Does anybody know much about old toy Tonka trucks?

**Epic_Dragon** · 11th May 2020, 11:50 AM

Hello folks

I have an old Matchbox tonka truck that I've had for around 27 years, it was old when we found it for 20cents in a second hand shop. Its one of my most prized things. I would ride it down sand dunes at our 4wd camping trips. (I am not a girl who ever played with dolls or barbie - only had barbie cars and horses

Does anybody know much about old toy Tonka trucks?

) It was stolen from me once by a family who I'd helped in a bind and let them live in my house at the time with me for a while. They stole it for their children when they left, even knowing how important it was to me, and lied to me when I asked them about it. Was an unannounced visit month's later that I found it in their possession, I took it back and that friendship was no more!
I was wondering if anyone knows much about these? All I have found is its a Matchbox big movers dumper truck (has old glue marks still from having these stickers)or matchbox d-10 40.40.57.
It looks much the same as I found it. Its the kind of thing that makes me sad I cannot have children so it could be passed down through generations, instead it will likely be buried with me one day

apart from the time it was stolen, its always been with me.

My sister has a very similar one branded "Clover" too.

I just think of its history and who loved it before me.
If you know anything about when these were made, or even have one too, please share and tell me your stories

Thankyou

**austastar** · 11th May 2020, 12:45 PM

Hi,
There is a chap with a toy museum in Wilmington S.A. with an impressive collection of toy cars and trucks and is very knowledgeable on such things.
The owner (Dave) has lots of Land Rovers too. No doubt someone will join the conversation with more details for you.
Cheers

**Eevo** · 11th May 2020, 01:03 PM

i had one as a kid. i dont remember much about it except a dog peed on it at the beach one time

**Epic_Dragon** · 11th May 2020, 01:07 PM

probably for ever that dogs best wee memory. "Peed on a truck once, I did"

Originally Posted by Eevo

i had one as a kid. i dont remember much about it except a dog peed on it at the beach one time

**V8Ian** · 11th May 2020, 02:42 PM

I think you're using the Tonka name generically. As far as I know there is no link between Matchbox and Tonka.
Matchbox was originally Lesney but was aquired by Mattel.

**gromit** · 11th May 2020, 05:25 PM

As V8Ian mentioned, Matchbox & Tonka are two different companies. Tonka (now owned by Hasbro) from the US and Matchbox the UK. Matchbox was a brand name of Lesney but now owned by Mattel who produce Hot Wheels.
In another life I visited a company in the East End of London who were screen printing logos on Lledo cars, still have a couple of limited editions somewhere. Turns out this company rose from the ashes of Matchbox

Tonka - Wikipedia
Matchbox (brand) - Wikipedia
Lledo "Days Gone" diecast toy vehicles (1982-1999)

Anyway, back to the subject matter...

There are quite a few websites devoted to early Tonka's and lots on Ebay.

When I was a kid I don't remember these type of toys being around but a few years back I ended up with quite a collection from Op Shops, Trash & Treasure Markets etc. for one of my boys. All Tonka, some rusty, some like new. They were used in the garden left out in the rain and well loved until the young bloke grew up and we sold them to a mate of mine for his kids, when we visit the young bloke still plays with them !

I still have a Tonka Dragline in the office, I must move it on one day.....

Colin