Dinky cars

Dinky cars

Dinky cars

Dinky toys have enthralled children and adults since the 1930s.

Many of us love to acquire and handle the models that once tantalisingly tempted us in toyshop.

Dinky toys are still in production but the pre-1980s models are the ones to look out for.

Those  dating  from before World War II are especially desirable.

Dinky’s can be worth anything from $10 up to $10,000 or more, so any old play toys are car boot buys are worth close examination.

The forerunners to Dinky car, known as model miniatures, were launched  by  Hornby in 1931 as accessories to its train sets.

Dinky cars

The first cars appeared in 1933 and were such a hit that by the following year they were given their own brand name Dinky.

With the growth of the motor industry, toy cars caught the imagination of children everywhere.

The range, made in 1.42 scale, expanded rapidly, by the late 1930s there were more than 200 varieties of cars as well as planes and boats.

By 1939 wayside buildings, road signs, and animals were available.

The 1930s is often deemed Dinky’s golden age, but production was halted during world War 11.

Dinky cars

After the war some pre -war models were reissued, tending to have flatter wheels, black finished base plates, and dull colours.

In 1947 the slightly smaller Dinky super Toys were launched with a 1.48 scale.

Clear plastic windows and spring suspension were introduced in the late 1950s, while the 60s bought opening doors, bonnets, and boots, and working steering wheels.

By 1963 competition from  Corgi had resulted in financial difficulties, and the company was taken over by Tri-ang

Dinky cars

Collectors tips.

Be aware of models being reprinted to like rarer and more expensive vehicles, you can usually tell this if the original reverts have been replaced.

Consult a reference book for rare colours and designs, variations, also look for export only models, which can be worth a lot more.

Examine wheels to date models. The first toys had alloy metal wheel, moving to white rubber to 1939, many post war cars had black rubber tyres.

I hope you have found this page on Dinky cars  to be both informative and helpful.

Happy hunting from the collectables coach .