@frank My records show British Dinky 150 was available 1959-1963. French Dinky 551 was available 1959-1961. I'm almost certain it appeared in the UK first, then dies and/or castings were sent/loaned to France. Several other models appeared in France after the UK, such as the Austin Healey 100 and Aston DB3S. And sometimes it went the other way, like with the Alfa Romeo 1900 Super Sprint (which acquired an interior in England). Remember there used to be import taxes among European nations back then, so die loaning was a way of skirting this. Except for the baseplate, I can't tell 150 from 551.
I actually had one when I was 8 or so. That one is long gone but since replaced with a boxed one. But there is also a French version, No. 551, same colors. Here's mine:
I still have mine with the box from around 1960 but unfortunately it has lost its flying lady.
@chris-sweetman Chris; Your comment reminded me of a long forgotten memory of mine from childhood. I recall being SO impressed by this new type of suspension on my Dinky Rolls Royce, which I loved. I haven't thought of this for 60+ years.
Yes indeed. True Scale Models did a 1:43 a few years ago. Not as restful on the eye as the old grey Dinky, I grant you, but it's very nicely done and I am happy to own one. Needless to say, people are now offering them online at anywhere between £200 and £400......
Nice ! A pretty unique RR with a famous owner.
This car was on display off and on in Canada for many years in the lobby of the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria, British Columbia. I worked across the street from this location and so studied it many times. I often wondered why such a rather iconic car once owned by John Lennon would ever be allowed by collectors to leave England. I left British Columbia in 2021 so I'm not sure if it still lives in Victoria, but IMO it belongs in London.
Me too, although having a nerdy interest in automotive suspension systems I was seriously disappointed to discover that in fact the front suspension was a beam axle and not independent at all. I think a number of other model manufacturers also described their sprung beam axles as "independent suspension". It was just a trendy term intended to excite small boys, I guess.
Corgi then made a proper job of it with their very handsome Bentley Continental, which had Morgan-style sliding pillar and coil spring front suspension, with steering and a track rod linking the front wheels. They used the same system on a couple of VW Beetles and an Austin A60 (which all had their front wheels linked to a "steering wheel" on the roof). Shame that Corgi didn't go the whole hog and put swing axles on the rear of the Beetle, but maybe that was expecting a bit much.
@frank Many thanks Frank for starting this thread.
Glad that my addition regarding suspension engaged memories of this feature.
Corgi may have done a proper job with earlier models with their 'Glidamatic' suspension because it used wires held under tension. However, with the introduction of injection-moulded plastic interiors extended tabs were utilised for suspension and unfortunately kiddies over enthusiasm bouncing their toy car resulted in breaks and the wonderful springing was no more. Just see how many Ghia 6.4L are out there with broken suspension particularly the front section as to open the bonnet to reveal that 'fully' detailed engine one needed to press down to release the bonnet!
Autominologist residing in the Robin Hood County
Nottinghamshire England UK
