With this issue, Tales of Toy Cars (TofTC) celebrates the completion
of two years of publication and 24 issues. As we begin our third year, the
popularity of all scales of diecast cars is better than ever. From 1:87
to 1:12 scale, new products are arriving more quickly and with better quality
and prices than ever before. I my favorite scales of 1:46 and 1:18, the
best just seem to get better. Companies like Johnny Lightning, Maisto, Siku
and Anson have successfully challenged the industry leaders like Mattel
and Bburago. I've said it before but it bears repeating, this is the golden
age of diecast cars.
Is TofTC contributing to this new generation for our hobby? With all modesty,
this appears true. If it is true, much of the credit goes to the many contributors
to this publication. While these contributors are recognized on our masthead,
I would like to make special note of the excellent work provided by Brian
Willoughby, David Cook and Remco Natrop. This is an all-volunteer publication.
The only payment we receive is the simple joy this hobby provides. Any revenues
received (they have been very modest) from our sponsors, go to help cover
the monthly server charges. If you appreciate and would like to help sponsor
TofTC or provide articles for publication, please let me know via the Guest Book.
With all the toy cars being produced, are manufacturers running out of new
models to offer? Sure, American muscle cars and European/Japanese sports
cars are the most popular to re-produce in miniature. Toy cars will and
should always follow the market for their full-sized relatives. Even so,
it is curious how some very popular cars are seldom modeled. Let's look
at a case in point.
In 1965, Pininfarina offered a new concept car at the Paris Auto Show. The
Dino Berlinetta was shown to the public as a potential junior Ferrari, In
mid-1968, the production version known as the Dino 206GT was put into showrooms.
In Fall 1969, the Dino's engine was enlarged and it became the 246GT. Never
badged as a Ferrari, the Dino 246 was much acclaimed for it's styling and
readability. A total of 3,883 were built before a new Dino, the 308GT4 was
offered in 1974. The 308GT4 survived until 1980 with 2,826 produced. In
1976, all Dino's were re-badged as Ferrari models. Today, the 246GT is valued
at $60,000 and the 308GT4 at $25,000 for excellent examples. The 246Gt is
often a choice for top ten automotive design lists.
Diecast collectors might reasonably expect that the Dino models would be
represented in 1:64 scale. While one example of the production car was done
many years ago, the Dino has been largely overlooked. The only examples
are very hard to find. Two Dino Berlinetta show cars were done, the first
by Polistil in it's Penny series and the Second by Guisval of Spain. Ertl
did the only production car and both Polistil and Aurora-Cigarbox did a
racing version.
Polistil - Dino Berlinetta #0/201 |
Guisval - Dino Berlinetta |
Aurora Cigarbox - Dino 206SP #6111 |
Ertl - Dino 246GT |