My other brands of diecast vans
Beyond the major diecast brands, many other manufacturers have produced miniature vans in a wide variety of styles. This section brings together vans from makers such as Dinky, Ertl, Hartoy, Kidco, Maisto, Playart, Siku, Tomica, Welly, Zylmex and others, along with models whose manufacturer is less easy to identify.
Some are miniature versions of familiar commercial vehicles, while others feature custom paintwork, promotional graphics or unusual designs. Comparing them reveals the different approaches manufacturers took to modelling vans, from simple, sturdy toys to more detailed replicas.
No branding
Base: no markings
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Clear
Condition: Play worn
Base: China
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Clear
Condition: few chips
Base: no markings
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Clear
Condition: Play worn
Base: Made in China
Base type: Chrome Plastic
Windows: Yellow tint
Condition: New
Base: no markings
Base type: white Plastic
Windows: blue tint
Condition: New
Base: no markings
Base type: white Plastic
Windows: blue tint
Condition: New
Base: Made in China
Description: Diecast body, plastic base, 58mm long
Base: Made in China
Description: Diecast body, plastic base, 58mm long
Base: made in China
Base type: Chrome Plastic
Windows: Black
Condition: Good
Base: Made in China
Description: Diecast body, plastic base, 55mm long
Base: Made in China
Description: Diecast body, plastic base, 55mm long
Base: China
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: med Blue tint
Condition: Good
Base: China
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: med Blue tint
Condition: Good
Base: No Markings
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Light Blue tint
Condition: Good
Base: China
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: med Blue tint
Condition: Good
Base: China
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: med Blue tint
Condition: few chips
Base: China
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Dark Blue tint
Condition: Slight wear
Base: No Markings
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Dark Blue tint
Condition: As new
Base: Made in China
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Black
Condition: Slight wear
Base: p346, Ambulance van, Hong Kong
Base type: Black Diecast
Windows: Dark Blue tint
Condition: few chips
Base: Ambulance van, p346
Base type: Black Diecast
Windows: Blue Tint
Condition: New
Variation: Different wheels
Dinky
Dinky Toys introduced its No. 410 Bedford CF van in the early 1970s. Based on Britain's popular commercial van, the model appeared in a wide variety of colours and business liveries, including delivery companies, airlines, car-hire firms and emergency services.
The Bedford became especially interesting to collectors because of its many promotional versions. Specialist dealer John Gay distributed numerous additional liveries, some using existing Dinky models decorated with company graphics. As a result, there are far more variations than might be expected from a single casting.
Details worth comparing include the roof moulding, wheel hubs, base finish, front-end paintwork and side graphics. Most examples have fixed rear doors, so the different decorations and small production details are a major part of their appeal.
Base: Dinky toys, Bedford Van, Made in England
Base type: Black Tin
Windows: Clear
Condition: Play worn
Base: Dinky toys, Bedford Van, Made in England
Base type: Black Tin
Windows: Clear
Condition: Missing rear wheels
Base: Dinky toys, Bedford Van, Made in England
Base type: Black Tin
Windows: none
Condition: missing proper wheels
Base: Dinky toys, Bedford Van, Made in England
Base type: Black Tin
Windows: Clear
Condition: play worn
Base: Dinky toys, Bedford Van, Made in England
Base type: Black Tin
Windows: Clear
Condition: play worn
Base: Dinky toys, Bedford Van, Made in England
Base type: Black Tin
Windows: Clear
Condition: play worn
Ertl
Ertl was founded in the United States in 1945 and became particularly well known for its farm toys and diecast agricultural models. It also produced licensed vehicles, including the famous A-Team GMC van released in 1983.
Base: Ertl, made in USA, 1983
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Clear
Condition: worn
Base: Ertl, made in China, 1983
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Clear
Condition: few chips
Variation: Decals
Base: Ertl, made in China, 1983
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Clear
Condition: few chips
Variation: No decals
Base: 2002 ertl
Base type:
Windows: Clear
Condition: New
Hartoy
Hartoy was an American diecast distributor founded in Florida in 1982 by former Matchbox executive Elliot Harrowe. The company marketed models carrying familiar brand names, including Coca-Cola, and its 1988 releases included a range of small diecast vehicles and vans. These can be found marked Made in Hong Kong or Made in China, making the base markings an interesting detail to compare across the collection.
