Spot-on
Encyclopedia
Spot-On Models, was a brand name for a line of diecast toy cars from 1959 through about 1967, built in Belfast, Northern Ireland
, United Kingdom.
, who, after World War II, claimed to be the largest toy maker in the world. In the 1950s, Dinky Toys from Liverpool, had a successful range of vehicles and then in 1956 Corgi Toys, made by Mettoy, were marketed. Not wishing to miss out on a commercial opportunity, Lines Brothers started its own range in 1959 - made in its factory in Northern Ireland. Murray Lines was put in personal charge of model selection.
The factory had been built in the Castlereagh area of Belfast
just after World War II
when Lines Brothers expanded (another factory in South Wales was opened at the same time; Hammond 1993, p. 9; Hammond 1998, p. 477). At various times, this factory produced several ranges of toys for various names within the Lines Brothers group, including Pedigree Soft Toys Ltd.
, Rovex Industries Ltd. and Lines Bros (Ireland) Ltd. (Buising website; Hammond, 1998, p. 17). About 1960, a smaller factory was opened on the grounds of the Belfast factory - specifically for the Spot-On range (Buising website; Hammond 1993). There were three main product ranges: Spot-On cars, Spot-On doll house furniture, and Arkitex construction kits (Hammond 1998, p. 477).
Dinky and Corgi were both a little loose with their scale - typically around 1:48 for cars, but Spot-On decided always to be exactly "spot-on" in 1:42, because models were built to fit into "Cotswold" village style playsets (Rixon 2005, p. 38). The company then naturally adopted this same scale for buses and commercial vehicles which made these models larger than most Dinky and Corgi toys. The 12 wheel A.E.C. Mammoth Major petrol truck, for example, lived up to its name in toy form and was massive compared to toy trucks from other manufacturers (Gibson 1970, pp. 20–21).
Although more conservative than Corgi Toys, Spot-On did introduce some innovations. The Volvo 122 "Amazon" had a working sunroof. On some models detailed interiors were featured with appropriately dressed drivers and passengers. For example, the "Tonibell" ice cream van had a moving worker inside the serving area and some models were banks with coin slots in the roof (Gibson 1970, pp. 42–43). Also, enhancing the "Spot-On" name, several cars were redesigned to incorporate battery powered working headlights (these cars had no interiors).
's were represented initially by the Silver Wraith
and, later, by the even larger Phantom V
which featured working lights and members of the Royal Family as passengers. Smaller vehicles included the Isetta
bubble car, the rare Meadows Frisky
, the Fiat 500
and the Goggomobil
. Also added were exotic sports cars such as the Aston Martin DB Mark III
, Jensen 541
, Daimler Dart SP250
, and Bristol 406
, along with more mundane models such as the Hillman Minx
and Austin A40
.
Early Spot-On models stated "Made in the United Kingdom" on the base, but later models, like the MG PB Midget altered that to "Made in Northern Ireland". Most had solid color paint jobs, simple silver metal wheel hubs and rubber tires. Usually, lights were painted on the bodies in silver (except on the models with working lights). Similar to a few other earlier diecast makers it is interesting to note that joints between hoods and doors and other body panels were represented on Spot-On Models as raised ridges instead of indentations. Later Spot-On models had a few more lively wheel styles and tires were sometimes a harder plastic. Whereas early models had metal bases, later ones were often black plastic.
Typical Spot-On packaging was a box in light blue with an drafting compass and "graph paper"-like grid overprinted with the typical yellow and black lettering. The feel of the graphics was that of not simply being toys, rather finely engineered pieces. Gift sets, usually of two vehicles in a diorama, featured the company's own character "Tommy Spot". He appeared with a variety of friends as family man, policeman, mechanic, sailor, fireman, and even member of the Royal family.
Some of the rarest Spot-On models today command high prices among serious collectors. Spot-On models were supplied with number plates in transfer form on virtually all of its range and these were prone to cracking and flaking as the years advanced, also the adhesion technique and brittle paintwork formula all contributed towards paint-flaking and box-rubbing as the years passed. As such, complete undamaged and unchipped models with all accessories, paperwork, and undamaged boxes are rare, for example the 1964 Wadham Ambulance with patient on stetcher and 1966 Jaguar 3.4 with police roof sign (undamaged) command very high prices in A1 condition as does the Tourist Caravan of 1962 and highly prized Routemaster Bus of 1963. All commercial Spot-On vehicles are today highly collectible and command very high prices.
