For more info on Dinky models, visit the Dinky Toys Link List.

All text and pictures © 1997 Stefan Axelsson.

The first model cars from Dinky Toys appeared in 1933, but it wasn't until spring 1934 they actually were called Dinky Toys. During these first months they were called Modelled Miniatures, a name connected to model railroads. The intention was that these models should be used as accessories for model railroads. Modelled Miniatures also produced railway stations, figures, signals etc. Manufacturing started almost at the same time in Liverpool and the French village of Bobigny. The British and French branches of Dinky Toys didn't always produce the same models.

After the war the remains of pre-war production was on sale. This was until production started again in 1946. Due to rationing of rubber, the French models were produced with full metal wheels. The first new model after the war was a Jeep. During the '50s Dinky ran out of numbers in the original production series. This can be very confusing when you start collecting these models. However, this was before the introduction of Cortina models, so you don't have to worry about it if just collecting Cortinas. At the end of the 50's and during the 60's a lot of new features appeared. This was forced by increasing competition from Corgi Toys. Corgi introduced plastic windows in 1956, something which Dinky didn't have until 1958. Also new was suspension and detailed interiors.

In 1963 a series of changes in ownership began, which ended in 1980 when the British Dinky Toys closed down. Today the name is owned by a Hong Kong based company. The French branch closed down in 1972. If you're interested in the history, we'd like to recommend the book 'Dinky Toys' by Edward Force. It costs about £16.95 in Britain.

Dinky Toys did manufactured a number of different Cortinas during the '60s. Here's a brief description of them:

102 mm, manufactured 1965-1969. Sedan with cast body and opening doors, turned hubs, black tires, suspension, steering, black sheet metal base, red plastic interior, windows, jewel ights, silver grille and bumpers. 1. Metallic golden yellow body, white roof.

102 mm, manufactured 1963-1964. Sedan with cast body and opening doors, turned hubs, black tires, suspension, stearing, black sheet metal base with number, tan plastic interior, windows, silver grille, bumpers and headlights, red taillights.
1. Metallic dark blue body
2. Light blue body.

105 mm, manufactured 1967-1970.
Sedan with cast body, opening hood, trunk and doors, unpainted base, grille, lights and bumpers, concentric patterned hubs, black tires, suspension, steering, red plastic interior, windows.
1. White body

105 mm, manufactured 1968-1971.
Rally car with cast body, opening hood, trunk and doors, unpainted base, bumpers, grille and headlights, 5-spoke patterned hubs, black tires, suspension, steering, pale blue plastic interior, windows, silver engine, two antennas on rear wings, chromed mirrors on front wings, yellow taillights, red stripe labels, Monte Carlo emblems with black number 7.
1. White body, red hood and trunk, spare wheel.
2. No spare wheel, otherwise as type 1.

102 mm, manufactured 1967-1969.
Rally car with cast body and opening doors, turned hubs, black tires, suspension, steering, black sheet metal base, no number, red plastic interior, windows, chromed front and roof lights, jewel head- and taillights, silver grille and bumpers, number 8, East African Safari and other labels. Modified 133 casting.
1. White body, black hood.