Base: Hartoy Inc, 1988, made in Hong Kong
Base type: Chrome Plastic
Windows: Clear
Condition: chipped
Tampo
Base: Hartoy Inc, 1988, made in China
Base type: Chrome Plastic
Windows: Clear
Condition: New
Tampo
Base: no markings
Base type: Chrome Plastic
Windows: Dark Orange tint
Condition: As new
Tampo
Base: no markings
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Dark Orange tint
Condition: chipped
Base: No markings
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Dark Orange tint
Condition: Good
Tampo
Base: No markings
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Dark Orange tint
Condition: few chips
Base: made in China
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Clear
Condition: chipped
Tampo
Base: Chevrolet
Base type: Chrome Plastic
Windows: Clear
Condition: Slight wear
Base: Made in China
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Dark Orange tint
Condition: As new
Base: No markings
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Dark Orange tint
Condition: As new
Tampo
Base: No markings
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Dark Orange tint
Condition: Play worn
Base: no markings
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Dark Orange tint
Condition: Chipped
Base: made in China
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Clear
Condition: chipped
Tampo
Base: made in China
Base type: Chrome Plastic
Windows: Dark Orange tint
Condition: few chips
Base: Made in China
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Solid Black
Condition: dirty
Tampo
Base: made in china
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Dark Orange tint
Condition: few chips
Kidco
Kidco was a short-lived brand that appeared in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Its diecast vehicles were produced by Universal in Hong Kong and Macau, and many were based on models Universal had already made. Some Kidco toys can therefore be found with similar castings under different names.
Base: Kidco 1979 made in Hong Kong
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Clear
Condition: Play worn
Base: Kidco made in Macao
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Black
Condition: New
Maisto
Maisto produced a 1:64-scale model of the Chevrolet Express, the full-size American van introduced for the 1996 model year. The diecast model appeared around 1999 and features the van's distinctive front grille and practical commercial-vehicle styling.
Base: Maisto, Chevrolet express van, Made in China
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Black tint
Condition: Good and boxed
Base: Maisto, Chevrolet express van, Made in China
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Black tint
Condition: Good
Base: Maisto, 2000 Chevrolet express van, Made in China
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Black tint
Condition: New
Maisto - Vantasy
The Maisto Vantasy is a fantasy custom van with exaggerated styling, a lowered custom look and a variety of bright colours and decorations. Although it resembles an American full-size van, it is not an accurate replica of a specific production vehicle. Its design has been compared to the GMC Vandura.
Vantasy has appeared in several Maisto ranges, including Fresh Metal, Burnin' Key, Speed Wheels and Adventure Wheels. Some versions feature plain paintwork, while others have custom graphics or themed decorations, including Marvel character designs. This variety makes the Vantasy an unusual addition to a collection of diecast vans.
Base: Vantasy - Maisto, Made in China
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Dark Blue
Condition: New
Base: Vantasy - Maisto, Made in China
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Blue
Condition: New
Base: Vantasy - Maisto, Made in China
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Black
Condition: New
Base: Vantasy - Maisto, Made in China (glow rider)
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Black
Condition: New
Base: Vantasy - Maisto, Made in China (spider-man)
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Black
Condition: New
Base: Vantasy - Maisto, Made in China
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Black
Condition: New
Base: Vantasy - Maisto, Made in China
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Black
Condition: New
Base: Vantasy - Maisto, Made in China
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Black
Condition: New
Playart
Playart was a Hong Kong toy manufacturer whose diecast vehicles competed with brands such as Matchbox and Hot Wheels during the 1970s. Its models were also sold under retailer names including Peelers at Woolworths and Road Mates at Sears. Although Playart is best known for its small cars, it produced a variety of commercial vehicles too. Its compact vans can feel surprisingly solid, with good detail for their size.
Base: Playart, custom van, made in hong kong
Base type: Black Diecast
Windows: Clear
Condition: Play worn
Decal condition: Peeling
Base: Playart, custom van, made in Hong Kong
Base type: Black Diecast
Windows: Clear
Condition: Play worn
Base: Playart, custom van, made in hong kong
Base type: Black Diecast
Windows: Clear
Condition: play worn, no paint
Base: Playart, custom van, made in hong kong
Base type: Black Diecast
Windows: Clear
Condition: Play worn
Base: Playart, custom van, made in hong kong
Base type: Black diecast
Windows: clear
Condition: New
Szetoy
Szetoy, also written as Sze Toy, was a Hong Kong diecast toy maker active around the 1970s and early 1980s. Its vehicles were sometimes sold under other names or retailer brands, making them difficult to identify today.
The company produced a variety of models, and surviving examples are found with different numbering systems and base markings.
Szetoy's U.S. Van, including the unusual No. 70 1/2 version, is a colourful example of the less familiar diecast brands made in Hong Kong.
