Tin Toys

Meccano Dinky Toys

Meccano was established in 1908 to make metal construction sets and transitioned into tin and metal cars in the mid-1930’s. Meccano released six toy vehicles (made of cast lead) which included a sports car, a truck, a delivery van and others. It was not until 1935 when Meccano began to build accurate depictions of real vehicles, with a Daimler sedan, Chrysler Airflow and Rolls Royce being among the first set of accurate vehicles.

Meccano did not produce toys during the WWII period, though it resumed in 1946 with U.S. military Jeeps. Dinky Toys became more sophisticated and more detailed in the 1950’s, and now featured models of significant cars such as the Aston Martin DB3S.  

The 1950’s also witnessed the rise of Formula 1 in massive global popularity, and Meccano reflected that in their toys. The Audrain is thrilled to display six Meccano Formula 1 Dinky Toys from the collection of Donald Osborne in Small Wonders. At a glance, the six toys look similar, but with a closer look, one is able inspect the small details which make each car special and unique.