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12/02/2022 11:44 am
This is an convertible version of the TRIUMPH DOLOMITE 14/65, announced 29 March 1938, with seating for three people on a single bench seat and "two additional outside seats in the tail, reminiscent of the dickey seat that was at one time common" for two more people behind. The hood folded completely into the body to give the appearance of an open sports car. The car was announced with the 1,767 cc engine with twin SU carburettors.
A two-tone (coffee and cream) version of this model featured in the 1945 film version of Noël Coward's Blithe Spirit, directed by David Lean. It was driven by Rex Harrison.
The Triumph Dolomite Roadster is rare as production halted at the end of 1939 due to WW2.
The experience of producing hand beaten aluminium panels made the Coventry plant where the Dolomite was built a natural candidate for aircraft production as this was ramped up. This also attracted attention from the Luftwaffe, and the plant fell victim to bombing in 1940.
Dinky Toys intended to release a model of the Triumph Dolomite in 1939 but going to a wartime footing prevented production. No actual 38e Triumph Dolomites were made, only a layout drawing. Models were made by Ogdi, Maidenhead Static Model Club and others.
1st, The Maidenhead Static Model Club Christmas 2012 issue.
2nd, OGDI Toys of Yesteryear examples, followed by a selection including unfinished white metal castings.
These are not mine.
The best model was produced by the revived Matchbox/Dinky Toys in 1990 as a subscription production as shown here.
I had forgotten that I had this one finding it in one of my storage cases.
12/02/2022 11:51 am
Totally awesome post! Very very cool!. 👍👍👍
Frank Reed
Chesapeake, VA
David Green and David Green reacted
12/02/2022 12:54 pm
Likewise here. I was unboxing some of my collection the other day which had been boxed up for years and found mine as well. I too had forgotten I even had it. It is indeed a very nice model for its price range.
12/02/2022 9:30 pm
I have the Matchbox Dinky as well. In this pic you can see the operable rumble seat. When I visited Mike and Sue Richardson in 1981, they still had their research materials for their Dinky Toys book. I was able to hold and peruse the original Dolomite plans - a real bit of history.
