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SHIPPING AVAILABLE > A 1982 licensed issue Buddy L Coca-Cola delivery truck toy. The truck is predominantly red with Coca-Cola branding on the side. It is made of metal or die-cast material, typical for toys of the era, and carries a load of simulated green Coke bottles in white crates, giving the appearance of an old-school delivery vehicle. The truck's design includes a front grille and windshield, with the words “Coca-Cola Trade Mark” emblazoned on the side. The wheels are marked with the name "Buddy L," referring to the popular toy manufacturer known for producing durable metal toys in the mid-20th century. Measuring approximately 5 inches long by 2.25 inches wide and standing 2.5 inches tall, this toy is compact and was likely marketed as a collectible or a play vehicle. The design reflects the nostalgia of classic Coca-Cola delivery trucks, making it a charming addition to Coca-Cola or vintage toy collections.
History of Buddy L Toys
Buddy L toys were created by the Moline Pressed Steel Company, founded in 1910 by Fred Lundahl in East Moline, Illinois. Originally, the company specialized in manufacturing automotive parts, but during the 1920s, Fred decided to diversify and create durable toys made from steel. He named the toy line “Buddy L” after his son, Buddy Lundahl. The first toys were construction equipment like trucks and cranes, designed for heavy-duty play, reflecting the durability of the steel from which they were made.
Buddy L quickly became popular for its high-quality craftsmanship and realism. The toys were larger than many others on the market, often with functional parts such as moving dump truck beds or cranes with winches. This made them appealing not just to children but also to collectors. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Buddy L continued to expand its lineup, producing fire trucks, trains, and delivery vehicles, including models for brands like Coca-Cola.
By the 1950s, as plastic toys started becoming more common, Buddy L still retained its metal design, symbolizing a bygone era of American toy manufacturing. Despite ownership changes over the years, the brand continued producing toys, and today, Buddy L toys are highly collectible, especially those from the early to mid-20th century. The toys are remembered for their toughness and realistic designs, often regarded as American classics.
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