Interestingly the Ford Zodiac of 1959, Spot-On's first model, is the most widely available even though it is one of the oldest in circulation, many survive with their boxes intact. Even here, however, there are rare colour combinations such as Salmon pink over grey, pale lemon, and the slightly more garish bright pink. This was one of the first models Spot-On offered with working and non-working lights and it is rare to find one today with all of its original battery box, bulbs, and switches in full working order - not surprising considering the model is now 52 years old!
, the parent company of Dinky Toys and, rather than support two brands simultaneously, the owners decided to discontinue Spot-On in favour of Dinky in 1967 (Rixon 2005, p. 38). Some production continued in New Zealand and a range of American cars was planned for production in Hong Kong for export to the United States (Gibson 1970, p. 21), but these were eventually relabeled as the Dinky Toys "57" series. They did, however, retain the trademark Spot-On 1:42 scale.
From this point on, Dinkys were usually made in 1:42 scale, though unlike Spot-On they were not consistent and continued to make both larger and smaller models to fit in with different market niches. Spot-On's doll house furniture line was made at 1:16 scale.
Unfortunately, many Spot-On models had artificial chrome attachments that have tended to not last as well as Dinky Toys parts of the era. However, there is a market in replacement parts, and some commercial enterprises undertake full restoration of Spot-On models. Today, Spot-On models are as collectible as Dinky Toys and Corgi Toys and generally command even higher prices. The Morris Minor 1000
, Jensen 541, Bristol 406, and Meadows Frisky are particular favorites of collectors because they were not produced in either Corgi or Dinky ranges.
reintroduced the Spot-On brand once made by Tri-Ang, apparently using the original tooling. This could be seen as a bit odd since Spot-On did not at all have a French flavor in its offerings. Nevertheless, the unique Spot-On models are once again being produced, in authentic original style packaging. These commonly sell on eBay for about US $80 to $100 a piece.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
, United Kingdom.
A Tri-Ang Product
Spot-On Models Ltd. was a new range from Tri-ang, a division of Lines BrothersLines Bros Ltd
Lines Bros Ltd was a British toy manufacturer of the 20th century, operating under the Tri-ang brand name.Lines Bros Ltd, at its peak, was claimed to be the largest toy maker in the world.-History:...
, who, after World War II, claimed to be the largest toy maker in the world. In the 1950s, Dinky Toys from Liverpool, had a successful range of vehicles and then in 1956 Corgi Toys, made by Mettoy, were marketed. Not wishing to miss out on a commercial opportunity, Lines Brothers started its own range in 1959 - made in its factory in Northern Ireland. Murray Lines was put in personal charge of model selection.
The factory had been built in the Castlereagh area of Belfast
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
just after World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
when Lines Brothers expanded (another factory in South Wales was opened at the same time; Hammond 1993, p. 9; Hammond 1998, p. 477). At various times, this factory produced several ranges of toys for various names within the Lines Brothers group, including Pedigree Soft Toys Ltd.
Pedigree Dolls & Toys
Pedigree Dolls & Toys, also known as Pedigree Toys, is a toy company located in Exeter, England. Best known for launching the Sindy doll in 1963, Pedigree also produced the Tommy Gunn action figure from 1966 to 1968...
, Rovex Industries Ltd. and Lines Bros (Ireland) Ltd. (Buising website; Hammond, 1998, p. 17). About 1960, a smaller factory was opened on the grounds of the Belfast factory - specifically for the Spot-On range (Buising website; Hammond 1993). There were three main product ranges: Spot-On cars, Spot-On doll house furniture, and Arkitex construction kits (Hammond 1998, p. 477).
Marketing Gimmicks
The objective of Spot-On was similar to that of Dinky and Corgi - to make true-to-life models that also served as toys. The goal was that models be detailed but robust - and Spot-On models were well-made and heavy. As Dinky and Corgi were already established, Spot-On required a marketing gimmick. Spot-On tried first to establish itself in the British market, concentrating on a choice of model cars that were familiar in the United Kingdom (the first was a UK Ford Zodiac). Even the name was one more easily understood in the UK. In the United States, where Dinky and Corgi sold a large number of toys, Spot-On Models were practically nonexistent. This, together with their larger size and smaller production numbers, made Spot-On models more expensive than the competition. Consequently, they made a relatively small impact on the toy car market. However, backed by the Lines Brothers empire, the product range did not need to make an immediate profit to survive.Dinky and Corgi were both a little loose with their scale - typically around 1:48 for cars, but Spot-On decided always to be exactly "spot-on" in 1:42, because models were built to fit into "Cotswold" village style playsets (Rixon 2005, p. 38). The company then naturally adopted this same scale for buses and commercial vehicles which made these models larger than most Dinky and Corgi toys. The 12 wheel A.E.C. Mammoth Major petrol truck, for example, lived up to its name in toy form and was massive compared to toy trucks from other manufacturers (Gibson 1970, pp. 20–21).
