1953 Tonka Toys Allied Van Lines Semi Truck and Trailer
Tonka created partnerships with many different businesses to come up with Private Label versions of their toys. While these toys are not shown in the Look Books or lookbooks for 1957 there were several different Private labels trucks produced. These truck have become valuable to collectors in terrific condition like the example shown on this page. The problem most private label trucks have is the large decal used on most of these become yellow and brittle and damage easily. Also because of their limited number, many private label trucks used paint which was inferior to the normal Dupont "Dulux" paint that was baked on to the production trucks. The most notable example of poor paint is the silver color used to paint the top of the United Van Lines Semi Trailer shown below which is about the best looking truck ever produced by Tonka Toys, and one of the most difficult to produce. Another example is the entire trailer for the Red Owl Private Label Tonka from the same period. These are always found with some paint deterioration.
Allied Van lines has been a mainstay of the Tonka Toys Line for many years. This bright orange moving van with the terrific Allied Van lines graphics would appeal to any kid in the 1950' when it was produced. In later years, actual Allied dealers would have a second label applied to the lower center section of the trailer with their business information to be used as promotional items.
Note the back door latch assembly, This would later ne removed from production as the trucks has door that were friction fit to keep them closed.
1953 Tonka Toys Allied Van Lines Semi Truck and Trailer
Do you have Tonka Toys to sell? Please Contact me at Micah@tonkatoys.com