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Discover a selection of models that will be on sale this week, starting tomorrow, Monday, September 7th, and running until Thursday, September 11th, 2026, on our website. AUTOJAUNE COLLECTION
en vente cette semaine: Dinky Toys GB – Fordson Thames plateau 422 – Remorque tôlée transports internationnaux 129 Dinky Toys GB – JRD – Berliet Gak brasseur Préfontaines – Oldsmobile Six (pare brise panoramique) 39B
I remember...
…I had often compared the attitude of some miniature collectors to that of philatelists who develop their collections based on countless details.
This image was deeply ingrained in my mind.
My wife, who proofreads and edits texts, pointed out that I was making a mistake. She looked up the meaning of the expression “collecting like a philatelist.” She concluded that, as with model cars, there isn’t just one way to collect stamps, but hundreds.
We then began a discussion on this topic and concluded that the idea of a “philatelic collection” was a simplistic, idealized image far removed from reality. The pioneers of stamp collecting paved the way for a practice previously reserved for works of art. By amassing stamps, these early enthusiasts thus repurposed the object from its original function: the franking of a letter. Understanding this trend, postal services worldwide began issuing stamps for collectors and their albums. These stamps had a face value and could, of course, be used for postage. However, they were sold at counters marked “Collectible Stamps.” Depending on their budget and preferences, collectors purchased them by the sheet or individually.
Some collectors went to great lengths to track down printing errors and other variations.
This is where we find certain requirements specific to Dinky Toys collectors, which led me to compare their collecting methods to those of some philatelists.
The distinction is important. I drew a parallel between these stamps, issued primarily to satisfy collectors, and the mass-produced series of miniature cars that appeared in the mid-1970s, intended for collectors, not children.
These were distributed in major toy stores and specialty shops. These miniatures are no longer toys; they’re destined for display cases, like stamp sheets for albums. Eligor was one of the first companies to take an interest in this market, followed by Brumm.
I remember the “Sale prohibited to those under fourteen” warning, imposed by law, making me smile.
We were definitely in the realm of models for adults. I thought of this when I saw the three OM tanker trucks scheduled for release this week.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Old Car – OM 90 citerne Chevron
modèle en vente cette semaine : Old Car – Fiat 90 citerne BP
modèle en vente cette semaine : Old Car – Fiat 90 Citerne AGIP
Initially, this was a commission from this Italian truck manufacturer.
In the 1970s, it was common practice for truck manufacturers to promote their products through miniature models distributed to dealerships.
As was often the case, an agreement was reached between the miniature manufacturer and the client. The manufacturer could then distribute these miniatures through a network of shops specializing in miniatures “for collectors.”
These three tankers are perfect examples of this type of product. It’s interesting to note that manufacturers quickly grasped the value of creating variations for collectors.
I remember that my father and I produced about ten different OM models with various markings.
Looking back, I realize that this approach, which consists of producing a large number of variations to satisfy the demand of enthusiasts, is a short-sighted strategy on the part of manufacturers.
We quickly reach saturation; the collector, unable to buy everything due to lack of resources and space, ends up frustrated.
Let's stay in Italy
with these beautiful die-cast Politoys models from the mid-1960s.
The abundance of added details, opening parts, and the quality of the paintwork and assembly made the original British models of the same era look decidedly outdated. Dinky Toys and Corgi Toys would have to react to the Italian onslaught.
Since the Italians were also adept at business, their products would soon flood toy store shelves worldwide.
The effort Politoys made in quickly transitioning from rather crude plastic production to die-cast models is often underestimated. The progress was meteoric.
This week we have a splendid and timeless Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT.
Its red paint suits it perfectly. The limited number of color variations is one of the few criticisms a collector might have of Politoys. It seems to me that enthusiasts don’t know how to appreciate these Milanese products or place them in their historical context.
modèle en vente cette semaine: Politoys – Alfa Romeo Giulia sprint GT
The elegant Fiat 850 coupé is also treated with care and good taste. Its lines, like those of the Alfa Romeo, seem to me much better rendered than those of its Turin competitor, Mercury. By this time, Mercury had already begun its decline.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Politoys – Fiat 850 coupé
Let’s stay with Politoys and look at this Ferrari 250 GT Lusso, also very well reproduced. This model remained in their catalog for a long time and therefore had more variations than the two models mentioned above. The one offered here is from the beginning of production, with its large-diameter chrome-plated plastic wire wheels.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Politoys – Ferrari 250LM Pininfarin
We also have a few models that belong to the “export” series.
