5/2/2023 0 Comments Fundimensions![]() Switchers (1/25): This series was a continuation of the "3-in-1" concept Toteff had introduced at AMT.Įxamples: 1925 Ford Model T roadster 1927 Ford Model T coach or cab 1932 Ford roadster or coupe, and the Ford Tudor Sedan or Phaeton.Connoisseur’s Classics (1/25): Many of the kits in this series were re-boxings of Gangbuster subjects.Įxamples: 1932 Chrysler Roadster and LeBaron Imperial 1927 Lincoln Roadster and 1928 Lincoln Phaeton and a 1914 Stutz Bearcat (which came with a vacuum-formed display base).Gangbusters (1/25 scale classic cars): One of the company's earliest dedicated series, some of the kits included scale gangster figures and accessories such as Tommy guns.Įxamples: 1927 Lincoln Roadster 1928 Lincoln Phaeton 'Ma Barker's 1932 Chrysler roadster' (complete with 'bullet holes' in the windscreen) 1932 Imperial Custom 8 and a 1932 Chevy Roadster and Panel Truck.Along with the production of pre-assembled promotional models, MPC released a regular series of current-model-year auto kits (annuals). Model lines ġ:20 scale kit of a McLaren Mk-8b Can Am race carįrom its inception, MPC offered original toolings of a wide variety of automobiles ranging from classic luxury cars of the 1920s and 1930s, to contemporary dragsters and funny cars, as well as conceptual customs and caricature models developed by well-known racers and customizers such as Dick Branstner (who had built the original full-size 'Color Me Gone' Dodge Truck dragster), George Barris (designer of the TV Batmobile), and Dean Jeffries (designer of the TV Monkeemobile). From 2008, MPC products were re-issued under license from Japanese Tomy by Round 2 LLC, which ultimately acquired MPC's assets outright in 2011 (along with those of AMT and Ertl). Ertl, in turn, became part of RC2 Corporation in 1999, and was subsequently absorbed into TOMY International, Inc. In 1985, MPC was purchased by The Ertl Company, which had also acquired AMT in 1981. ![]() General Mills then floated its remaining toy division as "Kenner Parker". General Mills's ownership lasted until 1985 when it sold off its hobby companies. During this time, MPC kits were marketed as part of CPG's Fundimensions Division. In the late 1970s, General Mills created a separate identity for its toy and hobby arm, CPG Products Corporation. An example was the Silver Star train appearing about 1972, with "The Mighty Sound of Steam". After these two names was stated, ".of the fun group at General Mills". General Mills also had purchased Lionel and the MPC name and logo even appeared on early 1970s train sets next to the Lionel logo. Ownership of the MPC name Ībout 1970, General Mills bought MPC from Toteff, who stayed on as president. Original model kits quickly followed, including the 1932–33 Chevy Roadster and Panel Truck, the first 'non-classic' subjects other than a Ford to be offered in 1/25-scale kit form. Later, for 19 the newly designed second-iteration Barracuda reverted to an MPC box, with no apparent AMT connection. For example, the 1967 MPC Plymouth Barracuda, originally made as a dealer promotional for Chrysler, was also marketed as a kit in an AMT box. Toteff remained on good terms with his former colleagues at AMT, and many of the first MPC products were distributed in AMT packaging. Another of the company's first 'promos' was a 1965 Dodge Coronet 500 in both convertible and two-door hardtop versions.Īs with other companies before it, most notably AMT and Jo-Han, MPC developed many of its kits from pre-existing promo toolings. ![]() MPC produced its first promotional models in 1965 the first product to appear under its own logo was a highly detailed 1/25-scale 1964 Corvette Sting Ray coupe featuring working front suspension, and including extra speed and customizing parts. ![]() There, in 1958, he had developed the first “3-in-1” model car kits based on his innovative “side-slide” injection-molding technique, which allowed the tooling of one-piece model car bodies. Toteff had been one of the original employees at AMT, eventually rising to vice president in the company. (1925–2011) and Dick Branstner with facilities in Mount Clemens, Michigan.
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