No.14 in the Esso Petrol Pump Series was a model of an American car, the 1953 Packard Convertible. This was a luxury car and the model, manufactured by Modern Products Ltd., was well made and included the first use of plastic in the Series.

 

The body of the model was a single casting featuring the large front grille, bumpers and over-riders and including the three studs above each rear wheel. Coloured beige, there was generous silver trim on the grille and headlights, and also on the rear bumper.

 

Elegant red seats reflected the quality of the original vehicle and were part of the base casting. Included was a hole or indenture for the separate tan-coloured driver who was cast holding the steering wheel. Underneath 'Packard Convertible' and 'No.14' were cast with 'Made in England'  added, twice! The wheels, on flat-head & crimped axles, were unpainted metal.

 

A noticeable feature of No.14 Packard Convertible was the orange or amber plastic screen making the model quite distinctive.

 

After the Esso Series was discontinued in 1959, No.14 was re-issued in several different variations, boxes and packs. These are detailed on the Budgie Miniatures No.14 Packard Convertible page.

 

First appearing just before the end of the Garage Offer, the Esso boxes for the Packard either carried the Offer on the base flap overstamped or had it replaced by a large number.

 

Despite the plastic screen which one may have thought would have deteriorated over time, No.14 Packard Convertible is still possible to find in excellent condition.