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Discover a selection of models that will be on sale this week, from tomorrow, Monday, April 20, 2026, until Thursday, April 23, 2026, on our website. AUTOJAUNE COLLECTION
en vente cette semaine: Mebetoys – Alfa Romeo Alfetta Nord Nord-Capo Sud 8571 – Tekno – Scania 110 semi remorque citerne Calpam Chevron 481 – Tekno – Scania 110 semi citerne Koppartrans 481 Burago – Fiat 131 Taxi Radio 0141
I remember...
…that in the 80s and 90s, the appearance of a Berliet Quiralu on a vendor’s table at a toy fair would draw a crowd.
The miniature also had a knack for sparking conversations throughout the day, with every enthusiast offering their opinion, mainly on the asking price and sometimes even on the identity of the buyer.
It was the kind of item that aroused great desire.
The asking price reflected the enthusiasm it generated. This truck, in its own way, epitomized the essence of a fine French toy.
I think the fabric tarpaulin, mounted on steel hoops, and the imposing stature of the truck, reduced to a scale close to 1/43, were the two key features of the model.
Quiralu miniature collectors readily admitted that the reproduction of this truck, the only one in the Quiralu range, was far superior to the other models in the line.
It was almost as if the Luxeuil-based company had focused its resources on this toy. Yet, it wasn’t a success. It was too expensive for Quiralu retailers.
Quiralu figurines, the brand’s main product, were primarily distributed in rural areas. And in cities, they were relegated to the most ordinary toy stores.
This week, we have a rare three-way tipper version for sale.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Quiralu – Berliet GBO benne carrière
This model, derived from the version described above, had an even shorter lifespan. Quiralu produced a beautifully functional three-way tipper.
Even forty years after acquiring my first one for my collection, I still find myself operating the tipper’s side-tipping mechanism by manipulating the blue plastic-coated steel rods.
It’s well-designed and efficient. This tipper has always been rare, much rarer than the tarpaulin-covered version…and in 2026, it still is.
The model is available in three color combinations. The one shown here isn’t the most striking, but it’s certainly the rarest. Finding one in pristine condition is difficult.
Prices have become reasonable again…all the more reason to offer the three color variations, as I have. Displayed in a showcase, it’s guaranteed to make an impact.
Let’s stay in France, at C-I-J, with two beautiful Saviem trucks, an LRS and a JL20, both equipped with coal tipper bodies. I appreciate the balance between the rounded cab and the right angles of the tipper body. This tipper body suits this handsome truck perfectly. It’s one of C-I-J’s finest achievements, and its high-quality construction rivals that of Dinky Toys trucks.
modèle en vente cette semaine : C.I.J. – Saviem LRS benne charbonnière
modèle en vente cette semaine :C.I.J. – Saviem JL20 benne charbonnière 4-80
the Fodens…and the others
Dinky Toys’ Foden trucks have left their mark on several generations of collectors, including my own, which began in the mid-seventies.
In Great Britain, for Dinky Toys enthusiasts, there were the Foden trucks…and the other trucks in the Supertoys range.
The price difference between the Foden trucks and the Supertoys trucks was significant. Probably exaggerated.
In the documents I retrieved from Robert Goirand, a new product sheet dating from 1947 shed some light on the matter. This was just after the Second World War. In the midst of shortages and all sorts of hardships, Liverpool offered two products of extraordinary dimensions: the Short Shetland seaplane and the Foden MK1 with sideboards and four axles, equipped with nine rubber tires.
This could almost be considered indecent on the part of Dinky Toys’ management. To understand the shock it caused, you simply need to understand that until now, Liverpool had only offered “small” trucks belonging to the so-called “25” series.
Superb, but closer to 1/60 scale.
We actually have some very interesting examples this week that help to clarify the previous points.
First, a rare and superb “25 D” type 1 tanker truck equipped with a sheet metal grille in Shell-BP colors…the first one we’ve had for sale.
modèle en vente cette semaine: Dinky Toys GB – Camion type 1 citerne Shell-BP 25D
We also have a beautiful “25 B” truck with its red tarpaulin, also produced before the war, but already fitted with a grille and separate headlights.
These trucks are superb. They delighted several generations of children, right up until the late 1950s.
modèle en vente cette semaine: Dinky Toys GB – Camion type 2 ridelles bâché 25B
This week we also have two other “25” models, these being from the end of production, recognizable by their bumpers: a “25 B” with a canvas cover and red-painted wheels, and a very elegant “25 E” tipper truck, brown with gray rims.
Liverpool kept these models in its catalog for a long time. They allowed them to offer vehicles at reasonable prices.
Today we would call them entry-level. Who could afford Foden trucks in 1947?
It is this idea of the model being reserved for an elite due to its price being beyond the reach of many that partly generated the myth surrounding these trucks.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Dinky Toys GB – Camion type 4 ridelles bâché 25B
modèle en vente cette semaine : Dinky Toys GB – Camion type 4 benne basculante 25E
They’re superb, but my father and I would have preferred the Guy Otter models that appeared shortly after.
This model, of more modest dimensions, seems to have been designed as a price point between the Foden and the mass-produced 25 series trucks.
I appreciate the distinctive cab design, with its angled sides and centrally located radiator.
This week we have two superb examples in striking color combinations: a “512” flatbed and a “513” flatbed with a backrest.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Dinky Toys GB – Guy Otter plateau dosseret 513
The older of the two is the flatbed version with a backrest.
