This information is provided as a courtesy to toy and model car collectors by the Toy Car Collectors Association and Dana Johnson Enterprises as a background and history of the various brands and manufacturers of die-cast toys from their beginnings in 1910 to the present.

TOY CAR BRAND NAMES & MANUFACTURERS from A to Z:
Below is a comprehensive list of brands (1130 as of January 6th, 2008) of diecast, white metal, slush mold, tinplate, cast iron, plastic and other automotive toys and scale models as documented by Mr. Dana Johnson, author of the Toy Car Collector's Guide.  Not all brands include descriptive text, so it is recommended that you purchase a copy of Mr. Dana Johnson's book, which features descriptions, color photos and current values. For your postpaid (media mail) autographed copy, send $26.95 check or money order (US orders only) payable in US funds to:
Dana Johnson Enterprises
P O Box 1824
Bend OR 97709-1824
24 hr. message line 541-318-7176
E-mail toynutz

1 Badd Ride (also see 1320, Inc.)

1320, Inc. (also see 1 Badd Ride)

A & S

AAM (see American Automobile Miniatures)

AAM Boyer (see Boyer AAM)

Aardvark

A. Barrett and Sons (see Barrett and Sons)

A. B. C. Brianza

A. B. C. Models

Abingdon Classics

Abraham, L. D. (see L. D. Abraham)

A. C. Williams (see Williams, A. C.)

Academy Minicraft

ACB

Ace Implement Company

Accu Cast

Accucast

Acme

Action Performance

Action Products

ADJ

Advanced Products Company

Agat

AGD

AGM

Agritec

Aguti Toy (see Loden Aguti)

Aguti-Toys (see Loden Aguti)

AHC

AHI (Azrak Hamway International)

AHL (see American Highway Legends)

Albedo

Alezan

ALF

ALJ

All-American

All American Toy Company

Allied

All-Nu

Alloy Forms, Inc.

Alterscale

AMA

Amar

American Automobile Miniatures

American Classic (see Golden Wheel)

American Highway Legends

American Limited

American National

American Precision Models

Ampersand

AMR (also see Century)

AMT

Anguplas

Anker

Anso (see Anson)

Anson (also see Tiger Wheels)

APM (see American Precision Models)

Aquli (see Loden Aguti)

A.R.

AR (see Auto Replicas)

ARI

Arbur

Arcade

Armour

Arnold

Arnold, Bruce (see Bruce Arnold Models)

Arpra

ARS

Art Model

Asahi

Atlas

Athearn

Auburn

Aurora Cigar Box

Authentic Model Car Series (see Ace Implement Company)

Authenticast (see Comet)

AUTOart

Auto Buff

Autocraft (see Hongwell)

Autohobby

Automec

Auto Pilen (see Pilen)

Auto Replicas

Autoreplica

Aviva (also see Hasbro)

Azrak Hamway International (see AHI)

BAM (see Boutique Auto Moto, Bruce Arnold Models)

Bandai (also see Dapper)

Bandi

Bandii

Bang

Banner

Banthrico

Bapro

Barlux

Barclay

Barrett and Sons

Basteltip

Bayshore Repli-Cars

BBR

Bburago (also see Martoy)

Beanstalk

Beaut

Beckman Collection

Beeju (E. V. B. Plastics Ltd.)

Belgium Trucks

Benbros

Benson Brothers (see Benbros)

Best

Best-Box (also see Efsi, Holland-Oto)

Best Model (also see Bang, Art Model)

Best Toys of Kansas

Best Toy Company

Betal

Big River Models

Bijou (see Modelauto)

Bing

Bison

Bitsi-Toys (see Lehigh)

Blue Bow

Blue-Box

Boley

Bonux (also see Cle)

Boss

Bossat Dermov

Bourbon

Boutique Auto Moto

Box Model

Boyer AAM

BP

Brekina

Bren L

Breslin

Brianza (see A. B. C. Brianza)

Brickyard 400 by Action (see Action)

Brimtoy (also Wells-Brimtoy, Welsotoy, Kelo Toys, Pocketoy)

Britains

British Motoring Classics

Brookfield Collectors Guild

Brooklins

Bruce Arnold Models

Brüder Toys / Brüder Spielwaren

Brumm

BS

Bub

Buby

Buccaneer

Buddy L (also see Imperial Diecast)

Budgie (also see Morestone)

Bugattiana (see Modelauto)

Burago (see Bburago)

Busch/Praliné

Bush

Caldecott Miniature Models

Car43

Caramello

Cararama (see Hongwell)

Carette, Georges

Carlo Brianza (see Brianza, Carlo)

Carmania

Carousel 1

Castle Art (see Gaiety)

C.A.W. Novelty Company

Cayro

CBCar

C.B.G. Mignot (see Mignot, C.B.G.)

CCC

C.D.

CDC (see Detail Cars)

Century (see AMR)

Chad Valley

Champion

Champion Hardware Company

Charbens

Charmerz (also see Playart)

Cheetah (see Summer)

Chein

Cherilea

Cherryca Phenix

Chibi

Chico (see Tekno)

Chiqui Cars (see Nacoral)

Chrono

Cigar Box (see Aurora)

Ciba

CIJ

City (See Vitesse)

CKO (also see Kellerman)

Classic Collectables

Classic Construction Models

Classic Metal Works

Classy Chassies (see MegaMovers)

Clau-Mar

Clé

Clover

CM

CMA

CMC

Code 3 Collectibles

Cofalu

Cofradis

Collector Case

Collector Classic

Collector’s Classics

Collectors Mint

Collectoy

Comando

Comet - Authenticast

Comet Miniatures

Con-Cor

Condon

Conquest

Conrad

Convert

COPy Cars

Cor-Cor

Corgi (also see Kiko, Original Omnibus Co., et al)

Cossack Models

Cougar (see Solido)

Courtland

Cox, Roy

CPM

Craftoys

Cragstan (also see (Gamda-Koor, Sabra)

Creative Master

Creative Masters

Crescent

Crio

Cristian

Crossway Models

Crown Premium

C-Scale

Cursor

Custom Miniatures

D & K

Dale Model Company

Dale Jr. / Dale Sr. Models (also see Revell)

Dalia (also see Tekno)

Danbury Mint

Danhausen

Dapper (also see Bandai)

Darda

Dardis

David Deanstyne

Day, John (see John Day Models)

Days Gone (see Lledo)

DDR

Deanstyne, David (see David Deanstyne)

Dehanes

Deles

Del Prado

Dent

Deoma

Design Studio

Desormeaux

Detail Cars

DG

DGM

DG Productions

Diamond

Diapet (also see Yonezawa)

Dibro

Dicascale

Diecast Promotions

Dimension 4

Dimestore Dreams

Dinkum

Dinky

Distler

Diti Toys

Dmitriev Workshop

DMP

Doepke

Doll

Doorkey

Dragon Wings

Druge Brothers

Dugu

Dulcop

Duravit

Durham Classics

Dust and Glory (see Great American Dreamcar)

Duvi

Dux

Dyna-Mo (see Dyna-Model)

Dyna-Model

Dynamic

Dyson

Eagle Collectibles

Eagle’s Race

Ebbro

Eberl

ECF

Edil

Edocar (see Zee Toys / Zylmex)

EFE (see Exclusive First Editions)

Efsi

E.G.M.

