An impressive model, this is a post-1954 release renumbered from 582 to 982: the earlier number is cast on the underside. Mid blue Bedford tractor unit and light blue trailer, The tractor unit has a black grille and bumper, with silver trim. The trailer, which is cast in aluminium with four lower deck retaining rivets, has a hinged rear ramp. 'Dinky Toys Delivery Service' lettering in dark blue on the trailer sides and ramp, the latter also having a '20' speed restriction sign. The wheels are mid blue, ridges on the tractor and 'Supertoys' type on the trailer. The model is supplied with a Dinky 994 upper deck loading ramp in matching light blue tinplate. The ramp bears the number 794 underneath; this item was originally numbered 794, then briefly renumbered to 994 before being changed back to 794, so mismatches between the box and ramp number are common.
A nice original played-with example. There is some paint rubbing/scuffing on the trailer sides and edges, and on the edges of the tractor mudguards. All the lettering is very well preserved, the ramp hinges are intact, and the tyres are good. The box is the later, deeper type, designed to accommodate the upper deck loading ramp which was originally sold separately, and has two packing pieces. The lid has general age wear and scuffing, and the corners are split at one end, with remnants of tape repair.
The 994 loading ramp has paint rubbing on the edges, but no corrosion. Its box has lost two inner flaps, and one end flap and the other two inner flaps are detached but included. Its yellow box has a price of 1/6 (one shilling and sixpence) written in pencil on the back and £6 written on the front, so presumably the ramp was originally sold as a separate item, although it is the correct ramp and box to be included in the set.
Scale: 1:48
Length: 245mm.
Approx Years: 1961 - 1963
Condition: Good, box Fair
Shipping Weight: 653g
The old toys in this shop are offered as collectors' items only, and may not conform to modern toy safety standards.
