I saw an auction toy car listed as Minister. I thought it was the boxed black rolls at the top but it's actually the boxed red tinplate (I think) roadster bottom left. Is there a real car actually called the Minister?
I feel like the Minister was an early 1950s Pontiac model, but then again I can't find verification. There are a lot of Minister Friction Car Toys on ebay, so maybe it was a brand?
Anyways, I'll take that cool Wonder Loco, please! SFZ
It seems this might be a version of the first-generation Pontiac Chieftain car, although I can not find a variant called the Minister. The toy was available in both Minister Delux (Sedan) and Minister Open Delux (Convertible) versions. Seems to be about a 1953/54 model.
Surely Sedan was the American term, and Saloon the British term ? I try to use the correct British or American term for British and American cars. Otherwise it just looks odd.
Looking further in to the Minister tinplate car, it seems this is a modern, or fairly modern, toy done in a 'vintage' style. Perhaps copying a real vintage toy. The box top has Made in India, and Amar Toy, Delhi on the lid, and some of the cars have a small sticker on the underside which also says Made in India. But it looks like some people on line are trying to pass these off as genuine vintage toys, with either tape over the words Made in India, or damage in just that spot, and another sticker over Amar Toy. I would be very careful with this car, although some sales listings do not have this information covered up. The box shown in the above photo has not been touched.
I feel like the Minister was an early 1950s Pontiac model, but then again I can't find verification. There are a lot of Minister Friction Car Toys on ebay, so maybe it was a brand?
ReplyDeleteAnyways, I'll take that cool Wonder Loco, please! SFZ
Yes, a brandi think you're right SF.
DeleteIt seems this might be a version of the first-generation Pontiac Chieftain car, although I can not find a variant called the Minister. The toy was available in both Minister Delux (Sedan) and Minister Open Delux (Convertible) versions. Seems to be about a 1953/54 model.
ReplyDeleteSedan isn't a word you hear now Paul. Like coupé or saloon.
DeleteSurely Sedan was the American term, and Saloon the British term ? I try to use the correct British or American term for British and American cars. Otherwise it just looks odd.
DeleteThere's lots of Ministers Woodsy.
ReplyDeleteThere's the Minister Cooper, the Minister Clubman, and the Minister Countryman, to name but three !
Ha ha! Yes, Minister Mish!
DeleteLooking further in to the Minister tinplate car, it seems this is a modern, or fairly modern, toy done in a 'vintage' style. Perhaps copying a real vintage toy. The box top has Made in India, and Amar Toy, Delhi on the lid, and some of the cars have a small sticker on the underside which also says Made in India.
ReplyDeleteBut it looks like some people on line are trying to pass these off as genuine vintage toys, with either tape over the words Made in India, or damage in just that spot, and another sticker over Amar Toy.
I would be very careful with this car, although some sales listings do not have this information covered up. The box shown in the above photo has not been touched.
Thanks Paul. Useful to know. Good to be aware. I think I've seen these tin cars at toy fairs too.
Delete