VA Numbering System

Each Vanguards model type is issued with its own reference number. These can be broken down into three distinct parts. The first consists of two 'alpha characters'. For example, ' DG ' for the Lledo Days Gone series models, ' VA ' for Vanguards models and 'SL ' for Lledo Special License models. This makes it clear what model range the reference number is referring to. These are then followed by a numeric of up to three digits. In the Vanguards range, these refer to the model type, i.e. VA005 refers to the Triumph Herald and VA034 refers to the Ford Capri 109E. A further two digits refer to the specific colour/livery of that particular casting, for instance; VA09800 refers to the Vauxhall Cavalier MK.II painted in Polar White, whereas VA09801 refers to the Vauxhall Cavalier MK.II in Champagne Platinum and VA09802 refers to the Vauxhall Cavalier MK.II in Nordic Blue.

Changes to numbering
Until January 2001, Vanguards models were allocated two digit model type codes followed by three digit colour/livery. Computing restrictions meant that the Lledo numbering range could not expand into six digits. This meant that Vanguard model type numbers could not surpass VA99000, which would restrict the growth of the range. To get around this, a decision was taken to change the change the model type digits to 3 and reduce the colour/livery digits to two. This means that models produced before 2001 will have a slightly different reference number.

For example:

1996-2001 issued Ford Anglia 105E had their reference number starting with VA010

2001-onwards issued Ford Anglia 105E have their reference number starting with VA001

Vanguards Gold numbering
Vanguards Gold models had the reference number beginning with VG, rather than the mainstream Vanguards models which started with VA. Kyosho, the manufacturer of Vanguards Gold models suffixed the their reference numbers with a single letter at the end which denoted the colour of the model. R stood for red; G for green; B for blue; S for silver and K for black

For example:

1999 issued Lotus Europa had the reference number VG3073K. Note: the numbers for Vanguards Gold did not follow the usual model numbering system.