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Discover a selection of models that will go on sale from tomorrow Monday the 23th of September 2024 until Thursday the 26th of September on our website AUTOJAUNE COLLECTION
models on sale this week: Dinky Toys SE210 Caravelle Swissair 981 B Dinky Toys Caravelle SAS 891 C-60 F Dinky Toys Spectrum Pursuit Captain Scarlet 104 Dinky Toys Thunderbird 2 101
I remember...
I remember… that for my father and I, the cars of the series 40 of the immediate post-war period at Dinky Toys Liverpool, served as a consolation prize, when the trip across the Channel had not allowed us to bring back Foden, Guy, Leyland and other Commer trucks from the same manufacturer. These were our primary target, as were advertising vehicles.
In Scandinavia, it was the Tekno cars that consoled us when we had not found Volvo or Scania trucks on the tables of Scandinavian fairs.
This week a splendid Rover 75, reference 140 B is for sale.
It took me back to this distant past. The miniature is very well reproduced and I cannot help but relate the comment of Marcel Van Cleemput from the design office at Corgi Toys who admitted that the quality of reproduction of “his” Rover 90 (same body as the 75 from Dinky Toys but different engine) had disappointed him. Dinky Toys reproduces a model from 1949. It is a very great Dinky Toys. The shapes are well synthesized. The Corgi Toys is perched on wheels that are too narrow.
I remember another remark that will surprise a certain number of collectors. Forty years ago, in Great Britain, these models did not arouse the enthusiasm of British enthusiasts. The prices were relatively modest. The reason has always surprised me. This type of product was distributed largely, without individual cases.
These latter appeared several years later in the mid-fifties. It is therefore logical to find them most often without a box, because only the last examples, equipped with red rims in the case of the burgundy Rover, were provided with one. However, the fashion for boxes had already started forty years ago across the Channel. These models were therefore regarded with a certain contempt due to the logical absence of an individual case.
models on sale this week : Dinky Toys Rover 75 156
The later two-tone versions of these post-war series have always had an individual case and have seen their prices explode, although they are not in my opinion any rarer. The burgundy Rover 75 on offer is a very early series with burgundy rims, sold mostly in boxes of six.
collection autojaune Dinky Toys Rover 75 Bordeaux – nuances et variantes
collection autojaune Dinky Toys Rover 75 crème – nuances et variantes
This week we also have a beautiful two-tone Hillman Minx (cream and apple green) … in a box. Luxury.
models on sale this week: Dinky Toys Hillman Minx 154
One can question the relevance of the color assembly and highlight it with the two-tone version of the Hillman Husky from Corgi Toys, more conservative but also very elegant (silver and metallic blue) which is also on the weekly menu. I remain convinced that the view on Dinky Toys two-tones has evolved over the years. I am not at all sure that the fans at the time had the same approach as the one that drives us in 2024.
models on sale this week: Corgi Toys Hillman Husky 206
In this same register, what can we say about the pink Austin Atlantic? This car was designed by Austin after the war, for the American market… the pink color actually transports us to the West Coast, to California, where this type of color takes on its full meaning.
models on sale this week: Dinky Toys Austin Atlantic rose pink 106
Don’t look for an individual case for this variation, which belongs to the beginning of production. The miniature was packaged in boxes of six, like the pale blue one with a deep blue interior, equipped like the pink one, with harmonious cream rims. This pink version is much less common. It seems that it had a very short existence.
collection autojaune – dinky toys Austin Atlantic variantes
collection autojaune – dinky toys Austin Atlantic variantes
Later, as a nod to Liverpool, unless it was a coincidence, Bobigny produced a small non-commercial series for a use that for the moment escapes us. I can only imagine that this stencil production, then its punching, was carried out for only one copy. The latter, the only one known today, belonged to Count Giansanti Coluzzi, a central figure in the world of the toy industry (see the story with Mercury), and of the collection.
