| When I was growing up in the south-east of England, | | | | self-respecting boy had to own! But there were |
| the most desirable toy for most boys and some girls | | | | other models that were also a must - the |
| was a Dinky Toy - 1/43rd scale diecast model cars. I | | | | Observation Coach (bus) for example, with its weird |
| started to collect them in the late 1950s. At that time | | | | looking upper deck was a favorite of mine. |
| most Dinky Toy cars were 2/6d (Two shillings and | | | | Gradually Dinky Toys added new features, under |
| six pence - about 25 cents in US money) and they | | | | competition from other makes, like Corgi Toys. First |
| came in a distinctive yellow box. They had actually | | | | were plastic windows, then gradually seats were put |
| been around since the early 1930s originally called | | | | in, 'independent suspension' for all four wheels |
| "Modelled Miniatures" and intended mainly for use | | | | became all the rage , and finally steering. All these |
| around train sets, the BIG boys' toy of the time, but | | | | new features were seized upon with glee by me and |
| they took on a life of their own and were | | | | my friends! |
| manufactured in both England and France for many | | | | But the days of the Dinky Toy were numbered and |
| years. | | | | in the seventies the end was near, brought on partly |
| For me their heyday was the fifties and sixties. | | | | by competition from the new Hot Wheels, and |
| Compared to today's top of the range diecast cars, | | | | although several attempts were made by new |
| they were, let's admit, pretty basic. No windows, no | | | | owners to revive the famous Dinky Toys name, |
| interiors, no 'suspension', no steering, but to me they | | | | they are now long since defunct. |
| were the most prized and sought after toy of all! | | | | Collectors though still seek out the toys and a good |
| With television in its infancy in the fifties in the UK | | | | mint condition toy, preferably with mint condition box, |
| and much of the programming being bought from | | | | can change hands for enormous sums. Dinky Toys, |
| America, the appeal of flashy American cars seen in | | | | even in play-worn condition, are one of the best |
| cop shows and films, as opposed to the rather more | | | | sellers on eBay. |
| staid Hillmans and Austins of the UK was reflected in | | | | I will never have a full collection - some are so rare |
| the choice of Dinky Toys I would spend my | | | | that if one ever surfaces it will be way beyond my |
| hard-earned pocket money on. | | | | pocket, but I will always be on the lookout for a |
| The Dinky Toys Dodge Royal, the Plymouth Plaza, | | | | good condition Dinky. |
| the Hudson Commodore were all cars that any | | | | |