Eidai (also see Grip Zechin)

E J Enterprises

Eko

Elastolin

Electricar (see Old Kingston Product Corporation)

Eligor

Elm Toys

Elmont (also see Timpo Toys)

Elvip

Elysee

Emek

Empire Models (see Zaugg)

Empro

Enchanted (see Enchantment Land Coach Builders)

Enchantment Land Coach Builders

Enco

Enstone Emergency Models

EPI

Epoch

Equipe Gallois

Eria

Erie

E.R. Roach Industries (see Roach Industries)

Ertl

Esci

Escuderia Pilen (see Auto Pilen)

Esdo

Eska

Espewe

Estetyka

Etzel's Speed Classics

E. V. B. Plastics Ltd. (See Beeju)

Evrat 87 - LP Creations

Excel

Excite

Exclusive First Editions

Exemplers

Exoto

Express Wheels (see Suntoys)

F & F

Faie

Fairfield Mint

Fairylite

FAL

Faller

Faracars

Fastwheel (see Yat Ming)

Feeling 43

Feil

Fidart

Fimcar

Fine Art Models

Fine Model

Finoko

First Choice

First Gear

Fischer, George

Fischer, Heinrich

Fisher-Price

F. G. Taylor

Fleer Die-Cast Collectibles (see White Rose Collectibles)

Fletcher, Barnhardt and White

Fly

Forma

43rd Avenue

Fournier Enterprises

Framberg, H. L.

France Jouets

Francorchamps

Franklin Mint

Freeway Flyers (see Playart)

Freewheels

Frobly

Fun Ho

Funline (see Muscle Machines)

Funmate

Funrise (see Code 3 Collectibles)

G and K (see Greppert and Kelch)

Gabriel

Gad (see Great American Dreamcar)

Gaia (see Gata)

Gaiety

Galanite

Galgo

Galoob (see Micro Machines)

Gama

Gamda (also see Cragstan, DCMT, Gamda Koor, Sabra)

Gamda Koor (see Gamda)

Gasquy

Gata

Gate (also see Gateway Global)

Gateway Global

Gaz (see Volga)

GearBox

GéGé

Gemini Jets

Gems and Cobwebs

Generic

Georg Fischer (see Fischer, Georg)

Gescha

Geyper

Gibbs

Gilco

Gingell

Giodi

Girard

Gloor

Goeso (see Gö so)

Golden Wheel (also see Ja-Ru)

Goldvarg

Gonio

Goodee

Goodytoys

Gö so

Grafil

Gran Toros (also see Hot Wheels, Mebetoys, Johnny Lightning)

Grand Prix

Great American Dreamcar

Greppert and Kelch

Grip Zechin (also see Eidai)

Grisoni

GTS (see Le Mans Miniatures)

Guiloy

Guisval

Gü nthermann

H. L. Framberg (see Framberg, H. L.)

Hallmark

Hammer

Hartoy

Hasbro (also see Aviva)

Hasegawa

Hauser

Heinrich Fischer (see Fischer, Heinrich)

Hercules

Herpa

Hess Promotional Toys

Hess Toy Company

High Speed

Highway 61

Highway Travelers

Hobbycraft

Holland-Oto (see Efsi)

Hongwell

Hornby

Horsman

Hot Wheels

HP Toys

Hubert Kienberger (see Huki)

Hubley

Huki

Husky

Hustler

Ichiko

Icibi

ICIS

Ideal

Igra

IHC (see International Hobby Corp.)

Imra

Imperial

Impy

Ingap

Injectaplastic

Intercar (see Nacoral)

International Hobby Corp.

Intex (see Zee Toys / Zylmex)

Irwin

ISAT

Istana

Ites

IXL

Ixo

J43 Kawabatakikaku (see Kawabatakikaku)

J Collection (also see Kyosho)

Jaco

Jada

Jane Francis Toys

Ja-Ru

Je Toys

Jean

Jem Metal Miniatures

Jemini

JEP

Jet

Jimson

JLE (see Ertl)

Joal

Johan

Johillco

John Day Models

John Hill and Company (see Johillco)

John Smith (see Smith Family Toys)

Johnny Lightning (also see Topper Toys, Playing Mantis)

Johnny Speed (also see Topper Toys)

Jolly Roger

Jordan

Jouef (also see Universal Hobbies Ltd., Inc.)

Joustra

Joy Toy

JRD

JRI (see Road Champs)

JRL

JTE

Juguinsa

Jupiter

Jurgens

Jyesa (JYE)

K & D Autmobilia

K & M

K & O

K & R

Kaden

Kado

Kansas Toy and Novelty Company

Karpan

Kawabatakikaku

Kawada

Kay

Kazan

KDN

Kellerman (also see CKO)

Kelmet

Kembo

Kemlow

Kenna

Kenner

Kenton

Kentoy

Kibri

Kidco (also see Tough Wheels)

Kiddie Car Classics

Kiddietoy (see Hubley)

Kienberger, Hubert (see Huki)

Kienberger and Co. (see Huki)

Kiko

Kilgore

Kim Classics

Kimmeria

King K

King of the Road (see Horsman)

Kingsbury

King Star

Kingston (see Old Kingston Product Corporation)

Kinsmart (see Kintoy)

Kintoy

Kirby

Kirk

Kleeware

Kohnstamm, Moses (also see Moko)

Kumfy

Kyosho (also see J Collection)

Lacquer and Leather (Lack and Ledder)

Lada

Lansdowne (see Brooklin)

Lansing Slik-Toys (see Slik Toys)

Lapin

Laurie Toys

L D Abraham

Lee Toys

Le Jouet Mecanique

Le Mans Miniatures

Le Phoenix

Legends of Racing, Inc.

