Vintage Dinky Toys, models of Mighty Antar trucks by Thorneycroft

Dinky Toys are a brand of die-cast miniature vehicles and models that were produced by the British company Meccano Ltd. from the early 1920s to the 1970s. The company was founded in 1919 by Frank Hornby, who also created the popular construction toy Meccano. The first Dinky Toys were produced in 1934 and were an immediate success.

The Dinky Toys line included a wide variety of vehicles such as cars, trucks, airplanes, and boats, as well as military vehicles, construction equipment, and figurines. They were made using a die-casting process and were known for their high level of detail and accurate representations of real-life vehicles. They were also painted in realistic colors and often came with intricate moving parts.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Dinky Toys became one of the most popular toy brands in the United Kingdom and were exported around the world. The company continued more... to introduce new models and expanded its product line to include a range of accessories such as garages, gas stations, and figures. However, due to increased competition and changing consumer preferences, the company began to struggle in the 1970s, and production of Dinky Toys was eventually ceased in 1979.

There are many different Dinky Toys that are considered to be highly collectible, and their value can vary depending on factors such as rarity, condition, and popularity. Some of the most sought-after Dinky Toys include:

1. Pre-war models: Dinky Toys produced before the Second World War are considered to be the most valuable and rare. These early models often featured more intricate designs and finer detailing than later models, and are highly sought-after by collectors.
2. Military vehicles: Dinky Toys produced during the Second World War and the 1950s, such as tanks, airplanes, and military trucks, are considered to be highly collectible due to their historical significance and accurate depictions of real-life vehicles.
3. Rare models: Certain Dinky Toys that were produced in limited numbers or for a short period of time are considered to be rare and highly collectible. These include prototypes, test shots, and promotional models.
4. Mint condition: Dinky Toys that are in their original packaging and have never been played with are considered to be highly valuable and collectible.
5. Prototype models: These are the models that were never released to the public, they were made to test the design and functionality of the final product, they are rare and highly sought after by collectors.
6. Racing Cars: Dinky Toys that were made with the likeness of famous racing cars, these are also highly sought after by collectors.