Collection Autojaune. Dinky Toys Austin Atlantic et Simca 8 Rose
sportage convertibles
After the Second World War, the English automobile industry distinguished itself by producing a series of small sports convertibles that would leave their mark on several generations. These Triumphs, MGs, Austin Healeys were exported in droves. Bringing in foreign currency was the priority for the English automobile industry as it was for Dinky Toys. It was at this time that Liverpool concluded major contracts with the American importer Hudson Dobson.
Collection AutoJaune. Série 39 réalisée pour Hudson Dobson
This even went as far as producing models made in specific colors for this market. Discussions must have been tough between the English and the Americans. At this time, Dinky Toys reigned supreme on the world miniature market. Liverpool took advantage of the commercial success of these convertibles to include them in its catalog. It will offer a superb series succeeding its famous 38, which appeared in 1939, exclusively dedicated to convertibles… which will continue to be manufactured and to be present in the catalog alongside this new series called “100”! We knew how to amortize the tooling in Liverpool at the risk of boring the clientele. It is made up of 5 convertibles: Triumph, MG, Austin Healey, Sunbeam Alpine and a more elitist Aston Martin, with a more sporty connotation.
These cars also enjoyed success in competition: from the roads of Monte Carlo to the track of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Dinky Toys will decline these cars in road liveries and in competition liveries in color assemblies that announce the series of two-tone sedans. A “racing” version of the Aston Martin is on the program.
models on sale this week:– Dinky Toys Aston Martin DB3 Competition 110
It differs from the road versions by the presence of three racing numbers, a specific color and especially by the presence of a character wearing a helmet and a white overall with the most beautiful effect. It is simple and effective like the racing cars of the time. Two ways of appreciating these road versions, “Touring” in English, are opposed. Let me explain. These five convertibles described above first received painted zamac rims, matching the color of the interior of the model. Look at the MG TF on sale this week. It is painted orange, the seats and rims are red. Superb.
models on sale this week: – Dinky Toys MG Midget 102
The Sunbeam Alpine also programmed is assembled with blue rims that of course match those of the passenger compartment. I let you imagine the headache for Meccano: 5 convertibles with two color combinations each time, that makes 10 miniatures with which the industrialist must deal with a stock of rims painted in advance.
models on sale this week– Dinky Toys Sumbeam Alpine Cabriolet 101
In an idea of simplification and economy of scale, chrome steel rims will be introduced across the entire range. They correspond to the end-of-production models. We come across them less often. This week a yellow Triumph TR2 is on sale equipped like this. Not all convertibles will have these rims. I have never seen an Aston Martin equipped like this. It had already left the Liverpool production lines following its transfer to Bobigny. The English Austin Healey with steel rims is very rare. I only know of them equipped like this in beige, I have never seen the red one. The latter will also leave the Liverpool line for Bobigny. Meccano France needed a sports car.
models on sale this week: Dinky Toys Triumph TR2 Cabriolet 105
The controversy between collectors is based on the following premise: it cannot be denied that versions with steel rims are rarer, but they are also less attractive. Some enthusiasts do not want to hear about them and only want versions with painted rims in their display case. I have decided for my part. I have looked for both. Why? We can see that there are significant nuances in the bodywork and even interior color between the two types of rims. Logically, several years separate them. For lovers of this type of car, be aware that they were first equipped with a painted zamac steering wheel before receiving a plastic steering wheel when the steel rims were installed… but there are intermediate versions with steel rims and the steering wheel still in painted zamac! It was necessary to liquidate the stock of steering wheels in stock. Everyone will place the cursor where they want according to their personal criteria.
