Maker record
Gamda
Gamda was an Israeli toy brand belonging to Habonim, based at Kibbutz Kfar HaNassi. Beginning in 1962, it made die-cast civilian and military vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses and military models. Early models drew on British designs and tooling, while local-market liveries featured Israeli services and institutions. In 1966 the factory was incorporated into Gamda Koor Export, which produced 1:43-scale American cars sold as Sabra Super Cars in Israel and other markets and as Detroit Seniors in the United States.
- Founded
- 1960
- Locations
- Kibbutz Kfar HaNassi, Israel
- Founders
- Mettoy-Corgi
The story of Gamda
Gamda began toy production in 1962 at Kibbutz Kfar HaNassi in northern Israel. The brand belonged to the Habonim industrial group. Its first ranges covered civilian transport and military vehicles, with Israeli markings and liveries. Much of the early catalogue drew on British designs and tooling, including vehicles from the Jordan & Lewden River Series and models from Kemlow. Gamda adapted these products with features such as plastic windows and decorations for Israeli services and companies. It also developed its own models, including a Leyland bus and a modular Jeep Willys.
By 1965, the Israeli market could no longer absorb the factory's output, and Habonim's Gamda operation was struggling to remain viable. In 1966, the factory was contracted by Koor and Gamda Koor Export was formed. The venture made American cars in 1:43 scale for local and export markets. Sold as Sabra Super Cars in Israel and other markets, the cars were marketed by Cragstan in the United States as Detroit Seniors. The Sabra models were produced chiefly from 1969 to 1972.