An absolutely stunning, 100% original vintage Dinky Toys No. 146 Daimler 2.5 Litre V8 in its highly sought-after original metallic aqua blue-green finish. Manufactured by Meccano Ltd in England during the mid-1960s, this investment-grade model comes complete with its original pictorial card box.
This car has been cherished and remarkably preserved. The metallic enamel finish displays an incredible deep factory luster with the authentic orange-peel texturing collectors look for. The model features full clear window glazing, a vibrant deep red plastic interior, an intact cream three-spoke steering wheel, and fully functional "Prestomatic" spring suspension and fingertip steering.
The original card box is complete with all its internal and external flaps firmly attached. One end flap features a charming, authentic period pencil notation of "3/9" (3 shillings and 9 pence), denoting its original 1960s retail shop price in pre-decimal British currency.
Please see the comprehensive condition report below and study the extensive close-up photos provided to fully appreciate the outstanding condition of this vintage survivor.
Detailed Condition Report
1. Diecast Car Body & Paint
- Overall Grade: Excellent to Near Mint
- Details: The body retains a highly lustrous, uniform metallic aqua finish. The paint work is entirely original and unrestored. There is no heavy play wear or major chipping. Under macro inspection, there is an incredibly minor micro-nick on the cowl vent intake trim line just forward of the windscreen and a tiny pinpoint factory casting speck on the rear passenger-side pillar.
2. Glazing & Interior
- Overall Grade: Near Mint to Mint
- Details: The clear window unit is fully intact, firmly seated, and completely transparent with no structural cracks or deep gouges. The interior is mint; the deep red plastic seats and dashboard are bright, clean, and unfaded. The off-white plastic steering wheel is pristine, straight, and properly anchored.
3. Wheels, Tyres & Baseplate
- Overall Grade: Near Mint
- Details: Fitted with the correct original silver chrome-spun hubs and original black treaded rubber "M" tyres. The tyres retain crisp treading with no flat spots. The black gloss-painted tinplate baseplate is exceptionally clean, preserving almost all its factory sheen. The two attachment rivets are entirely crisp and un-tampered with. Axles are straight and the suspension functions smoothly.
4. Trim & Highlights
- Overall Grade: Excellent
- Details: The silver hand-applied factory paint highlights on the front fluted grille, headlights, and bumpers are very sharp. There is only a trace of minor, age-related silver paint dulling on the upper tips of the rear bumper overriders. Red taillight pods are crisp and complete.
5. Original Pictorial Box
- Overall Grade: Excellent
- Details: A very strong, crisp, and structurally square box with vibrant yellow and red color panels. There is no sun-fading or puncture damage. All main flaps and internal tuck tabs (featuring the "Spare Tyres" and "Meccano Magazine" advertising) are present and securely attached. Shows only minor, natural shelf-rubbing to the outer corner tips and a light vintage pencil store price mark on one end panel.