The company started in 1928 when José Augusto Junior starts making toys from metal and wood. The company name consisted of his initials: J.A.J. By 1955 the company has grown and a new brand name JATO (José Augusto Toys) was established for production of plastic and tin toys. In the 1970’s the brand name was changed into PEPE, because some of the new partners within the company were brothers and shared the name Penela. PEPE = PEnelaPEnela. José Augusto junior died in 1984, but was always involved in the development and production of the toys in his company. Currently the company still produces toys under the PEPE or JET brand name and is still located in Alfena, Portugal.
Plastic body with cut out windows and very good details of front and rear hood, door seams and engine air louvers. Tin chassis with a friction motor mounted for front wheel drive. Early release has a tin interior insert, with or without steering wheel /driver, tin bumpers. Mid release has a clear window insert. The VW Bus came stock or various emergency themes such as Polizei, Policia, ADAC or Feuerwehr. Recently re-issued again with new themes, driver and colors.
