Gama Tin Lithographed Windup Tilt Bed Truck German Toy *SOLD*

Gama Tin Lithographed Windup Tilt Bed Truck German Toy

Our extra large truck reminds us that Gama Toys of Germany must have had frustrated engineers.  This windup is spring powered under the hood, then has battery powered lights and an operating horn!  Wheels have a working differential and the steering works too.

Length is close to 18″ and the toy is quite stout.  Tires are thick rubber and the frame has heavy parts, likely steel with plated simulated springs.

Wind up the toy, then drop the clutch (on the drivers cab side).  Gears can be selected on the column.  Doors open for the “driver” to enter.

The tilt bed operates to one side.  Just uncouple the bed side, fold it down, then pull the pins hold the bed in place.  Then a kid can crank the bed to the side like the real life truck.

A brief history of Gama Toys of Fürth, Germany:

According to Edward Force, Gama is the acronym for Georg Adam MAngold, who started the company in Fürth, Germany in 1882 making tinplate mechanical toys. Most toy production up through World War II and up until the late 1950’s was lithographed tinplate.

In the early 1940’s, toy tanks were popular and offered in various sizes including 3.5 and 7 inches in length. The destruction of World War II disrupted production as with other German makers such as Märklin and Schuco. In the late 1940’s, production was started again under the auspices of the U.S.