LION TOYS is manufacturer of toys cars from the Netherlands. The brand was established in 1946 by Mr. Arie van Leeuwen in the town of Wassenaar and they later moved to the town of Nistelrode. Initially, they produced tin train sets, but also some toy cars. The Oval Window Volkswagen Beetle was produced from 1956 (the Beetle originally did not have an own box, but was sold to toy dealers in a box of 6). Apart from the VW, several other makes were produced, like the DAF, the Renault Dauphine, Opel Rekord and DKW 3=6. Later they specialized on truck toy cars.
The first models were also licensed to third parties, like TEKNO/ VILMER. On the base plates of those models, it says “Made in Denmark” and some also “TEKNO”. They also were produced in Spain by JEFE and then the base plates were marked “Made in Spain” and some also “JEFE”. The founder past away in 1992 and the company was sold in 1994. In 2010 it was sold again to TEKNO.
Diecast metal body with solid windows and good details of front and rear hood, door seams and rear oval window with air louvers. Metal axles with diecast rims with rubber tires. Metal chassis stamped LION CAR, MADE IN HOLLAND (when produced in Holland) and no motor.
