- Soon after war production closed down, the Otaco Company began making simple steel toys.
The two examples shown on this site demonstrate their somewhat primitive nature. They also
made other interesting toys, illustrations of which can be seen in the Ron McBain Literature
section.
- Otaco representatives went to great lengths to gain approval to use well known oil company
logos on their tanker trucks. This approval was stated in their advertising. The catalog number for
all tanker trucks, regardless of their oil company logo, was M.T. - 29. The original price was
$8.95.
- There may not have been "57 varieties" of Heinz Minnitoy trucks, but there were at least 7 Heinz
products advertised on these "rolling billboards." All Heinz trucks were white and featured red
wheel discs - a very attractive combination.
- When it comes to pure advertising impact, you just can't beat the Minnitoy tractor-trailer trucks.
Many companies used them as promotional items to increase sales at stores carrying their
brands. Many others were used as private label trucks, even for somewhat limited markets. They
are considered among the most collectible of all Minnitoy trucks.
- The regular Minnitoy production line included a number of realistic Dump Trucks as well as an
Auto Wrecker, an Ice Truck and a Beverage Truck. Another unique and special item was the
Beaver Lumber Truck. Some of these straight trucks had dual rear axles, giving them a very
"beefy" appearance.
- Printed material regarding Minnitoys seems to be quite scarce. The Otaco company's main
product line was farm equipment. This material is more readily available.
- Ron has some very nice (and rare) Minnitoy trucks. Some of them are shown on these guest
pages. Ron also has available several Minnitoy decals for restoration purposes. These are of
extremely high quality.
- View some fascinating old Minnitoy catalog pages and check out those prices!
- See a list of Very High Quality dry transfer decals available for the Minnitoy and Lincoln Trucks.
- A comprehensive list of the known variations of Minnitoy trucks. The list does not include those
trucks made with the early style cab. It also does not include construction or other types of toys
made by Otaco.