Just some of our fantastic finds from 2025!
This year has whirled by – and we take a little moment to pause right at the end of December to look back at some of the memorable models that have intrigued us and collectors during 2025. We have tried to select just one ‘highlight’ per month (and this was not easy by any means) but in just a couple of cases, we absolutely could not settle on just one!
QDT highlights from 2025
January
One of our largest collections – The Denis Tyler Collection- which we started to sell in 2024 still gives up some of its most precious models this year too!
So we begin with this outstanding Dinky 502 Foden Flat Truck in all original French Blue and red, with card packing. Achieved £1750 plus premium at QDT Auction.
February
We often get phone calls from collectors when they are thinking of selling. We were especially thrilled to hear from this gentleman who did not really know just how rare the Corgi 277 Monkeemobile complete with original header card is.
Often copied, this is one of the few original examples with an authentic header card! He was delighted with the result at QDT Auction – and so were we! £1600 plus premium at QDT Auction.
March
Indian Dinky (Nicky Toys) continue to be sought after by serious collectors and in March, not one, but three exceptional Nicky Jaguar models sold for £5250 plus premium at QDT Auction.
April
So much interest (and much fierce bidding) on this exquisite South African Dinky 112 Austin Sprite in turquoise resulted in a noteworthy £4426 final bid at QDT Auction (plus premium).
May
From one of our most memorable collections ever – The Monty Calme Collection from several years ago – this Corgi 302 Hillman Hunter colour trial model came back to QDT once more courtesy of The Gower Collection.
Determined bidding from collectors resulted in £1800 plus premium.
June
The Reference Collection has been a feast of Dinky – and continues to be so – we were delighted to see this rare Dinky 101 Sunbeam Alpine Sports with spun wheels. Collectors agreed with us and so this model achieved £925 plus premium at QDT Auction.
July
The demand for Dinky and Corgi toys did not take a backseat during the summer and with models like this to tempt collectors, we can see why:
From a collector in South Africa, this Mercedes is impossible to resist in this delicate shade of pastel blue, complete with correct box. Achieved £2006 plus premium.
We cannot forget this remarkable Corgi 330 Porsche Carrera from this month too.
From the grandson of Philip Ullman, the founder of Mettoy Corgi. A breathtaking pre-production Porsche Carrera in all red with clear glazing. This model achieved £1500 at QDT Auction, plus premium.
August
One of the most exciting Gift Sets for Corgi came to QDT (just briefly) during this sunny month.
From a large private collection of Corgi models, this has to be one of the highlights from The Elmer Collection.
This virtually mint set achieved £1000 plus premium at QDT Auction.
September
September creates another quandary to us. We came to a shortlist of 2 models after much careful (and agonising) consideration, we could not decide between the two!
So:
From a specialist bus collector came this Corgi London Routemaster – The Hamleys Bus – one of the hardest buses to source! Determined bidding from serious collectors resulted in a winning bid of £1800 plus premium.
Also from this month:
Dinky 992 Avro Vulcan Delta Wing Bomber
Rare to come to the market-place, this museum-grade piece sold for £4000 at QDT.
October
One of the rarest Corgi Gift Sets – No. 1 in the very distinctive ‘concertina-style’ box found its way to QDT during October.
One of a very few CORGI DEALERSHIP’S DISPLAY SETS, circa 1957, with this uniquely folding lid for shop-display. A hard fought battle at QDT resulted in a winning bid of £4200 plus premium.
November
A beautiful display piece, this rare Minic Set stopped us in our tracks here at QDT! We have never sold another. A precious survivor from 1938/39, this Gift Set No. 1 from Tri-ang Minic would be hard to beat. Collectors fell in love with it too – this superb set achieved £5200.
December
Early Dinky Gift Sets are such poignant reminders of a bygone age, and this Gift Set No.2 is an export only set made during 1946/49. Achieved £850 plus premium at QDT Auction.
At time of writing, December has not quite finished yet – turkey and mince pies are still being eaten. Christmas cards and Christmas trees are front and centre in our homes.
We look forward to 2026 and wonder what collections will be coming to QDT (well we have two already promised). If you are considering selling your collection in 2026 please do let us know!
Until then, we wish each and every collector a very happy and healthy 2026!