Lego

Lehigh Bitsi-Toys

Lehmann

Leksakshust

Lemeco

Lemezarugyar

Lenyco

Les Rouliers

Les Routiers

Lesney (see Matchbox)

Levy

Liberty Classics (see Spec-Cast)

Licensing Essentials

Lido

Lincoln

Linda Toys

Lindberg

Line Mar

Lineol

Lintoy

Lion Car (see Lion Toys)

Lion Models

Lion Toys

Lionel

Lit’l Toy (see Mercury)

Litan

Lixin

LJN

Lledo

Loden Aguti

Lomo

Londontoy

Lone Star

Look Smart (see Looksmart Models)

Looksmart Models

LP Creations (see Evrat 87)

Lucky Plan (see Race Image, Speedway Collection, Dimension 4, Specialty Diecast)

Lucky Toys

Luso

Luxor

LYS

M C Toys (see Maisto)

M-Tech (see MTech)

Ma

Madison

Madmax (see Grip Zechin)

MAFTA

Mafwo

Magic

Magic Super Toys (MST)

Magnason Models

Maisto

Majorette

Mak's

Malibu International

Mangalick

Mandarin

Manoil

Mark 1 Collectibles

Marklin

Marque

Marque One Models

Marquis Toys

Mars

Marsh

Martino Models

Martoy

Marusan

Marushin

Marx

Mascot

Master Models

Masterpieces in Miniature

Masudaya

Matchbox

Mattel (also see Fisher-Price, Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Sesame Street, Tyco)

Max Models

Maxwell

Max Models (see Paul’s Model Art)

McGregor

Mebetoys

Meccano (see Dinky)

MegaMovers (see Megatoys)

Megatoys

Mego

Mercury and Lit'l Toy

Mercury Industries USA (See Mercury and Lit'l Toy)

Merit

Merlin

Message Models (see Fun Ho!)

Metalcar

Metal Cast Products Company

Metalcraft

Metal Masters

Metal Miniatures

Metosul

Metropolitain

Mettoy (also see Corgi)

Miber

Microchamps (see Paul’s Model Art)

Micro Machines

Micro Models

Micromodels (see Deoma)

Micropet

Microtoys (see Deoma)

Midgetoy

Midget Toys

Midwestern Home Products

Mid-West Metal Novelty Manufacturing Company

Mignon

Mignot, C.B.G.

Mikansue

Milano

Milano 43

Milestone Development Corporation

Milestone Miniatures

Milestone Models

Milestones (see Milestone Development Corporation)

Milton

Mimick (see Charbens)

Minialuxe

Miniautotoys (see Dugu)

Miniature Auto Emporium

Miniature Pet

Miniature Vehicle Castings Inc.

Minic (see Tri-Ang)

Minichamps

Minicraft (see Academy Minicraft)

Minimac

Mini Marque

Mini Metals (see Simba and Comet Miniatures)

Mini Power (see Shinsei)

Mini Racing

Miniroute

Miniwerks

Minix

Mira

Mitrecraft

MK Models

Moboto (or Meboto)

Modelauto

Model Pet (see Asahi)

Model Plan (also see Toyo Kogyo)

Model Planning Co. Ltd. (see Model Plan, Toyo Kogyo)

Model Power

Model Products Corporation (MPC)

Model Toys (see Doepke)

ModelCast (also see Chrono, SunStar, Vitesse)

Models of Yesteryear (see Matchbox)

Modern Toys

Moko (also see Matchbox)

Moko Lesney (see Matchbox)

Mont Blanc

Montego

Moose Mountain

Moplas

Morestone (also see Budgie)

Moses Kohnstamm (see Kohnstamm, Moses; also see Moko)

Moskovich

Motor City Classics

Motor City USA

Motor Force (see Summer)

Motorworks (see Maisto, Malibu International and others)

Mountain Service International (see Pole Position Collectibles)

MPC (see Model Products Corporation)

MR

MRE

MST (see Magic Super Toys)

MTech

Muscle Machines

MVC

MZKT

NZG

Nacoral Intercar

National Motor Museum Mint

National Toys

Neff-Moon

Neuhierl

Nevco

Nevins

New Clover

New-Ray

New Trax

NFIC

Nicky

Niedermeier

Nigam

N.J. International

Norev

Norscot

Nosco

Nostalgic

Novacars

Novy

NuToyz

Oddzon

OGDI Toys of Yesterday

OK

Oldcars

Old Kingston Product Corporation

Omega

One43

Onyx (also see Vitesse)

Oriental Omnibus Company (also see Corgi)

Original Omnibus Company (also see Corgi)

Orobr

Osul

Oto

Oxford Die-Cast Limited

PA (see Plasticos Albecete)

Paddock Miniatures

Palitoy

Pan Toys

Papillon Toys

Paradise Garage

Paragon Models and Art

Parker White Metal (see Erie)

Past-Time Hobbies (see PTH)

Pathfinder

Paul’s Model Art

Paya

Peachstate Muscle Car Collectors Club

PEM (Precision Engineered Models)

Penguin

Penjoy

Penny Toys (See Politoys/Polistil)

Pepe

Phat Boyz

Piccolino

Piccolo (see Schuco)

Piko (also see Anker)

Pilen

Pilot

Pioneer

Piranha

Plastica

Plasticart

Plasticos Albecete

Plasticville

Platypus

Play/Me

Playart

Playing Mantis (see Johnny Lightning)

Play Power

Playskool

Playtoy

Playtrucks

PM

Pocher

Pocketoy (see Brimtoy)

Poclain

Pole Position Collectibles

Polistil (see Politoys)

Politoys / Polistil

Poll

Poplar Playthings

PP Models

Prämeta

Praliné (see Busch/Praliné)

Precision Accucast (see Accucast)

Precision Autos

Precision Miniatures

Presu

Pride Lines

Pro Engine (see Pioneer)

Process

Processed Plastic

Professional Collectibles, Ltd. (see 1 Badd Ride, 1320, Inc.)

Progetto

Protar

Provence Moulage

PTH Models

Pups (see AMT)

Pyro

Q-Models

Qualitoys (See Benbros)

Quarter Mile (see Great American Dreamcars)

Quartzo (see Vitesse)

Quiralu

RandM

R. W. (see Ziss)

Race Image Collectibles (see Corgi, Lucky Plan, Dimension 4, Specialty Diecast)

Raceway Replicars

Racing Champions

Racing Collectables, Inc. (RCI)

Racing Collectables Club of America, Inc. (RCCA; see Racing Collectables, Inc.)

