Dinky Riley 158 - History
First released in a trade box of 6 models in 1947, this model with seven other models, became affectionately known as the 40 series by Dinky enthusiasts. This was the first model released in this series and was renumbered in 1953-54. Why it was not given the number ‘151’ surprises me, instead being given ‘158’ causing the re-numbering to follow a different order to the first releases.
The model itself changed very little over its manufacture which ended in 1955. The following observations identify changes that I have recognised.
Casting & base plate
The model casting changed over time from the early base plate which had small writing, to the second base plate which again creates a mystery.
This was produced with large writing but numbered ’40A’. Why use an old numbering when the large writing plate was only ever used for the ‘158’ model with its ‘158’ box?
Strange but true.
The casting of the body only changed in one area, the underside of the roof. The later castings had ‘Riley’ on the underside.
Tyres
The tyres were the black smooth type.
Boxes
Box Packing
Trade Boxes
The packing of these models were provided in trade boxes of six to the shop keeper and these came in several designs. A type 2 trade box was the first release post war and this was a brown box with a yellow label to the end, with model description marked ‘40A’. Most examples I have seen have been this box type. Other box types may have been used but I have seen little evidence of these to comment.
Individual Box
There were 2 designs used. The first box, and hard to find, is dual numbered with no ovals and numbers on the picture sides. At the ends are black ovals with white numbering ‘158’ and the early code of ’40A’ in red to either side of the black oval.
Models
Type 1 models with the small writing base plates would have been sold from a trade box. There are various colours to find. Issued 1947-53
- Dark grey and black ridge wheels
- Midnight blue (darkest shade) and black wheels
- Very dark blue and black ridge wheels
- Mid blue and black ridge wheels
- Deep green & black ridge wheels
- Peppermint green & green wheels
- Mid green & green ridge wheels
- Light grey and light grey ridge wheels
Type 2 models seen with large writing base plate with ’40A’ stamped on the base and ‘Riley’ printed on the roof underside. Issued 1954-55. These models would have been individually boxed. Shades may vary but models were only ever issued in green or cream.
- Cream body with green ridge wheels
- Lemon body with green ridge wheels
- Green body with green matching ridge wheels
- Peppermint green body with green ridge wheels
Sales and Evaluation
This is not an easy model to accurately categorise.
Points to note;
- I believe the cream model was only ever issued in the later ’40A’ large writing base and therefore is a ‘158’.
- All Cream-Lemon sales have been recorded as one, as unless in hand can not be clearly identified.
- Green models with matching wheels are even harder to identify shade variation, therefore have been recorded as one sale total.
- Unless stated it is not easy to identify early peppermint/lighter green models with 1st type base unless you see the underside.
- Midnight and very dark blue variations are not easy to tell unless in hand but are a different shade. Both are hard to find anyway.
The sales totals reflect the total sales of each colour, not whether they were sold un-boxed as a ‘40B’ or boxed item as a ‘151’ and in a wide range of condition from mint to play worn.
I have utilised two additional main stream sales businesses as well as my own Diecast Gems sales and stocks to reflect the units sold, these sales are archives of the last 15-20 years.
Sales to July 2017
The total sales recorded for this survey since August 2000 are 121 models. The distribution is as follows.
Sales of 40A models un-boxed.
- 11 Dark grey and black ridge wheels
- 4 Midnight blue (darkest shade) and black wheels
- 2 Very dark blue and black ridge wheels
- 2 Mid blue and black ridge wheels
- 4 Deep green & black ridge wheels
- 2 Peppermint green & green wheels
- 1 Mid green & green ridge wheels
- 4 Lighter grey & grey ridge wheels
- 2 Mid blue & blue ridge wheels
Sales of boxed 158 models.
- 39 Cream body with green ridge wheels
- Lemon body with green ridge wheels
- 50 Green body with green matching ridge wheels
- Peppermint green body with green ridge wheels
If you are aware of any genuine variations not listed above please feel free to email me with details and pictures and I will always consider adding to the above article or follow with a blog.
Model Values
Below is a guide to value in my own opinion.
Type 1 small writing base.
- Dark grey and black ridge wheels – £130-£170
- Midnight blue (darkest shade) and black wheels. Scarce – £180-£230
- Very dark blue and black ridge wheels. Scarce – £180-£230
- Mid blue and black ridge wheels. Scarce – £200-£250
- Deep green & black ridge wheels. Scarce – £160-£220
- Peppermint green & green wheels. Scarce – £180-£230
- Mid green & green ridge wheels. Rare.- £300-£475
- Light grey and light grey ridge wheels. V Scarce – £180-£280
- Mid blue & blue ridge wheels. Rare.- £600-£750
Type 2 large writing base sold in individual box.
- Cream body with green ridge wheels. – £150-£225
- Lemon body with green ridge wheels. – £150-£225
- Green body with green matching ridge wheels. – £150-£225
- Peppermint green body with green ridge wheels. – £150-£225
Note.
Price guide is for mint models and includes boxes for type 2 only.
I hope you have enjoyed this article. Any comments you may have will be gratefully received.