Maker record
Dugu
Dugu was an Italian maker of miniature vehicles based in Varallo Sesia. Founded in 1961, it produced detailed 1:43 scale models of early automobiles, including cars represented in the collection of Turin’s automobile museum. Its original Miniautotoys range included the Fiat Tipo 4, Lancia Lambda and Itala Palombella. Dugu later added a simpler Museo range based on the museum collection and a commercial range of tractors and work vehicles. The company’s models were aimed at collectors and other adult buyers.
- Founded
- 1961
- Final year
- 1983
- Countries
- Italy
- Locations
- Varallo Sesia, Italy · 1961
- Founders
- Bartolomeo Chiodo
The story of Dugu
Bartolomeo Chiodo established Dugu in Varallo Sesia in 1961. The name came from one of Varallo’s districts, and the company used an owl as its emblem. Its early Miniautotoys range reproduced automobiles from the early twentieth century and, in some cases, the late nineteenth century. The Fiat Tipo 4 Torpedo was the first model, followed by cars including the Lancia Lambda, Fiat F-2 Grand Prix and Itala Palombella. Box inscriptions described the models as based on vehicles in Turin’s Carlo Biscaretti di Ruffia Automobile Museum or made with the museum’s advice.
Dugu’s original range was joined by Museo, a simpler series of historic cars from the museum collection, and a commercial line of tractors and work vehicles. The commercial models included Fiat trucks and tractors. In 1973, Dugu ceased production before releasing its planned Fiat Mefistofele model. A limited run was subsequently made by Zeppelin without Dugu branding. Fiat trucks, tractors and other commercial vehicles continued under names including SISPLA, and later appeared in the Old Cars catalogue.