Vintage Dinky
DTCA Chairman, Michael Driver, dons his driving gloves for a sporty ride.
DTCA Chairman, Michael Driver, gets sporty in an E-Type.
Back in the 1960s, the Jaguar E-Type caused a sensation when it appeared on the roads and, like everyone else, I was impressed.The car was later upgraded and a 2+2 version appeared that was slightly longer and bigger, to accommodate extra passengers, albeit they needed to be small.Although it was successful, it did not have quite the same effect as the original E-Type sports car. Once again toy makers produced models of this Jaguar including, of course, Dinky Toys.
The Dinky Toys version arrived as the Jaguar E Type 2+2 (No 131), in November 1968. It is pictured on the back page advert of the Meccano Magazine of that month. It is described as “Have your own high speed ‘E’ type and leave your friends standing.This model has opening doors, bonnet and rear window.Wire wheels, wing mirrors, aerial and engine all shining silver. Go fast, get mobile for 12/11”.The advert shows the car in white, but the 1968 Dinky Toys Catalogue illustrates it in red.
The first models were, however, in white with red plastic interiors and the number plate designation was UVR 77F, representing the year 1967-68.Then came a bronze version with a light blue plastic interior, registered as INJ 72G for 1968-69.A purple version with a light blue plastic interior was registered as UVR 77G and arrived in the higher blister pack with the yellow card base.These models had cast, spoked wheels, silver plastic aerials and came in plastic cases with the yellow and black card road inserts.
The next Jaguar E Type 2+2s were sold in blister packs, introduced in 1973.These later models were fitted with black and silver Speedwheels, like other Dinky Toys cars, from 1972.These which were less authentic, but after all, they were toys.The registration on the cars changed as follows with the bronze car, now on UVR 77L which was for the 1972-73 year.This came in the first blister pack with the blue card base and can also be found in the higher pack with the yellow card insert.The aerials for these cars were in white plastic.
The registration UVR 77N was applied to a red car with a light blue interior and came in a blister pack with the blue card base.With the same registration was a metallic red car, again with a light blue plastic interior, both with black plastic aerials. The Jaguar was deleted in 1975.
With regard to the registration numbers, the sequence of their introduction, as with other Dinky Toys, depended on what stocks the factory held and this, I believe, often leads to confusion with release dates.
The real Jaguar was in fact the Series 1 4.2 2+2, launched in 1966.The outline of the car changed with a steeper windscreen rake and the door size was also increased as it became more of a touring car. All this reduced the top speed but it was still, nevertheless, a Jaguar sports car. DC