Radar

Radon

Rae

Raf

Ralstoy

Rami

Rapide (see Modelauto)

Rapitoy

Ra-Ro

Rasant

RBI (see Red Box International, Motormax)

RCCA (Racing Collectables Club of America, Inc.; see Racing Collectables, Inc.)

RCI (see Racing Collectables, Inc.)

Reader’s Digest

Real Cars (see Esci)

Real Wheels (see Ja-Ru)

Realistic

Realtoy

Record

Redbox

Reen Replica

Rei

Remco

Renaissance

Renwal

Replex

Repli-Cars (see Bayshore Repli-Cars)

Replicars (also see Accu Cast)

Replicast

Reuhl

Revell

Revival

Rex

Rextoys

RHI

Rhino

Riberinho

Richmond

Richmond Toys

Richtoy

Ricko

Rico

Rio

Rivarossi

River Series

Roach Industries

Road Champs

Road Legends (see Yat Ming)

Road Machine

Roadmates

Road Rovers (see Hallmark)

Road Runners (see MegaMovers)

Road Tough (see Yat Ming)

Robeddie (see Brooklins)

Roberts

Robin Hood

Roco

Rolux
ROS

Roskopf

Ross

Rosso

Rovex

Roy Cox (see Cox, Roy)

Rozkvet

RS Toys

Ruehl (see Reuhl)

Ruestes

Rullero

Russ

Russian models

RW (see Ziss)

Sablon

Sabra/Gamda

Safar

Safir

Safir Champion (see Safir)

Saico

Sako

Sakura

Salza

Sam Toys

Saratov

S. S. Sarna

Savoye

Scale Models (also see Ertl, Scamold)

Scaleworks

Scamold

Schabak

Schuco

Schwung

Schylling

SCM (see Stock Car Miniatures)

Scorchers (Hot Wheels)

Scottoys

Septoy

Sesame

Sesame Street (see Fisher-Price)

Shackleton

Shinsei

Sibur

Sieper Werke (see Siku)

Signature Models

Siku

Silhouette

Silver Pet

Simba

Simex

Singfund Industries Ltd.

Sizzlers

Sky

Skybird

Skyline Models (also see Tin Wizard and Zaugg)

Skoglund and Olson

Slik Toys

SLJ

SM

Small Wheels and Western Models

Smart Toys

Smer

SMTS

Smith Family Toys

Smith-Miller

Solido

Somerville

South Eastern Finecast

Spa Croft Models

Sparkmodel

Spec-Cast

Specialty Diecast (see Lucky Plan, Race Image, Speedway Collection, Dimension 4)

Speed Classics (see Etzel's Speed Classics)

Speed Wheels

Speedway Collection (also see Race Image Collection, Lucky Plan, Dimension 4, Specialty Diecast)

Speedy (see Mercury)

Speedy Power (also see Toymark)

Spiel-Nutz

Spot-On

Stahlberg (or Stallberg)

Starter

Stjerne

Stock Car Miniatures (SCM)

Streamlux

Strombecker (see Tootsietoys)

Structo

Struxy

Sturdy-Bilt

Stylish Cars

Stylish Models

Summer

Sun Motor Company (see Modelauto)

Sunnyside

Sun Star

Suntoys

Super Champion (see Champion)

Supercar Collectibles

Superior

SVP

Swan Hill

Tai Cheong

Taiseiya

Takara

Tak-A-Toy

Tamiya

Tantal

Taylor Barrett

Taylor Made Trucks

Tbilisi

TD

Team Caliber

Techno Giodi (see Giodi)

Technofix

Tekno

Telsalda

TfC (see Toys for Collectors)

Thimble Drome (see Cox, Roy)

Thomas Toys

Tiger Wheels (also see Anson)

Timpo

Tin Wizard (also see Skyline Models and Zaugg)

Tins Toys (also see Simba)

Tintoys

Tip Top Toy Co.

Tipp and Co.

Toby Toys

Togi

Tomica

Tommy Toys

Tomte-Laerdal

Tomy (also see Tomica)

Tonka

Tonkin

Tootsietoys

Top Gear

Top Marques

Top Model Collection

Tough Wheels (also see Kidco)

Toy Collector Club of America (see First Gear)

Toymark (also see Speedy Wheels)

Toyo Kogyo (also see Model Planning Co. Ltd.)

Toys for Collectors

Toy Truck Collector

Trademark Promotions

Trax (see Top Gear)

Tri-Ang

Trident

Troféu (see Vitesse)

Tron

Trophy

Tropica

True Dimensions

Tucker Box

Tudor Rose

Tuff Ones (see Remco)

Turner Toys

Turtle Creek

Tyco (See Matchbox, Mattel, Fisher-Price)

Tyco Preschool (see Fisher-Price)

Uaz

Unique Industries

Universal (see Matchbox)

Universal Hobbies Ltd., Inc. (also see Eagle’s Race, Jouef)

Uralskiy Sokol

USA Models

U.S. Model Mint

UT

V.Olga

VAM

Vanguard (see Lledo)

Vanbo

Vanke (see Vanbo)

Vapé-Bourbon

Vaz (see Lada)

Vercor

Vector

Verem

VF-Modelautomobile Germany

Victoria (see Vitesse)

Victory

Viking

Vilmer

Vintage Casting

Vitesse

Vivid Imaginations (Tyco Canada)

VMF

Voiturette (see SMTS)

Volga

Walker Model Service

Walldorf

Wannatoy

Welly

Welsotoys (see Brimtoy)

Western Models

Wheeler

White Rose Collectibles

Wiking

Williams, A. C.

Winner's Circle (see Kenner, Action Performance)

Winross

Wittrock

Wolverine

World Zechin (see Grip Zechin)

Wyandotte

Xonex

Yat Ming

Yat Ming (see Yat Ming)

Yaxon

Yoder

Yonezawa (see Diapet)

Yorkshire

Yot

Yidalux

Zaugg (also see Skyline Models and Tin Wizard)

Zax

Zaz

Zebra Toys (see Benbros)

Zee Toys

Zchopau

Zil

Zinoki

Ziss

Zyll (see Zee Toys)

Zylmex (see Zee Toys)

Zowees (see Hot Wheels)

AUTOMOTIVE TOYS AND MODELS A TO Z
Below is descriptive text which provides a background to the history of many of the listed brands of automotive toys and models. For comments and suggestions, e-mail toynutz.

