Dinky Toys 408 Big Bedford Lorry

Notes

Seldom seen in any condition, this is a very close to mint example to fill that gap in your Dinky commercial collection.

The Big Bedford Lorry in this distinctive light pink and cream shade was released in relatively few numbers.
These high profile colour variations are nearly always found with touch-ins/later ‘enhancements’ but not so in this case. A couple of little factory assembly marks and the occasional very light rub, very small mark. Note the paint used on the cab is a little creamier in places – it appears that the paint mixing could have been more thorough in the factory at the time. Crucially no touch-ins or repainting. Nice lustre. Well-shaped grey treaded tyres. Note as is usual, the earlier 522 numbering on the base, since a new casting was not made when the model was given the new number 408.

The yellow lift-off lid pictorial box is complete and brightly-coloured. Light wear and only the most minor fading to the violet blue base not covered by the base. None of the usual shelf rubbing to the base either.
Date of issue is stamped on the inside of the box lid, but illegible now. Our best guess is 1959.