Français
Discover a selection of models that will be on sale this week, from tomorrow, Monday, November 24, 2025, until Thursday, November 27, on our website. AUTOJAUNE COLLECTION
en vente cette semaine: Dinky Toys GB – Morris Mini traveller 197 – Solido – Mercedes 220se -Solido – Ford Thunderbird cabriolet 113B – Dinky Toys France – Citroën 2cv camionnette Wegenwacht 562H
I remember...
…of a luxurious catalog published by Christie’s auction house in December 2000.
Upon opening the envelope, I understood that this was an exceptional sale, one that would become a benchmark.
As a subscriber to the toy department catalogs, I received all the publications from this auction house.
This sale was dedicated to the dispersal of the Britains toy and figurine collection belonging to an American enthusiast, a leading figure in the field. This collector was from Chicago, where he organized a figurine show. I had the opportunity to meet him several times at the other large and renowned local antique toy fair that I attended.
How someone could build such a collection and then put it up for sale remains a mystery to me. It’s true that the pressure felt in indulging this passion can sometimes be so intense that, by selling their collection, the enthusiast is freed from a burden that has become unbearable. It’s possible. Or perhaps it’s the feeling of having exhausted the subject. Maybe finding nothing new breeds a kind of melancholy? I also understand that, at a certain age, one feels the need to prepare for one’s passing while still alive, and to dispose of what has been a part of a lifetime. The financial aspect can certainly be a valid reason. The positive side is knowing that these objects will inspire others and accompany them, in turn, for a part of their lives.
While browsing this catalog, I discovered two Britains brand items that I wasn’t familiar with. Two reproductions of cars designed for speed record attempts.
Like all collectors and enthusiasts of this type of collecting, I knew of and had found the two listed Britains pieces: the 1934 Bluebird and the 1938 Railton. I had even found a rarer chrome version of the latter. But I was unaware that Britain had produced an economy version of its Bluebird, without the added chassis.
BRITAINS RAILTON COLECTION AUTOJAUNE
BRITAINS PETIT BLUEBIRD BRITAINS COLLECTION AUTOJAUNE
As always, this type of “budget” version was a commercial flop. (See the history of Dinky Toys Junior on the BLOG HERE).
This version was available for sale, as well as an even rarer one: a “small” Bluebird, approximately 1/60 scale, produced by Britains as a promotional item for the Cadbury confectionery brand.
Children obtained it in exchange for points they cut from chocolate bar wrappers. It’s a very rare piece. We have one for sale, the first in 42 years of business.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Britains – Bluebird 1934 promotionnel Cadbury
Let’s stay in Great Britain, in the same era.
We have another rare piece, equally unique in its history. It’s a Mack postal van. It’s reminiscent of the one Tootsietoys produced in large numbers in the colors of the US Mail, the American postal service. Its red color and especially its markings should raise some questions: Mail van. This truck is a variation made in Great Britain by Jo Hill Co.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Jo Hill Co – Mack fourgon Mail Van
I’d known about this type of product for a very long time, and I remember surprising some American Tootsietoys enthusiasts in Chicago by talking to them about these Tootsietoys made in Great Britain.
Thanks to Robert Newson, the specialist in small British brands, I learned that these models were actually manufactured without any authorization from the Chicago firm, despite the Tootsietoys name appearing on some of the boxes.
After the Great Depression of 1929, the British government implemented customs barriers, with very high import taxes.
The English importer of Tootsietoys entrusted Jo Hill Co., a renowned manufacturer of lead figurines with whom they had already collaborated on the production of the Golden Arrow and the 1931 Bluebird, with the task of producing “copies” locally. This arrangement was short-lived, as Jo Hill Co. operated openly, including these products in lists distributed to retailers and even, as Robert Newson recounts, exhibiting them at major trade fairs!
It’s a very interesting and affordable product.
COFFRET JO HILL CO COPIE TOOTSIETOYS COLLECTION AUTOJAUNE
I could make the same comment about the beautiful Renault Vivasport from C-I-J, also produced before the Second World War.
It’s a showcase of the Briare company’s expertise. The car is 1/43 scale, made of folded sheet metal, painted, and finely decorated with stencils. The added grille gives it a handsome look.
The model offered here is equipped with a key-winding mechanism. This was top-of-the-line at the time. It was robust and has generally aged well, proving its quality design. It’s a charming toy, a rare find that collectors often fail to appreciate.
modèle en vente cette semaine : C.I.J. – Renault Viva Grand sport mécanique
the plastic that is conquering the public
Let’s take a big leap forward. Let’s jump ahead to the late 1950s and change the material of manufacture to plastic.
By this time, plastic had already won over a large audience. There was, of course, some resistance. These toys were generally designed for moderate sales. This doesn’t mean they were of poor quality, a conclusion some enthusiasts were quick to jump to.
It must be said that the problems with the long-term preservation of Norev’s rims may have reinforced their convictions. This week, I’m going to try to convince them with three beautiful utility vehicles.
First of all, these aren’t copies but genuine creations. They also share the same scale… approximately 1/43.
As you’ve probably guessed, these are three impressive models, all quite rare.
