These 39 series, along with their English cousins, the 38 series, really put Dinky Toys on the model map in the late 1930s. The 39 series showcased new American sedans when they were introduced in 1939, and along with the 38 series of English tourers, were two key series of diecast Dinky models at that time.
Models from the Dinky 39A Series
Dinky Toys historians and experts believe that both the 38 and 39 series were two of the most important series Dinky ever made. They were the first Dinky Toys cars to be modeled more precisely on real cars. Besides that, they are just lovely models!
Dinky Toys 1950 US catalog
Looking at the details on these castings, Dinky Toys certainly established a “look” with their models that was distinctive for a very long time. It was a combination of an initial design based on the original vehicle, executing the die with Dinkyesque detail, and finishing it. It was a very successful combination for a long time. In this article I share my impressions and photos of the series.
39A Packard Super 8 Touring Sedan
This lovely Packard was made from 1939 to 1941 and then from 1945 to 1952. The model shown dates from around 1950.
Dinky 39A Packard Super 8 Touring Sedan and Dinky 30G Caravan
I have seen many photos of the later 1950’s Caravan by Dinky Toys, but the earlier one, No. 30G, in the photo above was made pre-war only, and remarkably free of any of the dreaded metal fatigue which haunts so many pre-war Dinkys. This instance was made around 1939, and it is being towed by the majestic Packard.
39B Oldsmobile Six Sedan
This 39 series Dinky Toys Oldsmobile Six Sedan dates from around 1950 and is painted a beautiful violet blue color. These pre-war and early Post-war Dinky Toys models have a wonderful look and charm all their own. Even as a young boy, I came to love them.
39C Lincoln Zephyr Coupe
A very popular model from the 39 series was the Lincoln Zephyr, a very stylish coupe. I love the graceful fastback design of this model. These vintage models are elegant in their simplicity; sometimes less is more!
39D Buick Viceroy Saloon
My favorite 39 series car is the Buick Viceroy, probably because it was one of my first purchases from H. Hudson Dobson in 1958. Mine is a later one with colored wheels. I have also always been a huge Buick fan. Years after I bought it, I wondered where the model name Viceroy came from, and after some searching I discovered that was an export model name that was never used in the US, which made sense. After 62 years of ownership, this one still has my heart!
Dinky 39D Buick Viceroy
H. Hudson Dobson had quite a few new old stock (NOS) Dinky Toys when my friend and I first contacted them in 1958, including those of the 38 and 39 series, 36 series, 25 series small trucks, and others. I thought it was neat that we were able to buy them, and at their original prices. I think this Buick cost me 75 cents!
39E Chrysler Royal Sedan
Another of the 39 series that showed some style was the Chrysler Royal sedan. I love the 3/4 rear view that shows the sweeping lines. It’s such a classic car and also a very classic model that Dinky produced early on.
This is another one I was fortunate enough to buy still new in 1958, my second acquisition from H. Hudson Dobson, the US distributor. They had been discontinued for several years, but H. Hudson Dobson had leftover NOS (new old stock) models that were sold for just 85 cents. It has stayed nearly pristine for 70 years. What a stylish car it was!
39F Studebaker State Commander Saloon
Another member of the wonderful 39 series of Dinky Toys, the Studebaker State Commander, was made briefly before the war during 1939–1941 and then again during 1945–1950. I just have one example: this lovely olive green instance from years ago. It has the smooth, non-ridged wheels, so has to be an early post war model, likely made around 1946.
