"Dinky toys are unsurpassed for realism, wealth of detail, rich colouring and sturdy construction. All who delight in accurate minatures will be thrilled by the splendid selection of Dinky toys."

The above text was taken from a Dinky catalogue issued in 1960.
A description that must have been written with adults in mind!

Dinky Guy Vans and Bedford Lorries.

The Dinky range of vans and trucks with advertisments are some of the most sought after models, they are colourful and eye catching. Even though I grew up in the 1950-60's I don't remember seeing any of these Dinky toys in the stores, perhaps it was just as well as they were out of my price range, these vans were expensive at the time $2.50 or £1.25 in GB at todays rate. I worked as a newspaper boy in the late 60's for a weekly wage of 25p so it would have taken me 5 weeks of saving to buy the Ketchup van! One of these vans sold for over £3000 recently, for that in 1960 you could have bought 5 basic Ford Anglia 105E's Full size of course, or maybe 1 car and a house.

Click on a thumbnail for a larger image.

  • Weetabix
  • Slumberland
  • Ever-Ready
  • Lyons Swiss Rolls
  • Golden Shred
  • Spratt's Bonio
  • Heinz Tomato Ketchup
  • Heinz Baked Beans
  • Bedford Pallet-Jekta Van

    • Dinky Trade Boxes.

    Prior to 1954 Dinky models were supplied to storekeepers in "Trade Boxes" these contained up to 12 identical models, and were then sold individually. The photograph below is of Frank Booth's hobby shop in Toronto Canada, it was kindly given to me by Richard Henderson also of Toronto, if you look closely inside the cabinets there is an Alladin's cave of Dinky toys including trade boxes. If you click on the picture it will open a new window, the toys, the toys! If you have any similar photographs I would love to hear from you.

    Click on a thumbnail to view the models