Dispersing Throughout the Spaces: A Description of Circulation
Vintage plastic delivery vans, such as the iconic "Sunshine Dairy" van, are highly sought-after collectibles among toy enthusiasts. These collectibles, produced by Wyandotte and Product Miniature Company in the mid-20th century, showcase the combination of pressed steel and plastic parts that were popular during this era.
Wyandotte, a prominent toy manufacturer, was known for its pressed steel toys and later incorporating plastic parts. One of their most famous creations from the 1950s was the Front End Loader Dump Truck, which featured colourful pressed steel parts, plastic cabs, and functioning parts like a working front loader and steel wheels.
Product Miniature Company, though less documented, produced detailed small-scale toy vehicles, including delivery vans, often in plastic. These miniatures accurately captured the design of real delivery trucks from their era, making them highly desirable for collectors.
The value of these vintage plastic delivery vans depends on their condition, rarity, and completeness. Well-preserved examples with original parts and minimal wear fetch higher prices among collectors. Vintage toy trucks on the market, including metal and plastic ones, can range in value, with some listings suggesting prices around $40-$50 or higher, depending on the exact model and condition.
The "Sunshine Dairy" delivery van, a 4-7/8-inch plastic toy made by Wyandotte in the early 1950s, is a valuable toy that sells for big dollars on rare occasions. The author, who came across an example of the "Sunshine Dairy" delivery van in perfect original condition at a show in Richmond, VA about 15 years ago, was captivated by its charm. Despite his efforts, he has not yet managed to acquire one.
The "Sunshine Dairy" delivery van was intended to be a promotional model for sales of the full-size vehicle. It was also produced as a diaper service delivery van with "Dy-Dee Wash" stamped on the sides. Interestingly, the green plastic International van, which the "Sunshine Dairy" delivery van resembles, was produced by Product Miniature Company in Milwaukee.
The "Sunshine Dairy" delivery van at the show was in its complete original box and had a strong friction motor driving the rear wheels. The asking price for this rare find was in the $150 range, a testament to its value among collectors.
For those interested in the history of toys and mid-century manufacturing, vintage plastic delivery vans offer a unique insight into this period. They represent the era’s toy industry’s transition to safer, colourful, and more affordable playthings, making them valuable not only for their nostalgic appeal but also for their role in illustrating the evolution of toy manufacturing.
Douglas R. Kelly, the editor of Marine Technology magazine, is one such collector. His byline has appeared in Antiques Roadshow Insider, Back Issue, Diecast Collector, RetroFan, and Buildings magazines, showcasing his passion for these collectibles. As the author contemplated purchasing the "Sunshine Dairy" delivery van at the show, he was reminded of the allure these toys hold for enthusiasts like himself. Despite the high asking price, the author decided to pay whatever it took to secure this piece of toy history.
Wyandotte, in addition to its renowned pressed steel toys, also ventured into the world of fashion-and-beauty, creating a Front End Loader Dump Truck with plastic cabs in the 1950s. Meanwhile, Product Miniature Company, while not as widely recognized, delved into home-and-garden storage solutions, producing intricate plastic delivery vans that closely mimicked real-life counterparts.
