be in much worse shape than anticipated, especially at the front end, which required a huge amount of Neil’s famously excellent fabrication work. During this process Richard made the curious decision to fit a new tan interior instead of the black the build-plate showed it had been produced with. 

The finished car was shown at Hampton Court Concours to general acclaim, although the tan interior was considered unwise. When Corgi got in touch, Richard decided the car needed to match the model’s factory specifications. With the help of Ford expert Mark Pinnigar, it has now been restored to its original build specification, including the black interior!

Individual price: £37.99

Ford Capri MkI 3.0 GXL - Daytona Yellow (Richard Hammond's The Smallest Cog)

Product code: VA13319

This Vanguards 1:43 Ford Capri die-cast model represents one built in September 1973, making it one of the last three-litre GXLs produced at Dagenham before production of the Mk1 ceased. The Mk2 Capri was launched in February 1974 but entered production sometime before then so that dealers had stock on launch day.

This car was not registered until February 1974, so was probably displayed in a showroom for some time to attract footfall, something for which its top specification and eye-catching colour made it eminently suitable. In August 1999, it was purchased by its fourth owner, lifelong Capri enthusiast, Ray Cross. He was based in Essex, like the three previous owners.

Ray bought the car partially restored and finished it in April 2000. He enjoyed taking it to classic car events and won Best Ford at a rally in Chigwell in 2002.

Unfortunately, coming out of Brands Hatch in summer 2004, another car drove into the nearside rear. Instead of just repairing the damaged area, Ray stripped the whole Capri for a bare-metal respray that was completed in 2006. Sadly, his circumstances changed, and it remained unfinished until he reluctantly sold it in May 2023 because he was about to lose access to its garage.

It was purchased by TV presenter and proprietor of The Smallest Cog, Richard Hammond, who modified it before taking it on a grand African adventure.

Secure your Richard Hammond The Smallest Cog Ford Capri model today.

Individual price: £37.99