Although more conservative than Corgi Toys, Spot-On did introduce some innovations. The Volvo 122 "Amazon" had a working sunroof. On some models detailed interiors were featured with appropriately dressed drivers and passengers. For example, the "Tonibell" ice cream van had a moving worker inside the serving area and some models were banks with coin slots in the roof (Gibson 1970, pp. 42–43). Also, enhancing the "Spot-On" name, several cars were redesigned to incorporate battery powered working headlights (these cars had no interiors).
Model Selections and Details
Both large and small cars were chosen for inclusion in the range to fully accentuate the fixed 1:42 scale. Rolls RoyceRolls-Royce Limited
Rolls-Royce Limited was a renowned British car and, from 1914 on, aero-engine manufacturing company founded by Charles Stewart Rolls and Henry Royce on 15 March 1906 as the result of a partnership formed in 1904....
's were represented initially by the Silver Wraith
Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith
For information on the Silver Wraith II, see Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow.The Silver Wraith was the first post-war Rolls-Royce model and was made at the Crewe factory from 1946 to 1959....
and, later, by the even larger Phantom V
Rolls-Royce Phantom V
The Phantom V was a large, ultra-exclusive four-door saloon made by Rolls-Royce from 1959 to 1968.Based on the Silver Cloud II, it shared a V8 engine and General Motors Hydramatic automatic gearbox with its smaller sibling. Rolls-Royce assembled the cars' chassis and drivetrains with bodies made to...
which featured working lights and members of the Royal Family as passengers. Smaller vehicles included the Isetta
Isetta
The Isetta is an Italian-designed microcar built in a number of different countries, including Spain, Belgium, France, Brazil, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Produced in the post-World War II years, a time when cheap short-distance transportation was most needed, it became one of the most...
bubble car, the rare Meadows Frisky
Meadows Frisky
Meadows Frisky is the name of a series of small British cars manufactured at the factory of Henry Meadows Ltd at Fallings Park in Wolverhampton between 1958 and 1961, during which time, production was under the control of a number of companies.-History:...
, the Fiat 500
Fiat 500
The Fiat 500 is a car produced by the Fiat company of Italy between 1957 and 1975, with limited production of the Fiat 500 K estate continuing until 1977. The car was designed by Dante Giacosa....
and the Goggomobil
Goggomobil
Goggomobil was a series of microcars produced in the Bavarian town Dingolfing after World War II by Glas.Glas produced three models on the Goggomobil platform: the Goggomobil T sedan, the Goggomobil TS coupé, and the Goggomobil TL van...
. Also added were exotic sports cars such as the Aston Martin DB Mark III
Aston Martin DB Mark III
The DB Mark III is a sports car sold by Aston Martin from 1957 through 1959. It was an evolution of the DB2/4 Mark II model it replaced, using an evolution of that car's W.O...
, Jensen 541
Jensen 541
The Jensen 541 was first exhibited at the London Motor Show in October 1953: production started in 1954. In October 1954 a cabriolet version was introduced....
, Daimler Dart SP250
Daimler SP250
The Daimler Dart was a sports car built by British manufacturer Daimler in Coventry.It was launched at the 1959 New York Motor Show, and its greatest success was in the North American market. It had a fibreglass body, four-wheel Girling disc brakes, and a 2.5-litre Hemi-head V8 engine designed by...
, and Bristol 406
Bristol 406
The Bristol 406 was a luxury car produced between 1958 and 1961 by British manufacturer Bristol Aeroplane Co....
, along with more mundane models such as the Hillman Minx
Hillman Minx
The Hillman Minx was a series of middle-sized family cars produced under the Hillman marque by the Rootes Group between 1932 and 1970...
and Austin A40
Austin A40 Farina
The Austin A40 Farina was a compact car introduced by the British Motor Corporation in 1958, replacing the earlier A40 Devon.It combines many of the virtues of a saloon and estate car in one body. There is more headroom for the rear passengers because of the angular instead of curved lines of the...
.
Early Spot-On models stated "Made in the United Kingdom" on the base, but later models, like the MG PB Midget altered that to "Made in Northern Ireland". Most had solid color paint jobs, simple silver metal wheel hubs and rubber tires. Usually, lights were painted on the bodies in silver (except on the models with working lights). Similar to a few other earlier diecast makers it is interesting to note that joints between hoods and doors and other body panels were represented on Spot-On Models as raised ridges instead of indentations. Later Spot-On models had a few more lively wheel styles and tires were sometimes a harder plastic. Whereas early models had metal bases, later ones were often black plastic.
