Play to win: collecting Dinky toys

Most readers of a certain age will recall Dinky Toys with fondness – these die-cast zinc miniature cars, trucks and other vehicles were made by Meccano Ltd. from 1934 to 1979, and are now collectible items.

While some are worth thousands of pounds, many models can be picked up for more affordable prices. We meet a leading collector, Allan Blackburn of The GB Antiques Centre, to find out more…

So, why the fascination for Dinky toys?

Perhaps because it was my birthday last week, I’ve been feeling nostalgic for my old Dinky toys, which are all in terrible condition thanks to hours of rolling them over pavements and playing with them in my sandpit.

It’s ironic I became a professional collector, as I often have to advise visitors to my antiques centre about the merits of keeping items in mint condition…

What were early models like?

Detailed die-cast toys were made possible due to casting techniques developed during the First World War, meaning clear details could be shown on tin plate toys which were basically folded into shape. Previously this had been impossible.

Early models on the market were basic, consisting of a small vehicle body with no interior. Impurities in early alloys often caused the casting to distort, crack, or crumble. As a result, if you can find a die cast toy made before World War II it will possibly be in poor condition – but will command a high price.

Are we right in thinking that the Hornby company was involved with Dinky Toys?

Yes - Dinky toys began life in 1934 as a Meccano spin-off owned by Hornby. They were made to provide more realism to train sets, and first sets included vans, trucks, tractors and open-top cars. They immediately captured the public imagination, and continued to innovate with opening doors and springy wheels.

Are there other brands that were popular aside from Dinky?

Mettoy’s Corgi Toys arrived in 1956, challenging Dinky’s monopoly with innovations like detailed interiors and plastic moving windows.

Lesney’s launched “Matchbox 1-75” in 1952, so named because there were always 75 different vehicles in the line, with packaging designed to mimic a matchbox. These toys became so popular that Matchbox started to overtake Dinky as the generic term for any die-cast toy car.

Obviously collectable toys are loved by both adults and children alike. Are they affordable for collectors of all ages?

Absolutely. We have some in the centre at the moment all priced under £15, which make for great pocket-money collectables and if you’re only paying that, you’re more likely to actually play with them.

And what about the other end of the price range?

Well – you can pay anything you like! The sky’s the limit.

Serious die cast fans pay great attention to the small casting details, wheel variations and colour schemes: anything that will distinguish a rare one from a standard model. And that’s really where the big money begins.

For example, the Duesenberg Model J Town Car comes in 40 variations: the common ones can be found for just £5 but rare ones are changing hands for £5,000.

Is it true that toys should not be played with and kept in their boxes?

Sadly, yes, but what parent wants to stop their child from playing with that special toy? Toys should be bought either to be played with or collected – but not both!

Most toy cars were enjoyed at the time, so nowadays it can be hard to find vintage die-cast cars in mint condition. Boxes are important and any little certificates or instructions that came with the toy will all add to its value.

Dinky has stopped manufacturing toys, right?

Dinky finally closed in 1979 and by this time, had more than 1000 models in numerous colour variations. They weren’t alone - Matchbox produced even more.

With such a large range, even professional collectors and experts have to admit it would be impossible to collect them all.

My top tip would be to collect the things that appeal to you – you’re the one who has to store them and look at them. But with old toys like cars, there are so many available it would be helpful to specialise by collecting either a certain era, brand, or vehicle type.

About Allan

An antiques enthusiast for more than 30 years, Allan’s indoor centre now houses 120 dealers over 40,000 square feet. GB Antiques Centre is open every day (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day) 10:00am – 5:00pm.

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