Toy cars are in demand

TWO old tinplate toy cars are estimated to sell for £10,000 in the Charterhouse two-day collector’s auction on September 9 and 10.

“The models of Alfa Romeo P2 race cars would have no doubt given their owners hours of fun when new back in the 1920’s,” commented Richard Bromell.

“Rarely do you see one of the models, produced by the French firm CIJ Companie, so it is a real pleasure to see and handle two although they are too expensive for me to wind up and play with!”

The Alfa Romeo P2 won the inaugural Automobile World Championship in 1925, taking victory in two of the four championship rounds when Antonio Ascari drove it in the European

Grand Prix at Spa, and Count Brilli-Peri won the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

From 1924-1930 the P2 was victorious in 14 Grands Prix and major events including the Targa Florio. It was one of the iconic Grand Prix cars of the 1920’s, and enabled Alfa Romeo, as world champions, to incorporate the laurel wreath into their logo.

Today these clockwork models are highly sought after. At the Charterhouse auction, the red P2 has been restored and is estimated at £2,0004,000 whilst the green car is in its original condition and estimated at £4,000-6,000 despite missing a few parts and with some slight surface rust and cracked paint.

Richard Bromell and the team at

Charterhouse can be contacted for valuations at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne on 01935 812277 or via www.charterhouseauction.com.

Restored red clockwork tinplate Alfa Romeo P2, £2,000-4,000; Unrestored and original green clockwork tinplate Alfa Romeo, P2 £4,000-6,000