Dinky 'Gabriel' Model T Ford

This picture from Vectis is the Model T Ford from the little seen Gerry Anderson series, The Secret Service and was produced by Dinky between 1969 and 1971.

It was named ‘Gabriel’ by Father Stanley Unwin, the lead character, voiced by comedian Stanley Unwin in this quirky spy series which mixed puppets and live action. It carried the number plate T42.

Although, I did see it when it originally aired, The Secret Service wasn’t shown in most ITV regions.

The Dinky Model T was released with little promotion and more than likely, like the series sank without trace. It wasn’t your typical futuristic, gimmick laden vehicle seen in most Gerry Anderson shows so I wouldn’t have busted a gut to get one.

 

 

I got this Model T from a car boot sale some years later for around 50p.

As is well known to Anderson fans', the series was abruptly cancelled by Lew Grade following a test screening and ran for only 13 episodes.

And many of you will know, the full size version of ‘Gabriel’ can also be seen in the UFO episodes,’ Identified’ and ‘A Question of Priorities’