The Ford Thames truck with its low sideboards is understated. This equipment suits the cab well. Spot On only produced tractors. I appreciate its harmonious color scheme.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Maks – Ford Thames ridelles 2052
The Albion cattle truck is more daring. It transports us into the world of toys. For the occasion, the manufacturer designed openwork side panels and placed pigs inside. It’s a success.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Jimson – Albion camion bétaillère avec cochons 138
Finally, the Fiat 682 Agip tanker semi-trailer is exceptional.
Politoys produced several combinations, but the one with the tanker is, in my opinion, the most beautiful. The Agip colors certainly contribute to this.
Note that there are at least two versions, with two different shades of yellow. The oil company changed its color over time. The tanker bears the inscription “supercortemaggiore.”
Recently, my daughter told me that Cortemaggiore is a small town located a few kilometers from Piacenza. It was in this village, where petrochemical activity still exists, that the ENI empire was born from the exploitation of an oil field.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Politoys – Fiat 682 semi remorque citerne Agip 304
Finally, let’s stay with Politoys and look at these two superb Fiat 1800s.
Politoys is a major manufacturer with a very large production.
Proof of this is these two cars, produced at different times and with different designs.
On the first, equipped with elegant white knobby tires, the chassis is fitted together, while on the later model, it is held together by two screws.
This Politoys plastic range left its mark on a generation of Italian children. It truly symbolizes an era. In just a few years, Politoys produced a very extensive catalog. As soon as the standard of living in Italy took off, Politoys abandoned this range in favor of high-quality, highly detailed die-cast models in zamac.
They would use their experience with plastics to add numerous chrome-plated plastic parts to their new products.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Politoys – Fiat 1800 rouge fluo 26
modèle en vente cette semaine : Politoys – Fiat 26
The collector always wants more
In the 1970s, mass-produced model cars were no longer enough for the ever-growing number of enthusiasts.
They wanted more. Their goal was clear: to collect as many different models as possible, but also to ensure that these models were reproduced as faithfully as possible.
This began with modifications to industrial models, which they tried to improve and personalize. In the mid-1970s, the most talented took the plunge and left their jobs to become self-employed artisans, producing small series for other collectors. It took audacity.
Some succeeded, others quickly disappeared.
This week we have a fine representative sample of this trend.
To survive in a competitive sector, artisans redoubled their imagination and creativity. They quickly specialized in a particular area.
This week we have Brooklin models. They appeared in the mid-1970s. They are the work of one of today’s most famous manufacturers, specializing in the reproduction of American cars. Their extensive production improved over the years.
This week we have two fine examples from the middle of this production. They are both excellent: the Willys Overland Jeepster and the 1951 Packard Mayfair. I particularly appreciate the Willys for its originality. It’s a model that heralded a trend: urban off-roaders. The quality is undeniable.
Modèle en vente cette semaine : Brooklin models – Willys Overland jeepster 1948 RRK-161
Modèle en vente cette semaine : Brooklin models – Packard Mayfair 1951 Brk55
The same applies to the following models, which also reproduce American cars.
We have a Mini Marque (1946 Hudson pickup), a Durham (1941 Chevrolet Labatt’s van), and three US Model Mint models (1951 Crosssley Super station wagon, 1952 Tudebaker R5 pickup, and 1969 Plymouth GTX).
I particularly like the latter. These models were distributed more discreetly than the Brooklin models, and the series were more limited.
They are generally finer and more detailed. At the time, they were also more expensive. While the market for American cars was significant, the market for beautiful French cars also had its heyday.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Mini Marque – Hudson pick up 1946 9A
modèle en vente cette semaine : Durham – Chevrolet fourgon 1941Labatt’s
modèle en vente cette semaine : US.Model Mint – Studebaker R5 pick up 1952 US38
modèle en vente cette semaine : US.Model Mint – Plymouth GTX 1969 US-16A
modèle en vente cette semaine : US.Model Mint – Crossley Super station wagon 1951 US-18A
We therefore have on the program French productions: Belle époque Renault Viva grand sport 1937, CCCF Ford Vedette Abeille, Heco Citroën Axel and Record Peugeot 202 and van.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Belle époque – Renault Viva grand sport 1937
modèle en vente cette semaine : CCCF – Ford Vedette Abeille
modèle en vente cette semaine :Record – Peugeot 202 fourgonnette tôlée
modèle en vente cette semaine : Heco Modeles – Citroën Axel
modèle en vente cette semaine : Record – Peugeot 202 berline
My favorite is the Austin truck with sideboards from Dinky Toys.
The reproduction is superb, although one might question the choice of scale.
Why did Liverpool release both a 1/60 scale series of trucks and a 1/50 scale series at the same time?
I can only see one reason, and it’s financial. The 1/60 scale range was much more affordable than the “Supertoys” range.
What I appreciate about this particular model is its unusual color harmony. This variant represents the end of production.
As always, this type of late, often short-lived, production is rare.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Dinky Toys GB – Austin camion ridelles 412
The harmony created by the baby blue body and yellow rims is superb.
On many of its products, Liverpool borrows colors from existing models and adds a touch of flair.
For example, the yellow rims of the Austin truck are taken from the body of the Triumph TR2, also scheduled for release this week.
The latter, with its green interior and rims, is also aesthetically pleasing. This period of Dinky Toys Liverpool features color combinations as bold as those of Mercury.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Dinky Toys GB – Triumph TR2 105
Vincent Espinasse
also on sale this week