Collection AutoJaune- Dinky Tous variantes de jantes pour l’Austin Healey
Collection AutoJaune- Dinky Toys Sunbeam Alpine jantes chromées
Collection AutoJaune- Dinky Toys variantes de volants et nuances sur la Triumph TR2
english model producers and foreign cars
Looking at the Dinky Toys and Corgi Toys catalogues from the mid-fifties, one can believe in the good health of the English automobile industry at the time. There is a predominance of English cars. Dinky Toys, since 1939, has certainly incorporated a few American cars (the 39 series before the war, followed by the 139 series) but these few models do not reflect the global market of the automobile industry. Corgi Toys, in its aim to dethrone Dinky Toys, will initially model its programme on Liverpool and also only include cars of English design in its catalogue. It will be necessary to wait for the tenth new model to see the first car of foreign origin. This will be the Citroën DS19 followed by a Ford Thunderbird. Moreover, this week a Citroën ID19 safari is on the programme.
models on sale this week : Corgi Toys Citroen ID19 safari
Corgi Toys used its saloon to create this estate car, which would have many variations. This expressive “Safari” version, with its lion’s head and two saguaies appearing as a decal on the bonnet, its trunks on the roof, transports us in the blink of an eye to Kenya. For the record, Citroën Great Britain distributed this model under the name “Safari”. The absence of German cars in the two catalogues raises questions. The Second World War left its scars. However, the German automobile industry got off to a good start and would quickly supplant its British rival. The first German car at Dinky Toys was the Volkswagen 1200 with oval windows (1954 vintage). It is sober, a little too narrow, and gives me the impression of having been made without passion. Two late examples with steel rims are on offer this week.
models on sale this week: Dinky Toys Volkswagen 1200’54 gris grey 181
Dinky Toys will drag this version in the catalog for a very long time. Its success seems to have never waned. The last examples, in the mid-sixties, without glazing or interior fittings (!) will have plastic rims (rare) and even chrome chassis.
models on sale this week: Dinky Toys Volkswagen 1200’54 bleu 181
Collection AutoJaune- Dinky Toys rare Volkswagen 1200 plastic rims
The first German car at Corgi Toys will be a Mercedes 300sl. The Swansea firm will wait a few more years before offering a Volkswagen 1200 in an original Safari rally version. It is no coincidence, the car has won this rally three times. It is the success of 1962 that must have given ideas to the Corgi Toys design office. The genius of the model lies not only in the scene showing it with a terrible rhinoceros against an African backdrop, but also with its spare wheel positioned on the roof used to operate the steering. The model will be recycled a few years later in a driving school. A large zamac steering wheel will replace the spare wheel to operate the steering. Lubeck cones will be supplied with it so that the child can practice the joy of gymkhana. It is this version that is offered in the Anglo-Saxon version. There is a version with decals in German. At that time, the VW was already the best-selling car in the world.
models on sale this week: Corgi Toys Volkswagen 1200 motor school 400
For my part, I have a particular weakness for the example produced by Wiking representing a 1963 model in black, also in the program. A color rarely used for a popular car. This color is reserved for cars intended for more solemn uses (see the green cad blog). I have a series of black VW Wikings, including a convertible, proving that VW did indeed produce this color in series. Wiking worked closely with Wolfsburg. It was also their first customer, these cars being distributed in dealerships.
models on sale this week: Wiking Volkswagen 1200’63 black noire 166 112 00
my favorite of the week for these 3 mebetoys and their super rare packaging !
models on sale this week:Mebetoys Fiat 1100 R mattel gioca gioca L.800 serie europa
My favorite for these Mebetoys and their rare bubble wrap packaging “Europa series”. Rare is the right term. In forty years of business I have never encountered this type of packaging for these products. I questioned several Italian enthusiasts who confirmed the great rarity. I like this type of packaging, original, which tells a story.
models on sale this week : Mebetoys Porsche 912 Londres Sydney Rallye mattel gioca gioca L.1800 serie europa
models on sale this week: Mebetoys Fiat 1500 mattel gioca gioca L.800 serie europa
In addition, they are intended, due to their design, to be opened in order to extract the miniature. Who thought of keeping these packages closed? Finally, the last asset of this type of product is not the least. These Mebetoys were made for an Italian chain of stores. We also know of a series of Mebetoys made for the Dutch chain Hema towards the end of the sixties. These miniatures are at the end of production. They are painted in late and ephemeral colors, therefore rare. This is the type of product that I like. A story that highlights the rarity of the product. You are not here to see them again in this state.
also coming this week:
