by Dave Weber Photos by Doug Breithaupt Dinky Toy cars first appeared in the early 1930's and were manufactured by the Meccano Company in England. Reference to Dr. Ed Force's book Dinky Toys is recommended for a good historical summarization. It is noted that most Dinky models were closer to 1:43 scale, as compared to the smaller Matchbox/Hot Wheels 1:64 scale. However, Dinky on at least three separate occasions ventured into manufacturing this smaller scale model. The first episode were the "Dublo" models (Double "O"-"OO" model train gauge) which carried model numbers 062 to 076. The second venture was the issue of the 12 known Mini-Dinky models in plastic garage boxes, which were excellently reviewed a few months ago on this website by Brian Willoughby. The third set of cars was issued in 1980; possibly as a last ditch effort to fend off bankruptcy and closure of the owner of Dinky at that time, Airfix Company, the parent. This set of models, according to Force, carried model numbers 101H through 130H and was actually manufactured by Universal Products of Hong Kong. These models did not carry the Dinky name when issued in the United States. Instead, they were issued by KIDCO, Inc. of Elk Grove Village, Illinois as "Tough Wheels" and were reportedly available in local Kresge/K-Mart stores at that time. Although Dr. Force stated the bases indicated Dinky and made in Hong Kong on them, the models in my collection all show KIDCO on the base. However, I did find a 56 T-Bird during a visit to England almost ten years ago that has a Dinky base on it and is the same casting as my KIDCO model. The following list compares the KIDCO list to that presented by Dr. Force.
I would also like to point out the connection that in 1982 Universal Products
of Hong Kong purchased Matchbox Toys and soon after the owner, David Yeh,
obtained the licensing for the Dinky name; which is still being used today
by Mattel for a series within the Matchbox Collectibles line. Under Universal's
ownership, the Dinky name was used to market a small number of Matchbox
models in 1987. This was done to protect the Dinky trademark and lasted
for only a brief period. Some of these Matchbox models packaged on Dinky
cards are shown below.
Like other car models, these KIDCO/Dinky castings have become fairly scarce in availability in the last few years. The comparative list of KIDCO models was taken from the back of several
"Tough Wheels" blister cards copyrighted in 1979 and1981. The
KIDCO total list includes models which may have duplicate model numbers.
This indicates that not all were issued as Dinky models. These models are
listed in sets of 4 or more models each and are as follows:
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 1956 Chevrolet Corvette  1979 Chevrolet Chevette  1963 Chevrolet Corvette  1956 Ford Thunderbird  1979 Pontiac Firebird (Anniversary Edition)  1953 Chevrolet Corvette  1969 Dodge Charger Daytona  1978 Chevrolet Corvette  1979 Ferrari 308 GTS  1979 Mazda RX-7 |
Chevrolet Corvette