ALL AMERICAN TOY COMPANY
Clay Steinke, founder of the All American Toy Company of Salem, Oregon, produced a total of 26,000 1:12 scale cast metal toy trucks from its beginnings in 1948 to 1955. Its assortment of large scale toy trucks distinctive for their "air horn steering" includes the popular Timber Toter log truck, popular with children whose families worked in the Pacific Northwest logging industry. They originally sold for around $20, considered high-priced for toys back in the 1950s. Today's values are in the hundreds, even thousands of dollars. Model numbers appeared on the box only, not on the model.

After a false restart in 1990, the All American Toy Company is back in business in its home town of Salem, Oregon, purchased lock, stock and barrel in 1992 by Patrick Russell, with all the original tooling intact. The company is now reproducing some of those classic models. Here is a list of available new models and prices. As you will note, current second market values are already on the rise.
Website: www.allamericantoyco.com

A website has been created at www.midgetoy.com to chronicle the company and its distinctive toys.

MOTOR CITY CLASSICS
Motor City Classics is the brainchild of Maurice Oujevolk, owner of Intermarket USA in Florida.  His obsession with perfection resulted in some spectacular 1:18 scale models, but cost overruns and factory delays put the company in jeopardy.  By 2002, the company was in trouble and, by 2003, the brand was discontinued. Ron Gerwin, former Motor City Classics Sales Manager, provides this background to the company and its mission:

SHORT HILL, NEW JERSEY, SUMMER 1999 - "We went into the 1:18 scale die cast car business to develop a niche among collectors with an eye for classic cars and classic value.  After about two years of development, our introduction came at the 1999 Nuremberg Toy Fair in February.  Within three days, eight exclusive distributors were enrolled, and we were booking orders for shipment to 11 countries outside our home in the U.S.  At the New York International Toy Fair a week later, dozens of domestic distributors, stores and marketing firms talked to me, and we’ve been growing steadily ever since.

"Our first shipment for the U.S. market arrived by ship from Hong Kong in March.  ...Initial shipments left the factory [Summer 1999] for the U.K., Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg,  France, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Central and South America and Canada.  It looks as if classic American cars have fans all over the world.  Our plan is to introduce three new cars each year.  For 1999, this includes the 1948 Chrysler Town and Country Convertible with genuine wood panels, the 1931 Ford Model A Deluxe Roadster with fascinating details and the 1949 Ford Two-Door Station Wagon with genuine wood panels.  Each in four official or custom colors, twelve models in all.  The Chrysler Town and Country was launched in March [1999], the Model A Roadster first appeared in May and the Woodie Wagon will be in the warehouse starting in September.

"There is more weight to each model than other 1:18 scale die cast; and engineering and production tolerances are more precise than mass-market models.  The hoods and trunks stay up when opened, for example, steering is tight and there is a substantial feel to the car that says value.  Each Town and Country weighs 4.25 pounds; each Model A 3 pounds, and each Woody Wagon almost 5 pounds.  The Chryslers are available in Catalina Tan, Yellow Lustre, Gunmetal Gray and Heather Green.  Under the hood, you’ll see lots of detail and color including a Spitfire V8 engine and Mopar battery.  In the trunk, a spare tire.  And a luxurious-looking interior with a showroom feel.  Plus genuine wood panels on the sides and trunk lid.

"Henry Ford’s final-year Model A Roadster never looked better.  It’ll come in Stone Brown, Washington Blue, Brewster Green and Bronson Yellow with meticulous details.   The rumble seat opens, there’s a tool box on the back bumper, spare tires in wells on the front fenders, plus horns, headlights, mirrors, frosted wing windows and an interior you want to sit in.  True to life, Ford’s first two-door station wagon will feature genuine wood panels, spare tire on the back and a detailed interior.  Color schemes will start with authentic Seamist Green and be followed by Fez Red, Miami Cream and a “Wedgwood Blue”.

"Of course, every model features rolling wheels with the front two steerable, detailed undercarriage and precisely-modeled miniature engines under the bonnets.  More than 100 parts are assembled by hand into a miniature model that is then hand-waxed and polished before insertion into a secure window box with special protective bands and clamshell plastic cover."

MOTORMAX
Redbox International purchased Zyll Enterprise and their Zee Toys brand in the late 1980s and acquired most of their Dynawheels and Pacesetters castings.  They are now being reissued in Motormax sets along with new castings.  Four series have emerged as a result:  Click on each series name below for sample photos and more details.

Zylmex - The oldest and rarest of the Zyll Enterprise toys, Zylmex toys are also the most highly valued because of their rarity and unusual subject matter.

6000-Series - So named because of the model number on the base, these are the newest castings produced by Motormax.

Dynawheels -This basic 3" series of toy cars from Zee Toy with plastic chasses has been reissued with the Zee Toys logo removed from the base.  The Dynawheels model number remains as a D followed by numbers, which helps in identifying the vehicle.

Pacesetters - What sets these apart from Dynawheels is a metal base and opening doors.  They are rarely seen on the secondary market, and Motormax doesn't generally include them in any of their multi-car sets.

J-Series - inexpensive and cheaply made, the J-Series encompasses twelve models that all have a plastic lower body and chassis.

NOREV
Joseph Veron started the firm called Norev (Veron spelled backwards) in a suburb of Lyon, France, in 1953. His brother Emile worked for him until starting his own business producing Majorette die-cast toys in 1961.  The first Norev models were plastic in 1:43 scale.  Later models were made of die-cast metal with tinplate or plastic chassis.  Norev’s product line included 1:72 scale “Mini-Jet” series, the larger “Maxi-Jet” and “Jet-Car” series.   Mini-Jet models are currently valued around $5-8 each.  Maxi-Jets are a series of trucks for $12-16, and Jet-Cars are valued between $5 and $30.  At last report, Norev is still in business.  Eligor of France has acquired many of Norev’s older dies and is still issuing variations of them.  Jean-Pierre Grossier, an avid French collector, reports that Norev is alive and well and even re-editing their 1.87 scale "Micro-Miniatures" of the Fifties with nice improvements.

NOVACARS
Originally produced by the Portuguese company Minia Portos Juguetes E Brinquedos Lda., Novacar became a division of Majorette of France in 1993. Novacar is a series of small-scale toy vehicles with plastic bodies and metal chassis, except for number 112 F1 Racer, which has a die-cast metal body and plastic chassis. Through 1997, all models were available as the new Majorette 100 Series retailing for $.50 to $.75 each, usually in multi-packs of 4 cars.

