The French Dinky Ford Livestock Truck In 1950, the French Dinky catalogue advertised the Ford Betailiere as to be newly introduced during that year. When the 94mm long truck was launched, it cost 175 old francs, about 3/6. The model’s bodywork had an animal crate and ribbed wheel hubs with type ‘M’ rubber tyres. Between 1950 and 1952, the model came in just one colour, silver, blue or red, often with red, yellow or black hubs. During 1952 models had two colours, often red and yellow and cost 185 old francs, about 3/8.

Based on the Ford ‘Poissy’, so-called because of the Paris suburb in which it was built, the truck was initially known as the Matford F917WS, the product of an ill-fated joint venture with Alsace carmaker, Mathis. When post-war production restarted, the truck was known as the Ford 698W and continued in production until replaced by the Ford Cargo, which became the SIMCA Cargo, when Ford sold its operations, including the Poissy plant, during 1954.Cost 175Fr. available in silver, blue, red finish. French Dinky in detail...