The Dinky Atlas Saviem-Sinpar 4x4 Porte-Fer . available in red & grey finish. Dinky Atlas in detail...

The French Dinky Saviem-Sinpar 4x4 Porte-Fer In 1961, with the deletion of the Blaw-Knox bulldozer (885/1), French Dinky ceased the use of model number 885 until its re-introduction in 1966 as the Saviem-Sinpar 4x4, Porte-Fer (885/2), or iron and steel carrier. Advertised as newly introduced in the 1966 catalogue, the 222mm long truck cost 19.75 new francs, almost £2. The model’s highly unusual appearance reflected the vehicles half cab construction, with a blue overall clad driver sat within a red resin cab, which has plastic windows and sliding doors. The half cab is located centrally upon a grey flat-bed, with mountings for the steel rods and magnets, which keep the rods in place. Large 22mm XL square tread tyres fit the red resin wheel hubs. A red lantern hangs on the overhanging steel rods at the rear of the model. Eventually, this unique model was withdrawn in 1971.

In reality, the model was based upon the 4x4 Saviem JL29, which had its drive units, gear-box and differentials manufactured by Renault subsidiary, Sinpar. Coachbuilders, G. Pelpel, from St. Cloud, near Rennes, produced the tilting half cab above the engine compartment. The Saviem JL29 was one of several powertrains used for this vehicle, with UNIC, MAN, DAF, VOLVO and Renault engines. MAN and Perkins diesels powered the Saviem. Today, this half cab truck represents a rare historic vehicle, being replaced when changes to the law allowed larger tractor units and their articulated or semi-remorque trailers.Cost 19.75 Fr. available in red & grey finish. French Dinky in detail...

The French Dinky Renault R4 Sinpar Advertised in the second edition of the 1968 catalogue, French Dinky introduced the Renault R4 Sinpar, 1406, 'Michel Tanguy' later in the same year. At a length of 85mm, the model cost 11Fr. (New Francs), about 22/- or £1, 2/-. The model featured a fold down windscreen with plastic windows, camouflage, an antenna, bonnet camera, steering wheel and instrument panel and two figures, which represent characters from the television series. The model's chassis was not the same as the one used for models 800 and 815, the army and gendarmerie's versions. The model was withdrawn in 1971.

The model's decoration was designed by one of the programme's characters in the second episode. The model was basis on the Renault R4, 4x4. The engineering for the car's 4x4 drive was produced by Sinpar, a division of Renault.

Created by Jean Michel Charlier, Michel Tanguy was the main character in a comic strip, which became the French television series, 'The Knights of Heaven', some seven years after the comic strip first appeared.. The comic strip was illustrated by Albert Uderzo, who also illustrated the Tintin and Asterix books. The music accompanying the television series was sung by French star, Johnny Halliday.

The Michel Tanguy stories were about two friends from a flying school, who were sent to Meknes in Morocco for advanced training. The team of Tanguy and Laverdure flew Dassault Super Mystere (French Dinky 60A) and later, the Mirage III, the model produced by Heller. The television programmes maintained that the squadron once included the World War I, French fighter ace, George Guynemer. Michel Tanguy's character was serious, honest and obedient. The blond, Ernest Laverdure was eccentric, blundering and awkward. He was portrayed as a strong character and the person who customised the Renault 4x4.

In Britain, during, 1966, the 'Knights of Heaven' comic strip appeared in the Lion comic, under the title , 'The Flying Aces'. Michel Tanguy was renamed, Jim Power, and Ernest Laverdure, Terry Madden. The futuristic style adopted had the men described as 'aeronauts'.

In short, the French Dinky, Renault R4 Sinpar, 1406, represents a significant influence on the syndication of published materials and broadcasting rights. Cost 11Fr.. French Dinky in detail...