AMT Models

Showing up in the early fifties AMT and sister company started out with friction and coaster models. They sprung out of the promo models built for automobile manufacturers. The idea was the salesman would be the big hero giving a scale model to the kids to play with while he worked over the parents. It did not take long for the idea to collect and trade the promo models. Very early on collecting model cars became quite a hobby.

AMT 1967 Chevrolet Impala Only 3 Left Order Today!

In the very early 50s and on into the 60s collecting model cars hobby reached a peak. So in 1958 AMT was first to introduce the model car kit. Also around this time the Revell and Monogram joined in to capitalize on the demand for model car kits. They became known as “annual” kit and the reason was every year when the new cars were introduced they would also bring out the new un-assembled promo cars as kits.

The primary promo car makers were AMT, Jo-Han and a little later on MPC. The promo car kits were produced as stock models. The makers canned the nick name “3 in 1” because model car builders could choose the build the models either stock, custom or racing models.

The promo plastic model cars were produced in great detail that included trim, emblems and exact dashboard details to replicate the real thing. The way the promos were produced the different auto makers licensed their new cars to one or the other model car makers. Going back some may remember that early on Jo-Han made kits for Cadillac and most of the Chryslers. AMT got the license to make Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac and Fords.

By the 70s the model car makers switched off. You will find the Jo-Han made the 1972 Ford Torino and MPC was making Chevrolet's.