Tootsie Toy - Toy Construction

Toy Construction

In 1961, Strombeck-Becker, later abbreviated to 'Strombecker' was a hobby company purchased by Dowst / Tootsietoy (Strombecker 2004). Strombecker had previously made popular plastic models mainly for slot car racing - and continued to do so, but by the end of the 1960s this trend had largely run its course (Strombecker 2004). Later, plastic as well as diecast toys were identified with both names as "Tootsietoy-Strombecker".

By the late 1960s, Tootsietoys were made in both the United States and Hong Kong. Though most Tootsie toys are produced in Asia today, they were traditionally produced in Chicago, and were also made in a few other American factories such as Rockford, Illinois, though Tootsietoy should not be confused with the similar brand Midgetoy which was also made in Rockford.

The usual fare in the 1960s were American offerings like a 1959 Oldsmobile convertible, a 1959 Ford Wagon, or a 1960 Chrysler convertible. Vehicles were made in many sizes but 5", 3.5" and even smaller were all produced. As time passed the larger sizes generally faded, but in the 1970s the 1 dollar, 10 car "JamPac" of tiny, simple diecast cars became known as the worlds best child "shutter-upper" (Strombecker 2004).

Tootsietoys were usually simply made - often with only seven parts: a single diecast metal body, two axles, and four wheels. Arms protruding from the underside of the body were pinched around the axles after the wheels were added, which held wheels and axles in place. Many Tootsietoy cars are still made in this basic manner. Tootsietoy, which is now owned by J. Lloyd International, Inc. is still based in Chicago, makes about 40 million cars per year.