Miniatures News, April 1968

Dinky Toys’ recent release’s include a Ford Escort (No. 168) priced at 6s. 11d. and a Ford Cortina rally car (No. 205) at 8s. 11d., both having opening bonnets, doors and luggage boots, and detailed under-bonnet features, while the Cortina has Monte Carlo Rally competition numbers (7), twin radio aerials, external mirrors, rally finish, racing tyres and suspension and (centre-pivot!) steering. The Cortina has adjustable seat-squabs, the Escort tip-up front seats, both models have windows all round, and Dinky are to be congratulated on putting Reg. Nos. on their miniatures. We were reminded that these excellently finished and detailed models are Meccano products by a familiar-looking screw beneath the Escort! A much bigger Dinky model is No. 267, a “Superior Rescuer” ambulance on a Cadillac chassis, this, too, having suspension, steering and a great amount of detail. Collectors of tractor models will welcome the Dinky version of the Camberley built Michegan tractor-dozer, with detachable engine-cover, cab steering, splendid agricultural tyres and simulated hydraulic rams. Finished in yellow and red, it is described as “a welcome embellishment to any living-room carpet,” and it sells for 16s. 11d.

Lesney’s latest include an Iso Grifo, 3 in. long, to a scale of 61:1, No. 14 in their “Matchbox” series, at the reasonable price of 2s. 2d., considering that windows, openable doors, seats, steering wheel, and gear and brake levers are included, and a Leyland petrol tanker in B.P. livery, also 3 in. long, but to a scale of 92:1. This is “Matchbox” model No. 32, likewise priced at 2s. 2d. There is also another highly detailed “Model of Yesteryear,” of a 1912 Simplex tourer, settle 48:1, length 3¾ in., with detachable hood. Almost every derail is featured except the pedals. This fine collectors’ piece costs 6s. in this country: reference No. Y-9.

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Citroën say that in Paris the Dinky Toy Citroën 2 c.v. miniature has broken all records, by selling 2,109,177 up to last October. Yet this is exceeded by the real car, of which more than 2½-million had been sold by that date.—W. B.