24zt and 542 Simca Ariane taxi (1959-1962)

Here are the two versions of the little taxi. Convexe and concave hubs, red and red-orange colored roof. I only have the second version box. Best regards

There are at least, 3 different boxes : Ref; 24 ZT Ref : 542 - 24 ZT with inscriptions on 1 line Ref: 542 - 24 ZT with inscriptions on 2 lines Regards Richard

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Sorry, but I made a mistake on the descriptions of the boxes. It seems that both inscriptions are on the same box, on each end flaps I apologize for that. Best rgds Richard

Richard--Since you started a new forum topic, I will re-post my earlier Simca Ariane Taxi photos here also. The only differences I can easily discern between the earlier and later versions, are the convex vs concave wheels and the slight painting of the badges on the front and rear of the model in silver, and the slight difference in roof color....that badge painting appears to be a carryover from the Simca Versailles, which also had it done. I am guessing that a little later, Meccano was trying to save cost, and simplified the painting slightly. Even though my model is the first type, it still came in the second type box, with box reference numbers showing. I am also including a picture of the baseplate.....I am assuming that no changes were made their, although one of my French Dinky reference books, 'Miniatures Dinky Toys serie 24 Francaise', seems to mention that the first type had 'Ariane' stamped on it, but I am assuming that all came that way. That book also states that the first type was made in 1959 only, with the second type made through 1962. Regards, Terry




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Hi Terry. No differences in the stamping inscriptions, but my latest version has a shiny baseplate and the earliest a mat one. Will post a photo soon. Concerning the boxes, the first issue was numbered '24ZT' and the second as yours. As this Taxi is made with the 'Simca Versailles' body, a very small quantity, at the beginning, was equiped with the stamping 'Simca Versailles' on the baseplate. (information from the Roulet's book) Best regards Richard

Here are the baseplates. On the shiny one, which is the latest version, we can watch that the tool for the stamping is a little bit 'tired' because the tails of both 'Y' and the tail of the 'T' in Dinky Toys, are damaged. Friendly yours Richard

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I am now guessing that mine must have been kind of a transition model, as it has the convex wheels, but the later style box and shiny baseplate. Thanks for sharing your knowledge of this Dinky! Regards, Terry

Hi Richard, I do not want to spoil the party but - as no one seems to be moderating here - I think it's advisable to adopt the correct structure for this topic's name, conform the already existing ones (although not quite correct all of them). I think it should read: -24zt and 542 Simca Ariane Taxi (1959-1962). Sorry for my meddlesomeness and kind regards, Jan

Jan---I agree and thought about that when I saw the original post; we need to be consistent when posting new topics, so they will conform and can be easily found.Regards, Terry

Hi Jan. I must say that I don't care about the structure, as soon as the discussion is interesting for somebody. Please, change the tittle, accordingly to the other posts. Kind regards Richard

Dear Richard, I would if I could. I don't know how this is organized. I hope Dave Kaun or Al Keeling can shed some light on this. Kind regards, Jan

Jan and Richard---I believe that whomever created the topic has the ability to edit and change it, and likely an administrator or moderator also. But since we do not seem to have one of those overseeing things, I would suggest that Richard go in and do an edit, and re-list the topic in the correct manner, so that it fits correctly in the listings. Regards, Terry