It’s the black rims, matching the fenders, that confirm this… Guy truck enthusiasts should know that this version can also be fitted with navy blue rims, in which case they match navy blue fenders.
Both models share the superb golden-yellow hue, different from the lemon-yellow of the standard flatbed.
Besides their undeniable rarity, these two Guy trucks are superb.
Their realistic color is sure to brighten up any display case.
As a side note, Calberson in France used identical Guy trucks… the flatbed with red rims seems to be a nod to this fact.
modèle en vente cette semaine: Dinky Toys GB – Guy Otter plateau 512
This week features a wealth of models produced in Liverpool during the pre-war and immediate post-war periods.
Among them is a splendid and rare Type 2 “Crawford’s Biscuit” van.
This model is fragile, and some imperfections are to be expected.
The one offered here is in excellent condition. Admire the superb decoration, the lettering on a gold background, and the vibrant shade of red.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Dinky Toys GB – Auto fourgon type 2 Crawford’s biscuits 28
We also have a very interesting “29 C” AEC double-decker.
Its interest lies in the fact that it marks the transition between the pre- and post-war models. It is equipped with white tires and smooth rims, without moldings, like the pre-war models, but no longer receives advertising.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Dinky Toys GB – AEC bus deux étages 29C
This is a rare version, much like the burgundy Alvis Tourer “38 D” with a red interior instead of gray.
It’s a rare and short-lived color combination.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Dinky Toys GB – Alvis cabriolet 4 places 38D
modèle en vente cette semaine : Dinky Toys GB – Leyland terrier ridelles bâché 25S
The civilian version of the Leyland Terrier “25 S” is a delightful vehicle. I love its robust appearance with its impressive front radiator and its open-top cab.
Liverpool created this model for its military series. To add some diversity to its catalog and also recoup the cost of the mold, management thought a civilian version, equipped with or without a canvas top depending on the production period, was a good idea.
In my opinion, it is, and I really appreciate this vehicle.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Dinky Toys GB – Auto Union Type D de records 23D
The last model worth mentioning, also produced during this period, is the Auto Union “23 D” record-breaking car.
What an impressive car! I could see from the comments of people who had owned and played with this model how much it had made an impression on them.
It was the rear fender fairings and the skid plates behind the front wheels that had impressed them. The miniature has a unique look. I find its reproduction superior to that of Märklin.
open the imagination
This week we have a selection of Corgi Toys models that demonstrate how much the company cared about bringing its models to life and sparking the imaginations of its young customers by offering accessories and figures with their sets.
These are an integral part of Corgi Toys. They’re the very essence of this manufacturer.
The two horse trailers, one a horse van and the other a caged carriage, from the Chipperfields Circus speak for themselves.
You just want to buy them to hitch them to a vehicle, open the cage doors or the van door to check that the animals are still there. Corgi Toys initially offered these trailers in individual cases before combining them with vehicles and creating sets.
They are much rarer in individual cases. Few collectors thought to buy them back then.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Corgi Toys – Remorque Rice’s Beaufort double horse box 112
modèle en vente cette semaine : Corgi Toys – Remorque Rice’s pony van trailer 102
The “camping” set with the Mini is splendid.
The car itself isn’t particularly remarkable. But amidst the scene, its average quality is easily overlooked.
Finding the set in this condition is far from easy. Admittedly, the tent, the air mattress, the figures in their summer attire, and the backdrop with the seabed and barbecue transport us to the heart of summer.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Corgi Toys – BMC Mini 1000 avec tente de camping 38
To complement this, and to stay true to the nautical theme, we have a beautiful and unusual set, the kind only Corgi Toys could produce: a Jaguar XJS with a trailer and a racing boat attached.
We’re at the end of Swansea’s run. I like the idea that Swansea’s management sought to recreate sets that had been successful since the brand’s inception.
These later sets are hard to find. They don’t have the same charm as the earlier ones, but it’s important to understand their historical context and acquire them while you can. Anticipating the direction a collection will take is a difficult task.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Corgi Toys – Jaguar XJS Carlsberg avec remorque et bateau de course 38
I would therefore like to draw your attention to the appeal of this product, as well as that of the Mazda pickup truck equipped with a telescopic platform, which is also available. Opportunism is a quality that a discerning collector must possess.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Corgi Toys – Mazda B1600 avec nacelle motorway maintenance 413
My favorite three items that all share a British origin.
These are objects I appreciate for their quirky presence in a display case of model cars. They create an atmosphere… a distinctly British one, in this case.
Admit it, the figure whose job it is to clean the gas burner is exquisitely charming.
One might think that Taylor & Barrett drew their inspiration from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s “The Little Prince.” It’s a rare find. It’s brand new in its box. I particularly appreciate the detailing of the gas burner’s globe.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Taylor and Barret – Accessoire street gas lamp cleaner
The greengrocer with his donkey-drawn cart, his baskets laden with vegetables, is full of charm.
I appreciate the cart’s typical design, like those one used to see in the streets of England before the Second World War.
Here again, the inclusion of the box is a bonus.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Taylor and Barret – attelage charrette avec paniers de légumes
Finally, how could anyone resist the horse-drawn carriage from Charbens?
I love the distinctive design of the wagon’s square body, its markings on the sides, and the treatment of the one-piece, openwork wheels.
The color scheme is a triumph. I remember dreaming over photos of these items in books dedicated to English-made figurines by James Opie. It took me a long time to find them.
Please note that several variations exist. These items are fragile. The one offered here is in very good condition.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Charbens – attelage fourgon Hovis Bread
also on sale this week
