The indisputable truth about the grilles of the Dinky Toys Series 24

Sue and Mike Richardson, made a mistake in the late 70's about the 24 series grille chronology. For some reason I don't know, they believed that the French grille (aka diamond grille), was the very first one manufactured at Binn's rd. This information is still sometime copied and can be found here and there in articles, books or listing on eBay or auction sales.

The French grille was never fitted on any British Series 24 before the coming of the "Bentley" grille in 1938, at that time, the mold of the first grille is actually redesigned for the release of the 36 Series and Dinky Toys Liverpool has to equip the 8 models of the 24 series with this grille as well as the 30f ambulance and the 36b coupé.

 

It was therefore decided to import grilles from France to make up for the lack of parts. Grilles but also bodies, we will come back to this later.

As can be seen on these very early models the first grille is smooth without any badge.

 

The second British grille often referred as Bentley badge, it's been redesigned in late 1937 and probably issued the next year, it's been produced from that year until the withdrawal of the 36 series

The 2nd British grille from left to right fitted on a 24h, 36b and an early post war 30F

 

This is the continental grille that can sometimes be found on British series 24 from 1938 to 1940. Early copies are fitted with the 2nd French grille when latter ones bare the third evolution with flatter headlights. First type with large rounded headlights of post war verisons with flat headlights were never imported in the United Kingdom

Note the diamond badge on the bumper

Left : 24d with 2nd type French grille - Right : 24c with a 3rd type French grille