NZG
Nurnberger Zinzdruckgussmodelle, otherwise known as NZG, began in Nurnburg, Germany, in 1968, by producing an assortment of construction vehicles. The company stuck with the heavy equipment theme till 1984, when a series of 1:43 scale Porsches and 1:35 scale Mercedes-Benz models were introduced, along with a few trucks and buses. A large assortment of current models is available from Toys for Collectors and other fine toy and model dealers. According to an undated but recent NZG catalog, NZG was for some time distributed by Schuco Toy Co., Inc., New York, likely a division of Schuco of Germany. Latest information indicates NZG is still in business, with new models currently being produced.

OAKLAND MODELS
On August 23rd, 2005, Robert M. Woolley, retired Founder and General Manager of Model Car Journal Magazine wrote that Herb Jackson had purchased Auto Buff models and had planned to continue the series. He made at least some 1953 Fords before his untimely passing circa 1975-80.  Oakland produced 1:43 models as a continuation of Auto Buff.

OLDCARS
Oldcars brand of Italy is so named for its first models of antique cars introduced in 1978. Their current line represents anything but old cars, consisting of modern buses, racing transporters, vans, fire trucks and heavy equipment. Still the name remains, and the company keeps producing so many variations of its basic models that not even the owner of the company could list them all.

OTO
Oto models are 1:43 die-cast reissues of Pilen models from Spain produced for the Netherlands market.  Holland-Oto is the name previously known as Efsi Toys.  Thanks to Jan Scholten for the update.

PENJOY
Penjoy is one of only two manufacturers of die cast collectibles made in the U.S.A. (The other is Winross.) Penjoy is responsible for producing the 5th Anniversary Commemorative Truck for the Diecast Toy Collectors Association. In addition, there is also a Penjoy Collectors Club which offers a quarterly newsletter. Check the club listings at the toynutz clubs page or visit their website at www.penjoy.com. PenJoy Company, 56 Newcomer Road, Mount Joy PA 17552-9344 USA, Phone: (717)653-7330, Fax: (717)653-2662, E-mail: sales@penjoy.com

POLITOYS/POLISTIL
Politoys M of Italy began in 1960 as a manufacturer of plastic 1:41 scale models. In 1965, Politoys produced their first series of higher-quality die-cast vehicles. Because of the similarity of names between Politoys of Italy and Palitoys of Great Britain, the Politoys name was changed to Polistil around 1970. The Politoys/Polistil product line covers hundreds of models in a variety of scales, from 1:18 scale to 1:64. Since other books devote many pages to this brand, this book showcases just a few representative models.

QUIRALU
Now one of the most popular brands on the collector market, Quiralu was at one time a totally obscure French brand of die-cast toys. Their current popularity is due in part to the re-issue of many of the original models as faithful reproductions. That alone wouldn't necessarily make them sell, but the real reason is for the recognition by collectors of the charm and quality of these fine toys. Reproductions can be purchased for a very reasonable price, while original models are quickly rising in value. The original Quiralu brand was introduced in 1933 by a Mr. Quirin of Luxeuil, France. The combination of his name and the primary metal, aluminum, used in the production of these models provides the name derivation. It wasn't till 1955 that the firm started producing 1:43 scale models. The latest of the original models were introduced in 1959, with production ceasing soon afterward.

RACING CHAMPIONS
Racing Champions are based in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. In recent years, the company has gained tremendous popularity not just because of their miniature racing models, but perhaps more so because of their Mint Editions and related series of vintage models.
Website: www.racingchamps.com.

RALSTOY
The Ralston Toy and Novelty Company, or Ralstoy, was founded in Ralston, Nebraska, in 1939. Combining surviving molds and dies from Best Toy Co. of Manhattan, Kansas, and Kansas Toy Co. of Clifton, Kansas, the former Mayor of Ralston, Dr. Felix Despecher, started producing inexpensive slush-mold toys. When Dr. Despecher died and World War II dominated the need for lead and other metals, successor Paul Massey turned to making wooden toys. When the war was over, the first Ralstoy die-cast models were produced. Some, but not all, Ralstoys have the Ralstoy name on them, due to the inheritance of dies from the other companies. Current models are being produced as promotional items for moving companies and others.

ROAD CHAMPS
As early as 1980, Road Champs produced various 1:64 scale toy cars with opening doors under the auspices of JRI, Inc., originally based in a suburb of Philadelphia. One of many new arrivals on the die-cast market, Road Champs moved to Harrison, New Jersey before finally settling in West Caldwell, New Jersey. Their recent move to new offices are now established in Union, New Jersey, coincides at least somewhat with the purchase of Road Champs by Jakks Pacific, Inc., in 1998.

Road Champs made its mark in 1993 with its introduction of a 9-car series of 1993 Chevrolet Caprice State Police Cars. The ever-expanding series features relatively faithful 1:43 scale reproductions of U.S. and Canadian police cruisers with more Caprice variations, the addition of 1994 Ford Crown Victoria, a 1996 Chevrolet Suburban, and a 1998 Ford Crown Victoria multiply the number of police cars added every year. Before the highly popular state police series, the 1:87 scale "Anteaters" series, named after those curved-nose semi tractors, was the primary item marketed by Road Champs. They remain a popular segment of the Road Champs line-up, now marketed simply as Die Cast Cabs & Trailers.

1:64 scale offerings include Country Tour Buses, a now discontinued series that featured graphics and names of several country music stars; their Fire Rescue Series is still a popular line of models of firefighting equipment, including International and Boardman trucks, and most recently Chevrolet Suburbans; the Deluxe series continues to offer the unusual items such as a Zamboni, International Ramp Wreck Truck, garbage and recycling trucks, an International school bus and Mercedes stretch limousines. 1:87 scale buses are another currently popular but hard to find assortment that includes a classic Greyhound bus and several liveries of city and municipal buses.

The popularity of Road Champs has grown with the expanding police car series, and Road Champs caters to collectors by now producing a great assortment of vintage automobiles in 1:43 scale.  Jakks Pacific has owned the brand since the 1990s, and operates out of Laguna Beach, California.

SAICO
Saico is a brand of D & P International Enterprises Limited based in Kowloon, Hong Kong, and is a specialist in the manufacture and export of die-cast model cars and remote-controlled model cars since the early 1990s. In addition to producing under its own brands of “Saico” and “Saicon,” the company accepts OEM and ODM orders.

