Large lorries produced by Dinky Toys have always been popular with collectors however the attention has often been concentrated on Foden & Guy lorries. Although each of these brands had various styles and colour variations producing some real rarities the Leyland lorries produced some gems when it came to rarities. Not forgetting Bedford and the smaller Leyland Comet Wagons I am going to identify on the rarities produced from the Leyland range.
If you are looking for an incredible treat, whether for yourself or a loved one, you cannot go wrong with dinky diecast toys. If you have never experienced the thrill that comes with owning one of these toys, you are definitely missing out. The nostalgia of the cars and other models that are available is incredible, and we will reveal everything you need to know below.
In this introduction to Dinky Toys from myself Phil Silvester, I cover the history and humble beginnings of the now infamous brand, identify the difference between pre and post war models and the confusion surrounding them and l take a look at the current collectors market as we move into 2020.
The Dinky model version of the Morris Oxford was based on the original Morris Oxford MO produced between 1948 to 1954. There were two versions of the original car, both were four seater, the saloon and the traveller estate car.
First released in a trade box of 6 models in 1947, this model with seven other models, became affectionally known as the 40 series by Dinky enthusiasts. This was the first model released in this series and was renumbered in 1953-54.
First released in a trade box of 4 models in 1948 the early model was released, I believe, in just one colour scheme, a tan body with green shutters and red ridged metal wheels with no glazing.
This model was first released in 1961 and had a seven year production history. There were at least five colour variations and there may be others I have not discovered which were distributed in two box styles.
The El Camino was launched with an upper turquoise body and off white side panels, with a red interior and a superb detailed silver radiator and red tail lights at the rear. It had a black gloss base plate and, throughout its production, the silver spun hubs.
The Fordson Thames Flat Truck was released by Dinky in 1951 based on the real truck produced by the Ford Motor Co through its UK production division. I have included a photo of the real truck and it is easy to see the Meccano designers eye for detail.
The Luxury Coach was initially released in 1951 under the coding of ‘29g’. These were sold in trade boxes that held 6 models. As with many models, re-numbering took place in 1954 and ‘29g’ became ‘281’.