Mercury ~ Fiat Abarth 1000 Bialbero

Another Italian beauty this week,  this time from Mercury.  Love these models from Mercury,  they have such a distinctive look to them,  like an artist has "painted" each model.   This one features opening doors and an opening engine cover.  Such a classic body shape !

Dinky ~ Alfa Romeo 1900 Coupe ~ # 24J

A very attractive Alfa,  in red of course !  (what else !)  Well Dinky did issue it in Blue, and Turquoise if you can believe it.  

First issued in 1959,  102mm long with cast body, chromed cast or unpainted turned hubs, black tires, black sheet metal base, windows, silver grille, bumpers and headlights, red or orange taillights.

 

Overall this example is in good condition with some paint chips, but not bad.  As Dr. Rampini always said, try to get the most original example, even one that has some wear,  rather then a restored one. This one makes a nice addition to the collection, always loved Alfas !  Ciao

Dinky ~ Renault "Dauphine" ~ #524 / 24E

 

   A recent addition to my very small vintage diecast collection,  this French Dinky Toys Renault Dauphine is my first Dinky with an original box !    Usually Dinky models that still have the original box are way way way out of my price range,  but for some reason this one was low priced and I was able to jump on it !    She looks right at home next to the Café !

   According to the Jan - March 1970 issue of CARS !  -  and Author Georges Pennequin from Paris,  this model was made between the years 1960 - 1962,   as this is the version with windows !    I think Dinky's tooler got the body just right,  love the little side vents near the back wheels.

 Overall an excellent example in good shape with just a little wear on the wheels and axles.