Description: The Chausson Coach made its debut in the Dinky Toys France catalog in April 1956, at a time when the Bobigny firm was expanding its range of French utility vehicles. The choice was not insignificant: the Chausson was then a familiar sight on national roads, a classic feature of 1950s postcards. Meccano gave it careful treatment and an unusual scale, 1/66th, significantly more generous than that of its other buses, both French and British. The model measures approximately 15.4 cm and is made entirely of zamac, with no additional parts. The real vehicle is the Chausson AP 52 (or AP 521), a luxury intercity coach produced by Usines Chausson, long the leader in the French coach market. Its forward-control cab and symmetrical body with curved sides broke with the old "pig nose" coaches. Presented at the 1951 Motor Show, it went into production in April 1952. The Dinky reproduction is striking for the fineness of its engraving: detailed grille, side strips evoking aluminum, winged Chausson emblem on the sides and front. It was offered in two color schemes, cream and red on one side, ivory and navy blue on the other, and delivered in the individual yellow box that was then generalizing single unit packaging. Under reference 29F (1956-1959), it received convex hubs fitted with smooth white tires. In 1959, the model was renumbered 571 and adopted concave hubs, before its withdrawal in 1960 — which makes the concave versions much rarer and more sought after today. Our example corresponds to the 29F version in red and cream livery, with its red convex hubs and white tires, and a very neat checkered roof. We note the presence of a few chips, mainly on the prominent parts. However, the silvering is clear. The model is entirely original. It is a very beautiful piece and one will appreciate this superb harmony of colors. This is the most iconic version of the model, the one that inaugurated the career of this beautiful all-metal coach, a faithful witness to post-war French transport.