Volume VIII, Number 11

A Comprehensive Kidco Collection
By Rob Gras and Doug Breithaupt

The Kidco story is one that is interconnected with that of a variety of toy car companies linked with Universal Group and David Yeh. The Kidco name and the models that appeared carrying that name, was not long-lived. Kidco appears in 1979-80 and by 1984 has largely disappeared. According to the recognized authority on toy car histories, Diecast Motor Vehicles, "This Bensenville Illinois company was formed in 1977. A marketing arrangement was established with Universal Toys (Products) in America... These models were produced in Hong Kong and Macau by Universal Group and its owner David Yeh before he bought Matchbox."

Kidco models also appeared carrying other names on their bases. All of this is tied to the purchase of Matchbox and Dinky by Universal Group in 1982. At that point, the focus for Universal shifted from Kidco to Matchbox and the Kidco brand was shifted to Europe and then allowed to fade away. It may be at this point that some of the castings appeared under different names like Imperial, Uniborn and even Dinky.

While the Kidco era was short, a surprising variety of models were offered. The purpose of this story is to provide a visual history of many of the models and variations offered. Kidco used the name 'Tough Wheels' for their toy cars. The high survival rate of these little cars would indicate the name was appropriate. Using the resources of our combined collections, we have attempted to show as many model variations as we can. Many models are still missing from our collections so this is just the first step in presenting a comprehensive Kidco collection. For the purposes of this story, motorcycles and large trucks offered by Kidco are not included in our review.

Fortunately, Kidco printed 'Tough Wheels' collection lists on the back of their blister cards. However, matching loose cars with these lists can be a challenge at times. Kidco separated their models into a variety of themes. These themes were sometimes changed from year to year. In 1980, 'Famous Cars of the 1930's' was offered with four different models. In 1981 this was changed to 'Hot Rods of the 1930's' and flames and racing graphics were added to the same castings. Kidco offered both three-digit and five-digit codes for their model themes and we have shown both codes where appropriate. Some castings were used in multiple themes with only color changes to divide one from the other. In some cases, castings were changed from one year to the next. The '53 Corvette is the best example (shown right). The original casting is crude with an up-right windshield and odd convertible top cover. A much improved casting was then offered which is far more like the real car. The '78 Corvette was first offered with a closed top and opening hood and then a new casting with t-tops and a sealed hood was produced. Another Corvette was first presented as a '69 model and later identified as a '71 model.

This story is divided into three parts to allow for quicker image loading. Part 2 is linked here while Part 3 is linked here. We hope this story will provide for a greater awareness of the Kidco models and lead to the identification of more castings and variations. Your comments and contributions are welcome.


Famous Cars of the 1930's #118-1 - '30 Ford Touring


Hot Rods of the 1930's #11800-1 - '30 Ford Touring


Famous Cars of the 1930's #118-1 - '30 Ford Touring


Hot Rods of the 1930's #11800-2 - '32 Ford Roadster


Famous Cars of the 1930's #118-2 - '32 Ford Roadster


Famous Cars of the 1930's #118-3 - '36 Ford Coupe


Famous Cars of the 1930's #118-3 - '36 Ford Coupe


Hot Rods of the 1930's #11800-3 - '36 Ford Coupe


Hot Rods of the 1930's #11800-4 - '37 Chevrolet Coupe


Famous Cars of the 1930's #118-4 - '37 Chevrolet Coupe


Famous Convertibles #151-1 - '53 Corvette


Famous Convertibles #151-1 - '53 Corvette


Famous Convertibles #15100-1 - '53 Corvette


Corvette Classics #115/11500-1 - '56 Corvette


Corvette Classics #115/11500-1 - '56 Corvette


Corvette Classics #115/11500-1 - '56 Corvette


Corvette Classics #115/11500-1 - '56 Corvette


Corvette Classics #115/11500-1 - '56 Corvette


Corvette Classics #115/11500-2 - '63 Corvette


Corvette Classics #115/11500-2 - '63 Corvette


Muscle Cars #152/15200-3 - '63 Corvette


Muscle Cars #152/15200-3 - '63 Corvette


Corvette Classics #115/11500-3 - '69/71 Corvette


Corvette Classics #115/11500-3 - '69/71 Corvette


Corvette Classics #115/11500-3 - '69/71 Corvette


Muscle Cars #152/15200-4 - '69/71 Corvette


Muscle Cars #152/15200-4 - '69/71 Corvette


Muscle Cars #152/15200-4 - '69/71 Corvette


Muscle Cars #152/15200-4 - '69/71 Corvette


Corvette Classics #115/11500-4 - '78 Corvette


Corvette Classics #115/11500-4 - '78 Corvette


Corvette Classics #115/11500-4 - '78 Corvette


Commemorative Cars #16000-1 - 1978 Corvette 25th Anniversary


Commemorative Cars #16000-1 - 1978 Corvette 25th Anniversary (Uniborn)


Famous Convertibles #151/15100-4 - '57 Chevy


Famous Convertibles #151/15100-4 - '57 Chevy

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