Vintage Fred Thompson Smith Miller, Inc. “Smitty Toys” Limited Edition Parker Brothers Cement Mixer Toy Truck for Sale *SOLD*

Fred Thompson Smith Miller, Inc. “Smitty Toys” Limited Edition Parker Brothers Cement Mixer Toy Truck for Sale

We have for you a hard to find limited edition die cast 1950’s “Parker Brothers Ready Mix Concrete” Mack cement mixer truck. This truck is GR088 of 125 released from Fred Thompson and Smith Miller, Inc. “Smitty Toys” of Los Angeles California. This highly detailed piece does not come in a box, but is in original mint condition with no flaws. The paint and decals show no wear or discoloration. The truck is all metal with rubber tires. It is marked on the bottom with a brass tag GR088-125 and another tag that reads “This product sold under license from Mack Trucks, Inc. all rights reserved.” It is approximately 20” long x 9” high x 6” wide.

Now for a little history on these highly sought after trucks. It was the spring of 1979. Smith-Miller, Incorporated, which had made trucks of about 1/16 scale under that name as well as “Smitty Toys” and “M.I.C.” (derived from Miller-Ironson Corporation), had been defunct for about 23 years. Fred Thompson, a Los Angeles area resident, had bought Smith-Miller trucks as a kid. He still had several and needed parts to restore them. Unlike today, original or replacement parts for Smith-Miller trucks were not available.

After tirelessly trying to locate the factory Fred was able to track down its location and phone number which still was in service even after the factory had been closed for so long. After several calls for an appointment, Fred was finally able to get into the factory. After his initial introduction, Fred was able to make reoccurring trips to get the parts he needed for his restorations. He even went so far as to inquire about purchasing the factory. Four years later in 1979 Fred Thompson was able to purchase Smith-Miller, Inc. Not just the leftover trucks… not just the parts… the whole company! The cardboard boxes… the sign over the door… the factory photos… the dies… the company name… the whole company!

Fred Thompson and the Smith-Miller Corporation of today have produced 48 different toy trucks. These newer trucks have all been serially numbered limited edition issues. They are made from new-old-stock parts, replacement parts made form original dies and/or to original specifications and newly manufactured parts, which are hand assembled to exacting standards.

The year of issue and descriptive information for the limited edition trucks thus far produced is only an approximation as Fred was not absolutely certain for some of the trucks.