I see in Politoys the same energy that Corgi Toys displayed during its first ten years. Attentive to the market, management knows how to react and adapt its products.
This economical, yet high-quality, range appeared shortly after the mid-1960s. Politoys’ management understood that it was also necessary to offer a specially created budget range. Politoys avoided the trap that Dinky Toys France fell into with its Junior series, which, in order to meet this demand, created budget models based on its existing range. I think it’s worth pointing this out.
modèle en vente cette semaine :Politoys – Jensen coupé Vignale
modèle en vente cette semaine : Politoys – Lamborghini Marzal
The Ferrari Dino prototype with its gullwing doors is an excellent example, as is the Jensen coupé.
These models look great, and few people noticed at the time that they were part of this budget range.
Even the packaging is well done. That’s to be expected, given that these are Italian products. I appreciate the yellow and green color combination and the gas station design, which will quickly become a popular addition to any collection. The choice of models is original.
The Ferrari 330 GTC deserves a place in any collection dedicated to beautiful cars with original lines, like the Ferrari 250LM Pininfarina, which belongs to Politoys’ standard range. When you hold it, you understand the difference in finish. Be sure to appreciate the opening side vents on the rear hood, which reveal the fuel filler flap. This miniature reproduces a show prototype, not the model that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1965.
Politoys deserves your full attention. The prices are reasonable and you should take advantage of them.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Politoys – Ferrari 330 GTC
modèle en vente cette semaine : Politoys – Alfa Romeo Giulia 1600 Pininfarina
modèle en vente cette semaine : Politoys – Ferrari Dino berlinetta Pininfarina
the Milanese niche of quality of execution
Mebetoys, also a Milanese company, emerged in 1966, following in the footsteps of the first Politoys die-cast zamac models. For reference, the first Politoys die-cast zamac model dates back to 1965. The Alfa Romeo Giulia GT, featured this week and described above, launched this line.
Both companies positioned themselves in the same niche: quality craftsmanship.
Mebetoys quickly reached Politoys’ level. Its product range focused on reproductions of Italian cars.
It’s worth noting that Italy had a robust automotive industry and a wide selection of models.
This week we have products dating from the mid-1970s. Like Politoys, Mebetoys positioned itself with a reasonably priced range. Throughout its existence, it has been committed to maintaining consistent quality in its products. The three models offered are good examples of this.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Mebetoys – Autobianchi A112
modèle en vente cette semaine : Mebetoys – Innocenti Mini minor
The Autobianchi A112 was a success. As proof, the car manufacturer commissioned several series of models from Mebetoys, delivered in special boxes and finished in the colors the customer could order. The Innocenti Mini enjoyed a very long run. It can be a true collector’s item,
Mebetoys having produced numerous variations. The color of the one offered is a good one.
The Renault 5 was a great commercial success in Italy. It was therefore logical that it would interest Mebetoys. Its reproduction seems inferior to that of Solido. This model is quite rare.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Mebetoys – Renault R5
My favorite are these three Land Rover variants from Dinky Toys Liverpool.
Two blog posts are dedicated to this Dinky Toys Land Rover model.
People of my generation who watched the TV series “Daktari” dreamed of this car, a symbol of African adventure.
Yet, this car was originally designed for agricultural use, and its initial purpose was repurposed.
At Dinky Toys, it belongs to the agricultural series, reference number 27. This miniature, which enjoyed a long career, allows the novice collector to understand how a model evolves over time.
Just look at the front bumpers.
Towards the end of production, the mold was worn out, and the design office simplified it by filling the gap between the front fenders and the bumper.
We can imagine that after intensive use, the mold produced bodies with small imperfections, requiring tedious and labor-intensive deburring. It was therefore easier to fill this gap.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Dinky Toys GB – Land Rover 109 pick up jantes en plastique
I’ll let you discover the other subtle details of this model’s long production run.
The figure, the rims, the steering wheel, the windshield, and the shape of the tow hook are just a few of the less visible elements that evolved throughout the long and fascinating history of this beautiful Dinky Toy.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Dinky Toys GB – Land Rover 109 chassis court
modèle en vente cette semaine : Dinky Toys GB – Land Rover 109 pick up
also on sale this week