Typical Spot-On packaging was a box in light blue with an drafting compass and "graph paper"-like grid overprinted with the typical yellow and black lettering. The feel of the graphics was that of not simply being toys, rather finely engineered pieces. Gift sets, usually of two vehicles in a diorama, featured the company's own character "Tommy Spot". He appeared with a variety of friends as family man, policeman, mechanic, sailor, fireman, and even member of the Royal family.
Some of the rarest Spot-On models today command high prices among serious collectors. Spot-On models were supplied with number plates in transfer form on virtually all of its range and these were prone to cracking and flaking as the years advanced, also the adhesion technique and brittle paintwork formula all contributed towards paint-flaking and box-rubbing as the years passed. As such, complete undamaged and unchipped models with all accessories, paperwork, and undamaged boxes are rare, for example the 1964 Wadham Ambulance with patient on stetcher and 1966 Jaguar 3.4 with police roof sign (undamaged) command very high prices in A1 condition as does the Tourist Caravan of 1962 and highly prized Routemaster Bus of 1963. All commercial Spot-On vehicles are today highly collectible and command very high prices.
Interestingly the Ford Zodiac of 1959, Spot-On's first model, is the most widely available even though it is one of the oldest in circulation, many survive with their boxes intact. Even here, however, there are rare colour combinations such as Salmon pink over grey, pale lemon, and the slightly more garish bright pink. This was one of the first models Spot-On offered with working and non-working lights and it is rare to find one today with all of its original battery box, bulbs, and switches in full working order - not surprising considering the model is now 52 years old!
Acquisition of Dinky
In 1964, Lines Bros. acquired MeccanoMeccano Ltd
Meccano Ltd was a British toy company established in 1908 by Frank Hornby in England to manufacture and distribute Meccano and other model toys and kits created by the company...
, the parent company of Dinky Toys and, rather than support two brands simultaneously, the owners decided to discontinue Spot-On in favour of Dinky in 1967 (Rixon 2005, p. 38). Some production continued in New Zealand and a range of American cars was planned for production in Hong Kong for export to the United States (Gibson 1970, p. 21), but these were eventually relabeled as the Dinky Toys "57" series. They did, however, retain the trademark Spot-On 1:42 scale.
From this point on, Dinkys were usually made in 1:42 scale, though unlike Spot-On they were not consistent and continued to make both larger and smaller models to fit in with different market niches. Spot-On's doll house furniture line was made at 1:16 scale.
Doomed to Fail
Though models were unique and often brilliant (who else made a Bristol or the early Jensen?), Spot-On as a diecast brand was destined to fail precisely because of its endearing qualities. They were more expensive than the competition and more conservative. Each Spot-On model was painted in at least 8, and often 16 different colors. This was very attractive to the collector, but was an inefficient production practice (Buising website). Appeal was limited for a line of almost exclusively British vehicles in an increasingly global market. While American children may have been enamored of certain MGs, Jaguars and Rolls Royces, they probably had never heard of Jensens, Bristols, Armstrong Siddeleys, and Meadows. Meanwhile, Matchbox, Corgi, and Dinky always had a few American and other European cars in their lineups. Perhaps it is fortunate Spot-On ceased production just as Mattel Hot Wheels were introduced as the innovation of the thin friction axle put many more successful toy manufacturers out of business.Unfortunately, many Spot-On models had artificial chrome attachments that have tended to not last as well as Dinky Toys parts of the era. However, there is a market in replacement parts, and some commercial enterprises undertake full restoration of Spot-On models. Today, Spot-On models are as collectible as Dinky Toys and Corgi Toys and generally command even higher prices. The Morris Minor 1000
Morris Minor
The Morris Minor was a British economy car that debuted at the Earls Court Motor Show, London, on 20 September 1948. Designed under the leadership of Alec Issigonis, more than 1.3 million were manufactured between 1948 and 1971...
, Jensen 541, Bristol 406, and Meadows Frisky are particular favorites of collectors because they were not produced in either Corgi or Dinky ranges.
Revival
In 2008, the French company NorevNorev
Norev is a French manufacturer of diecast metal model cars. It has normally has produced modern and vintage European vehicles, especially French vehicles - though Italian, German, and American vehicles were also produced.-History:...
reintroduced the Spot-On brand once made by Tri-Ang, apparently using the original tooling. This could be seen as a bit odd since Spot-On did not at all have a French flavor in its offerings. Nevertheless, the unique Spot-On models are once again being produced, in authentic original style packaging. These commonly sell on eBay for about US $80 to $100 a piece.