SAFIR
From 1961 to 1978, Safir of France produced a wide variety of miniature models. Though not very successful, many of their models were copied by Hong Kong firms known for producing cheap unlicensed knock-offs of other manufacturers' products. Safir models are typically valued at $10.00 to $25.00 each.

SIKU TOYS
Siku is a division of Sieperwerke, a venerable German company established in 1921 by Richard Sieper. The name "Siku" is an acronym formed from the first two letters of the Sieper name combined with the first two letters of "kunststoff," the German word describing synthetic material or plastic. From 1949 to 1963, Siku toys were made of plastic, but in 1963, as Matchbox started marketing their products in Germany, the first Siku die-cast models were produced to attempt to keep up with the increasing competition. Models marketed in the US were at one time labelled "Siku Eurobuilt" but are now packaged as "Siku Super Series" models. While the predominant scale for Siku is 1:55, Siku actually manufactures in three different scales, 1:64, 1:55 "Super Series" and 1:32 "Farmer Series".

SMTS (Scale Model Technical Services)
SMTS is an English company, making white metal models for US Model Mint (at one time), Conquest and
Madison, as well as their own ranges.   Voiturette is a related brand from SMTS.  Latest addition to the SMTS line is Goldvarg of Argentina.

SOLIDO
The venerable Solido firm of Nanterre, France, was formed in 1932 by Ferdinand de Vazeilles. A detailed study of the Solido line is presented by Dr. Edward Force, renowned author and collector of a wide variety of die-cast toys.  In the mid-Fifties, Ferdinand de Vazeilles was succeeded by his children Charlotte, Jean and Colette, who took the strategic option to move from "unpersonalized" die-cast toy assembly kits to real scale models of existing vehicles.  Jean continued to successfully head the company until 1978.

Solido was purchased in 1973 by "Le Jouet Francais" ("The French Toys"), makers of Jouef models and Heller plastic kits, before being purchased by Majorette in 1981.

Since 1974, the Solido factory has been located in Oulins, in Normandy, France, and now specializes in 1:18, 1:43 and 1:60 scale models.

Majorette continues the tradition of producing Solido quality miniature replica vehicles. The brand survives today under the auspices of Groupe Ideal Loisirs, the French toy conglomerate.

Appreciation goes to Jean-Pierre Grossier for assisting with background information.

SPA CROFT MODELS
Spa Croft Models is a small but growing manufacturer of fine quality white metal models of British cars.  At the moment there are five models in the range:  Series II Morris Isis, Phase I Standard Vanguard, FC Vauxhall VX 4/90, Austin A70 Hampshire Countryman and Austin A70 Hampshire Saloon.  Models in the course of preparation are Phase III Standard Vanguard and Hillman Minx Californian Hardtop Coupé. There are furthers cars under consideration for 2000.  Our models are of a quality similar to Crossway, Kenna and Somerville.  Spa Croft Models, based in England, was established in 1995.

SUPERIOR (see Sunnyside)

SUNNYSIDE
Sunnyside of China designates their models as "superior," which has lead collectors to mistake the descriptive term for the brand name. Sunnyside produces some notably nice die-cast models. Although not marked as Sunnyside models, they are distinguished by the "Flying S" logo and the SS- model number designation on the base.

TBILISI
Collector Lemiere Bruno of France reports that Tbilisi is the alternate name of the town of Tiflis in the Russian province of Georgia.  It is there that a small toy factory installed obsolete Norev casting equipment around 1980.  In the USSR, no brand names were applied apart from those intended for export, hence the town name.  “Poor finish for the domestic market as far as I remember,” comments Bruno.  “A couple of other Norevs were remanufactured there.”

Robert Jacaszek adds:  Tbilisi is the name of Georgia capital.  Up to the Nineties, Georgia was part of the Soviet Union.  (The name Tifilis was used up to 1936.)  Plastic models with this name were manufactured in the Seventies.  In Poland, where I am living, in the late Seventies were available three models (listed below).  These models were in 1:43 scale.  These models were quite good (for the times).  I had seen only photo of French Dinky Panhard 24 Coupe, but I think that these models were copies of French Dinky models.  At the same time in Poland was available the first Soviet die-cast model - Moskvitch in 1/43 scale.  The name Tbilisi was only on plastic models.  Only car name,  scale, and "Made in USSR" were on diecast models.
1927 Panhard, hard plastic body, black, 3-1/2”  $8-10
Panhard 24 Coupe, white  $8-10
Renault Dauphine, white  $8-10

TEKNO
Tekno toys are especially nice 1:43 scale models originally made in Denmark starting in 1920 with tinplate toys.  Since 1974 when Dutch importer Van Min acquired the Danish firm, Tekno Toys have been produced in Holland.  Chico toys are the Colombia, South America, division of Tekno.  Dalia of Spain established a working relationship with Tekno to produce a special line of models separate from the main Tekno line.  Thanks to Jan Scholten for the updated information.

TOMICA
Until around 1980, the Japanese gems known as Tomica Pocket Cars were widely distributed in the US, even available in grocery stores. But because their high quality and accurate scale meant that they cost a little more than Hot Wheels and Matchbox, they were unable to compete with the lower-priced and better-known brands. The normal price for Pocket Cars was around $1.50 to $1.75 each. Their current value reflects the growing interest from collectors who discovered these terrific little toys too late to save them from disappearing from the US market. Another reason for a lack of popularity is their focus on Japanese vehicles such as Mazda, Hino, Mitsubishi and Fuso. Now, models of Japanese vehicles are more desirable because they are Japanese. New models are still being produced but are not generally available in the US, as the Tomica series retreated to European and Asian markets where Pocket Cars still hold a better market share.  Although no longer designated as "Tomica" but simply "Tomy," these detailed die-cast vehicles remain distinctive and exceptional in the industry for their quality, realism and scale.

Tomica Pocket Cars: The numbering system for Pocket Cars is not particularly consistent, so the preferred method of listing them is alphabetically by description. Most models are well-marked on the base, and are heavier than usual for their size, due to more metal and less plastic. Other companies, in an attempt to capture some of the Pocket Car market, produced cheap copies of many of these models. A major difference is that these generic knock-offs had plastic bases and other components, and lighter-weight metal parts, and are generally unmarked. The generic versions are considered essentially worthless to collectors, except as an oddity.

Tomica Dandy: These are 1:43 scale models whose detail, packaging and accessories set them apart from most other models in their price range.

