Check out this amazing reproduction of the Stingray's steering wheel using an original toy car dashboard by Duncan Willis. What do you think?
The toy dash, the Playmobile, was released by Deluxe Reading in 1960.
Was it released by Topper in the UK? Would it have been easy for the model makers on Stingray to get hold of in the UK?
The original TV ad can be seen on this You Tube clip. Cool or what!
Did you have a toy dash like this?
What an amazing present it must have been on Christmas day in 1960!
I had this fab dashboard playset as a kid, Woodsy. I think you're spot on about it being released through Delux Reading (Topper Toys). Amongst other ace toys, Topper also made 'Jimmy Jet' - a jet fighter flight simulator in a similar format. Sadly I didn't have that one though. Not even sure if Jimmy Jet made it to the UK, back then? :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks a fantastic toy Tone and what an experience it must have been to 'drive' with it! What did you rest the dashboard on?
DeleteI was very young when I had it, Woodsy. My memory, which is probably a little flawed, suggests I'd place on a couple of cushions on the floor. Additional cushions probably made up the rest of the car in my young imagination. I do know it didn't survive the house move when I was eight. Probably a toy I'd driven in to the ground as a true boy racer. With so much fragile chrome, I'd imagine it's a tricky one to find in good condition today? :)
ReplyDeletegreat memories Tone. It amazes me that this toy actually survived anywhere. I wonder why the prop maker in this post had to make a mould and not just use the toy itself for the prop?
DeleteMy Father, Felix Gilbert designed the Playmobile. As a pilot, mechanical engineer and industrial designer, he wanted to make it as realistic as possible. The turn signals and wipers worked, as did the horn, and turning the key made an ignition type sound. I am glad you got so much fun playing with it.
ReplyDeleteThat's fabulous. Your Dad was very talented! Do you have any photos of your Dad and his classic toy design you could share here?
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