The Dinky Talbot-Lago Racing Car. In September 1953 edition of the Meccano Magazine Dinky Toys announced the introduction of the Talbot-Lago, 23k, which was launch simultaneously in France, where it was French Dinky’s first new model to be advertised in the Meccano Magazine after the Second World War. The Talbot-Lago racing car, 23k.

Costing 2/6 and noted for its fine detail, the 104mm long model, at a scale of 1:38, was in the blue of the French national racing colour. The French version had a vital significance, because it replicated France’s first post-war racing car. However, the smaller French model, 23K, had a length of just 93mm, reflecting its 1:43 scale. The British version carried water-based transfers with the race numbers 1-6; with age, the French spirit-based transfers now leave a yellow film between the numbers. The models had blue, concave wheel hubs and grey 20mm or occasionally black tyres on the British version; black, 11.190mm tyres were on the French model. The 20mm front tyres did not extend beyond the front of the model as they did on the French model, 23H. The British driver adopts a more upright driving position than the lower driving position in the French model. The exhaust, bonnet louvres and bonnet badge are different, with the French version more closely reflecting the actual Talbot bonnet badge.

Dinky and French dinky modelled 23k and 23H, on the Talbot-Lago T26C, single-seat racing car, which had a box chassis, un-supercharged 4.5 litres straight six engine and a 4-speed, Wilson pre-selector gearbox. The chassis and gearbox were derived from Talbot’s 1930s racing cars. The T26C made its racing debut in the 1948 Monaco Grand Prix, finishing second. Driven by Louis Chiron, further achievements followed, including the 1949 Belgium Grand Prix and in a two-seat version, they won the 1950, Le Mans 24 hour race. Louis Rosier and Jean-Louis Rosier drove the car.

Renumbered 205 and 230. The original price was 2/6 . It was available in blue finish at 1:38 scale. Released as Dinky 23K in 1953 withdrawn as Dinky 23K in 1959.