Base: SZETOY, no. 70 1/2, US Van, Hong Kong
Description: measures 120mm long, 50mm tall
Base: SZETOY, no. 70 1/2, US Van, Hong Kong
Description: measures 120mm long, 50mm tall
Base: SZETOY, no. 70 1/2, US Van, Hong Kong
Description: measures 120mm long, 50mm tall
Base: SZETOY, no. 70 1/2, US Van, Hong Kong
Description: measures 120mm long, 50mm tall
Tomica
Tomica was launched in Japan by Tomy in 1970, with miniature vehicles based on real cars and working vehicles. The range became known for its detailed models and opening features on many castings. Vans and other commercial vehicles have been part of its broad lineup.
Base: Tomica no f22 8-1/76 1977 tomy, made in Japan, Chevrolet Chevyvan
Base type: Plain Diecast
Windows: Clear
Condition: Slight wear
Base: Tomica no f22 8-1/76 1977 tomy, made in Japan, Chevrolet Chevyvan
Base type: Plain Diecast
Windows: Clear
Condition: Slight wear
Welly
Welly's No. 1112 Chevrolet van bears a strong resemblance to the custom vans produced by Hartoy. The similarity raises the possibility of a shared mould or tooling connection, although I have not found confirmation that Welly acquired Hartoy's tooling. Comparing the body details, windows and baseplates may help establish how closely the two versions are related.
Base: Welly, no. 1112, made in china
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Light Blue tint
Condition: Good
Base: Welly, no. 1112, made in china
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: Dark Orange tint
Condition: chipped
Base: Welly, no. 1112, made in china
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: med Blue tint
Condition: few chips
Base: Welly, No.99591, Made in China
Base type: Chrome Plastic
Windows: Clear
Condition: New
Base: Welly, No.99591, Made in China
Base type: Chrome Plastic
Windows: Clear
Condition: New
Zylmex
Zylmex was a Hong Kong diecast brand produced by Zyll Enterprises from the 1960s into the 1990s. Its range included a series called Super Vans, alongside cars, trucks and emergency vehicles. In the United States, many Zylmex models were sold under the Zee Toys name.
Base: Zylmex p344, straight arrow, Hong Kong
Base type: Plain Diecast
Windows: Clear
Condition: Play worn
Base: Zylmex Dodge van p320 Hong Kong
Base type: Black Diecast
Windows: Clear
Condition: Play worn
Base: Zylmex Dodge van p320 Hong Kong
Base type: Plain Diecast
Windows: Clear
Condition: Play worn
Base: Zylmex Van Killer p343 Hong Kong
Base type: Plain Diecast
Windows: Clear
Condition: Play worn
Base: Zylmex p341, Super Van, Hong Kong
Base type: Black Diecast
Windows: med Yellow tint
Condition: Good
A few from other places.
Base: Muscle machines '63 ford econoline
Base type:
Windows:
Condition: New
Base: Muscle machines Jessie James ford econoline
Base type: Black diecast
Windows: Clear
Condition: New
Base: Jada toys '65 ford econoline
Base type: Black plastic
Windows: Light Smoke
Condition: New
Base: Ideal Toy Corp 1982, made in Macao
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: painted
Condition: vandalised
Base: made in China
Base type: Black Plastic
Windows: dark blue
Condition: average
Base: Made in China, 8186
Description: Diecast body, plastic base
Base: No 8710, Made in China - 11cm long
Base type: Black plastic
Windows: clear
Condition: few chips
Base: Fun Ho! NZ, Thames Van
Description: Made in New Zealand, no. 20. Opening diecast rear doors
Base: Made in TM-6A
Description: Diecast body, plastic base
Base: Majorette, Toyota Lite Ace, Made in France
Base type: Bare diecast
Windows: yellow tint
Condition: few chips
Base: Toyota van, Made in Hong kong
Base type: black plastic
Windows: black
Condition: worn
Base: Made in China
Description: Diecast body, plastic base, 70mm long
Base: Made in China
Description: Diecast body, plastic base, 70mm long
Base: Made in China
Description: Diecast body, plastic base, 70mm long
Size, Make1:64 scale, Monster Jam
Base: blank
Base type: Black plastic
Windows: Black tint
Condition: New
Size, Make45mm long
Base: blank
Base type: Black plastic
Windows: Black
Condition: play worn
Size, Make102mm long
Base: no.9032, Made in China
Base type: Black plastic
Windows: Black
Condition: broken front wheel
Base: China, 8074-B
Description: Diecast body, plastic base, 70mm long
Base: no markings
Description: Diecast body, plastic base, 65mm long