Maker record
Buby
Buby was an Argentine maker of die-cast scale model cars. Founded by naval engineer Haroldo Mahler, it produced miniatures of domestic and international vehicles, including cars, trucks and racing variants. Early models were made from zamak and featured a patented suspension system. The range expanded to include police, taxi, ambulance and roadside-assistance versions, as well as models of Argentine-built vehicles. Later technical developments included transparent windows, plastic interiors, opening doors and steerable front wheels.
- Founded
- 1956
- Countries
- Argentina
- Locations
- Buenos Aires, Argentina · 1960
- Founders
- Haroldo Mahler
The story of Buby
Haroldo Mahler, a naval engineer and model-car collector, began producing miniature cars in Argentina in the mid-1950s. LA NACION dates the start of his factory in Ranelagh to 1956; a specialist history dates the establishment of his workshop in his parents’ garage to 1957. Mahler named the maker Buby after his childhood nickname. The first model was a 1957 Buick Century Caballero, made in 1:43 scale with a patented suspension. Early production used parts and tools supplied by outside firms, before Mahler took control of the process.
By the end of the 1950s the range included Ford Fairlane and F-100 models and a Volkswagen Beetle. In the 1960s Buby added Argentine-built vehicles such as the IKA Estanciera, along with Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz, Renault and Fiat models. Versions included police, taxi, ambulance, roadside-assistance and competition vehicles. Technical changes included transparent plastic windows and interiors; the 1965 Pontiac GTO introduced opening doors, steerable front wheels and an improved suspension. LA NACION reports that Buby launched the smaller Mini Buby line in 1968, featuring vehicles made in Argentina.
LA NACION reports that financial failure in the early 1980s led Mahler to sell the Ranelagh facilities and a plant in Córdoba, after which he restarted production at Don Torcuato. From 1988, the company shifted toward exports and classic cars aimed at adult buyers. Pitlane Italia reports that Buby produced approximately 210,000 miniatures in 1967. It also dates the company’s bankruptcy to the end of the 1990s, while LA NACION describes a further downturn in that decade.