Corgi unveils £230 limited-edition WWII plane to help bring aviation legend back to UK skies
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Just 1,000 models are being produced in the initial run, with proceeds helping an ambitious project to get Britain's legendary 'Wooden Wonder' flying again.
A legendary British wartime aircraft could soon return to the skies for the first time in decades, and collectors are being offered the chance to help make it happen with a special limited-edition Corgi model.
The famous toy manufacturer has unveiled a £229.99 replica of the de Havilland Mosquito, one of the most remarkable aircraft of the Second World War, with proceeds helping to fund an ambitious project to get a British-built example flying again.
Just 1,000 models are being produced in the initial run, making the release a potential collector's item and an unusual Christmas gift for military history and aviation enthusiasts.
The 1:32 scale Corgi de Havilland Mosquito FB.VI model is available to pre-order, although buyers should be aware that delivery is currently expected in winter 2026-27, rather than guaranteed before Christmas.
The release supports The People's Mosquito, a charity working to return the iconic aircraft to British skies more than 30 years after the last airworthy example based in Britain was lost in a crash in 1996.
Work is already under way in Rye, East Sussex, where engineers are building the first Mosquito to be manufactured in Britain for more than 70 years.
Bringing Britain's 'Wooden Wonder' back to life
Nicknamed the 'Wooden Wonder' because of its largely timber construction, the Mosquito was one of Britain's most versatile wartime aircraft.
It served as a bomber, reconnaissance aircraft, night fighter and low-level attacker, earning a formidable reputation for its speed and adaptability.
The new Corgi model features the distinctive 'Moonbeam McSwine' markings chosen for the aircraft being rebuilt, with the charity crediting Corgi's historical research for helping select the design.
Mark Hitchcock, chief executive of The People's Mosquito, said: "The Mosquito is one of the most iconic aircraft in British aviation history, and The People's Mosquito is an incredibly exciting project for anyone with an interest in aviation.
"Our ambition is to return an airworthy, UK-built Mosquito to British skies, while celebrating this remarkable aircraft and honouring those who designed, built, flew and maintained it."
He added: "We're delighted to have Corgi supporting that mission, not only by bringing The People's Mosquito to life in miniature, but through their historical research which helped us select 'Moonbeam McSwine' as the livery the aircraft will eventually carry."
How to order the limited-edition Corgi Mosquito
The detailed model measures more than 51cm across its wingspan and comes with a display base and limited-edition certificate.
Collectors can pre-order the £229.99 Corgi Mosquito directly from the manufacturer, with payment taken closer to dispatch.
Mr Hitchcock said sales would make a valuable contribution to the restoration project, adding: "With only an initial 1,000 being made it will make for a very unique gift."
The finished full-size aircraft is intended to become a star attraction at British airshows, giving a new generation the chance to see and hear one of the most celebrated aircraft of the Second World War.