TootsieToys

Did you know the first die-cast toy cars in America were made by TootsieToy in Chicago over a century ago?
These little metal cars, trucks, and buses were designed to be cheap enough for pocket money but tough enough for years of sandbox adventures. By the 1930s, TootsieToy was cranking out millions each year—making them the largest toy car maker in the world.
Fun tidbit: the company’s name came from the owner’s daughter, nicknamed “Tootsie.” During WWII, production paused for the war effort, but after peace returned, so did the tiny cars.
Today, even with chipped paint and well-loved wheels, TootsieToys remain a favorite for collectors who love a bit of automotive history in miniature!