Dinky 138-G-1 Hillman Imp

[toysnz]

I have a Dinky 138-G-1 Metallic Green Hillman Imp with WHITE roof. I've inspected it closely and it does appear to be a factory produced item but it does not appear in any of the recognised references including "The Great Book of Dinky Toys", "Dinky Toys and Modelled Miniatures" (both by Mike and Sue Richardson), and "Dinky Toys" by Dr Edward Force (revised 7th Edition).

If anyone else has one or knows more about the model I'd appreciate hearing from them. Chris... you listening? Photo below....

Ian

[GHOSTHUNTER]

I have never seen another. Even the real car never had a White roof, none of them not even the de Luxe version which was a higher spec car.

It is an earlier version as it is minus the jewelled headlamps and rear number plate, so maybe it was a trial, that was cancelled (because then it did not match the real car!!).

I also look forward to what Chris will have to say about this model.

Ghosthunter.

[fixer]

Found this on Google via a site called picssr.com user name Dinocosso
One thing that I noticed is the green luggage instead of brown shown in other pictures. ....maybe a trial as Ghosty suggested

[toysnz]

Found this on Google via a site called picssr.com user name Dinocosso
One thing that I noticed is the green luggage instead of brown shown in other pictures. ....maybe a trial as Ghosty suggested

"Curiouser and Curiouser!" cried Alice.... and me! Love the pic and green luggage is a curious item also! Thanks Reg

Ian

[starni999]

Hi Ian,
Well it's a new one on me too, it's an early issue, there is no rear number plate cast, and it looks like the small front numberplate version. Any chance of a full front view and a look at the baseplate?
It appears you have a Hillman Imp painted as a Triumph 2000? A great fInd mate!
CW.

[toysnz]

Hi Ian,
Well it's a new one on me too, it's an early issue, there is no rear number plate cast, and it looks like the small front numberplate version. Any chance of a full front view and a look at the baseplate?
It appears you have a Hillman Imp painted as a Triumph 2000? A great fInd mate!
CW.

I'll get my daughter to snap the front end - here's the base

Ian

[starni999]

Cheers Ian,
Normal base colour for the first issue, so a small no plate will confirm it as an early one.
Cheers,
CW.

[Fred7A]

That's certainly an intriguing item, and one I haven't hear of before. As Chris says, the grey base shows it is an early issue. As far as I'm aware, no green Imps have the larger front number plate, only later red ones and the blue version.

[toysnz]

And finally - the front! BTW what is this talk of large and small number plates?

[starni999]

Hi Ian,
Yes it's a first issue for sure. I only have this one myself, as I don't really collect Dinky after 1960. However the main variations, excluding colours, in no particular order are:

Small front number plate changes to large front number plate that almost covers all of the front lower grille. At the same time as this change the front lower grille is painted silver too.

The rear side body mouldings get much more pronounced, hard to describe but pretty obvious in the hand. Basically another moulding is cast in running forward from the upper rear light.

A rear number plate outline is cast into the engine cover.

Jeweled headlamps are fitted.

As far as I know the suitcase was always brown, but some Triumph 2000's came with green suitcases, so they could easily get used instead I suppose?

A really good one mate. Well done!
Cheers
CW.