Dinky Mini Models
The Dinky range of mini's consists of a lot of the mini vans and commercials. The early issues of 'sedans' was limited when compared to the number of Corgi issues. Corgi focussed more on sedans and less on the commercials, until the more recent years when the mini van has appeared in at least 10 variants that I know of.
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| These two vans are difficult to get the colour right with. They are both the flourescent versions that were issued in 1970. On this side is the Pink Austin Seven Countryman. Model # 199 was available between 1961 and 1971. Originally with a blue body and wood' trim, the flouro pink version was sold between 1970 and 71. |  |
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Morris Mini Traveller, the differences are only the grill and stamped name on the base plate. First issued as a white body with 'wood' trim, model # 197 is also found with dark green and 'wood' trim, Lime Green(which I think was a South African variant, confirmation please anyone?) and the flouro green shown here. | ||
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The page here is from the Dinky catalog # 3. Issued in the mid-60's
I think. It shows the two base models of the Austin and Morris Vans.
These are the van castings that were re-painted for the flouro models
shown above. The dark green #197 is a very rare model. The mainstream release is the white variant pictured below left. The #199 blude Countryman is also shown. Both of these are a part of my 'pre-loved' collection. The later issue AA Van shown below, together with the RAC and Postal Vans(not shown) were based on a similar casting except with opening rear doors. See the Dinky Catalogue Covers for some more detail. |
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Left: One of my favourites, even if this is is pre-loved ! I used to drive one of these years ago, and while it is not my favourite road car, it did provide safe reliable transport. Issued as #140 between 1963 and 1969. It is depicted in the catalog as white with blue roof, however it appears to have only had production in the all-over pale blue shown here. | Above: This is a speed-wheels style and a late model but it was MiB and I could not resist. Introduced in 1975 and deleted in 1979, The same casting was used for #255 Police Mini. | |
| 'Stripey' the Magic Mini was an elaborate model. This particular one is only in fair condition and has at least one non-genuine character, but it helps me round out my collection. I cannot afford a MiB version. |  |
It was based on the #183 Mini Minor (shown below) and featured Candy, Andy, and the Bearanda's from a UK childrens comic 'Candy'. Issued 1967 until 1970, it was another line from Gerry Anderson's 'Century 21' merchandising company. | |
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This Dinky model was released in 1966 and
available until 1975, although the latter years had Speed-Wheels.
This example has some scuffing to the top front of the roof, spoiling
an otherwise mint condition model. It was also issued in a blue with
black roof. Issue # 183 it featured opening doors and bonnet, jewelled headlights and tipping seats. It still fascinates me as to why the title is Morris Mini-Minor(Automatic) on the the box. There is no gear stick or gear box feature to distinguish it from the manual ? |
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| The Election Van #492 proved difficult to get the lighting right. It is basically all white with the 'Vote for Somebody' in pale red writing on the placard. Yet another variation on the traveller vans. |  |
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