TOOTSIETOYS
The process of die-casting was first introduced to the world at the Columbian Exposition of 1893, when Charles Dowst observed a new machine known as the Line-O-Type. Mr. Dowst applied the process to the manufacture of various items, eventually producing the first diecast toys in 1910. These first die-cast toys soon after became known as Tootsie Toys. (Later the name was changed to Tootsietoys.) The Tootsietoy legacy can be divided into two eras - pre-war and post-war. The reason for this is that before World War II, Dowst concentrated on producing realistic replicas of popular vehicles of the era. The focus after the war shifted to producing less expensive toys that were more affordable and therefore more accessible to children. Serious collectors prefer pre-war Tootsietoys because of their greater detail and realism. Today's assortment of Tootsietoys runs the full gamut of styles, from crude generic toys to accurate miniature models, but the focus is still on affordability. While this book presents a survey of models, a more detailed study can be found in David Richter's Collector's Guide to Tootsietoys, $16.95 from Collector Books. In 1964, with the purchase of the Strombecker Corporation, one of the oldest companies in the US, Dowst's Tootsietoys became Strombecker's Tootsietoys.

TROFÉU
Troféu is a brand of 1:43 scale die-cast cars from Replicar of Portugal.  Models include street and race versions of Alpine Renault A110, Fiat 131 Abarth, Ford Escort Mk I, Ford Escort Mk II, Ford Sierra Cosworth, Joest Porsche WSC, Mitsubishi Galant VR4, Porsche 936/78, Porsche LMP1/98, Saab 96, Subaru Impreza, and Toyota Celica GT 4.

UNIVERSAL HOBBIES LTD., INC. (also see Jouef, Eagle's Race)
Until recently, the head office for Jouef was in Champagnole, France, with US distribution based in Mequon, Wisconsin. Since Jouef's bankruptcy in 1996, models are now being produced by Universal Hobbies Ltd., Inc. under the Jouef and Eagle's Race brands.

U.S. MODEL MINT
U.S. Model Mint models are white metal scale models in 1:43 scale similar to Brooklins, Durham and others. They are distinguished by their beautiful representations of U.S. manufactured cars. While the U.S. headquarters are in Granger, Indiana, U.S. Model Mint cars are made by SMTS of England.

VITESSE
Vitesse is a popular brand of beautifully exquisite 1:43 scale models from Portugal. Vitesse Group model series include Vitesse, City, Onyx, Quartzo, Skid, 2Wheels and Victoria.  Visit their website at www.vitessegroup.com.  Vitesse has since been purchased by another firm.  Detailed results of that sale and the state of the brand are not clear.

VIVID IMAGINATIONS
Out of Canada comes Vivid Imaginations, for a while a division of Tyco but now owned by Mattel. The Vivid Imaginations brand was the impetus for a small offering of Gerry Anderson vehicles. You may recall Gerry Anderson as the creator of "Supermarionation," the process used to place marionettes in action scenes for children's TV series such as Thunderbirds, Supercar, Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons, and several others. The Vivid Imaginations brand was applied to die-cast models from the Thunderbirds TV show most popular in England and Canada.

WELLY (updated June 5th, 2009)
Welly Die Casting Factory Limited has been one of the leading manufacturer die-cast toy car and scale model business since 1979.  Their factories are located at Guangdong Province in Mainland China, with more than 3000 employees.

In the early '80s, Welly mainly produced 3" die cast toy cars in approximately 1:60 scale.  4.75 inch diecast toy cars followed in approximately 1:38 scale.  During the early '90s, the company started to develop 1:24 scale models.  Establishing a good reputation and having much success, Welly expanded their line to include 1:18 diecast models in the late '90s.

After 30 years experience of diecast model-making, Welly devloped a wide range of different scales including 1:18, 1:24, 1:32, 1:38, 1:43, 1:60 & 1:87, with licenses including cars, trucks, bicycles, motorbike and other kind of vehicles as well as playsets. 

A few years ago, Welly established a team devoted to research and development (R&D), resulting in a range of Radio Control models including 1:32 scale diecast RC cars and trucks, and 1:12 scale plastic RC cars.
Website: www.wellydiecast.com

WINROSS
Since the 1960s, Winross of Palmyra and Rochester, New York, has offered quality 1:64 scale toy trucks manufactured exclusively in the U.S.  Their literature states that their purpose is "to provide the private collector with the finest scale models hand-crafted in the USA today, at factory direct prices."  Each model featured in the Collector Series has been used in a unique promotion by the company it represents, and has been approved for private sale through their catalog. Winross by Mail is the catalog division of the Winross Company, Inc. These models are not available for retail nor intended for resale.  Purchase is limited to six of any one model unless otherwise specified.  For collectors of Winross trucks, the Winross Collectors Club of America, Inc., publishes The Winross Model Collector, a monthly newsletter intended to "share and preserve the common interest of dedication to the collection and preservation of 1:64th scale Winross Trucks."  New variations are issued monthly, about six at a time.
Website: www.winross.com

YAT MING
Like Welly, Yat Ming has produced a large number of inexpensive toys, now marketed as Road Tough brand toys. But a recent development by Yat Ming has resulted in their popular Road Legends line of 1:18 and 1:43 scale diecast models.
Website: www.yatming.com

ZEE TOYS / ZYLMEX (also see Motormax)
How could I produce an A to Z list without including Zee Toys?

Zylmex and Zee Toys are interchangeable brand names of Zyll Enterprise Ltd.  Like most, these lightweight die-cast and plastic toys are manufactured in China.  Their quality varies, and collector value remains comparatively low.  However, some unusual models have been produced in past years.  Besides a large array of models of different sizes and scales, two product lines stand out, both roughly 1:64 scale, dubbed “Pacesetters” and “Dynawheels.”

Pacesetters are the better quality of the two, usually sporting metal chassis, opening doors and other parts, while Dynawheels are generally lighter with plastic chassis and no opening parts.  Many other series exist, most notably Ridge Riders series of approximately 1:24 scale motorcycles, and Dyna-Flites military airplane toys.

Other manufacturers that have Carried the Zee Toys brand name include Edocar, a Dutch licensee, and Intex Recreation.  Sets of Zee Toys Pacesetters were also issued through Sears as Roadmates.  Zyll Enterprise Ltd. went out of business in March 1996, and all the dies and trademarks were sold to a Hong Kong firm in 1997.

The Zee Toys connection with Intex Corporation is that, up until 1993, Intex was the sole importer of Zee Toys to the US.  Now, Zyll products are being sold under the Motormax brand.

Visit Larry Hatch's die-cast image gallery at www.homestead.com/tcrpress/files/hdrec.html