Wells Brimtoy - Tin toy car - Highway Patrol Car, 10.4 HP, Unboxed - 1950-1960 - U.K.

Vintage Tinplate “Highway Patrol” Police Car – Wells-Brimtoy Attribution – Made in Great Britain – ca. 1950s – Large 30 cm – Friction Motor

A rare and beautifully lithographed British tinplate Highway Patrol police car, produced in the early–mid 1950s and attributed to Wells-Brimtoy, one of the leading UK tin toy makers of the post-war era. This large 30 cm display car shows all the classic features of British tin lithography from the period and is fitted with its original friction drive motor (cog wheel visible on the underside).


Manufacturer Attribution

Although this model is unmarked apart from “Made in Gt Britain” on the rear panel, the construction, lithography and running gear strongly support attribution to Wells-Brimtoy (London), c.1952–1956.
1. Typography – The “Made in Gt Britain” marking uses the same font and rear placement seen on documented Wells-Brimtoy tin cars from the early 1950s.
2. Body Construction – One-piece lithographed upper shell with folded edges, a typical Wells-Brimtoy body style.
3. Wheel and Motor Type – Thin pressed-tin wheels, simple riveted axles and a central friction motor with cog wheel visible on the underside match the running gear used on Wells-Brimtoy police and saloon cars of this era.
4. Lithography Style – Bold black outlines, cartoon-style figures and the distinctive grille artwork closely resemble confirmed Wells-Brimtoy prints.
5. Model Scale – At around 30 cm long, it fits the size range of Wells-Brimtoy’s larger tin cars; very few other British makers produced tin sedans at this scale.

For these reasons, collectors and specialists generally attribute this pattern to Wells-Brimtoy.



Description
• Manufacturer: Wells-Brimtoy (attributed)
• Country: Great Britain
• Period: ca. 1950s
• Model: Highway Patrol tinplate police car
• Length: Approx. 30 cm
• Material: Lithographed tinplate
• Mechanism: Original friction drive motor with cog wheel visible underneath; car rolls freely when pushed. Full working power of the friction unit not guaranteed due to age.



Design Features
• Striking black-and-white Highway Patrol livery with shields on both doors
• Front plate marked “10.4 HP”
• Colourful windscreen showing two officers inside
• Streamlined American-inspired front end with bonnet flash
• Strong mid-century display presence; excellent shelf piece



Condition

Very good original condition for a 1950s British tin toy:
• Lithography with strong colour and gloss
• Small scuffs, light scratches and minor edge wear consistent with age and light play
• Original wheels and friction motor present; underside clean
Please examine all photos carefully – they form an important part of the description.



Rarity

British-made 1950s tin police cars are much scarcer than their Japanese counterparts. The combination of large 30 cm size, friction motor and Wells-Brimtoy attribution makes this a desirable piece for collectors of tinplate toys, police vehicles and post-war British manufacturing.



Shipping

Secure professional packaging. Sent tracked and insured.



Reminder

Please see my other lots for more vintage toys and tinplate models. I combine shipping where possible.



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