Maker record
Lion Car
Lion Car, also known as Lion Toys, was a Dutch maker of toy rails and miniature vehicles. Founded in 1946 by Arie van Leeuwen, the company began with toy railway track and passenger cars before developing a range of model cars, including models associated with DAF. It added injection-moulding equipment after moving its operation to Nistelrode in 1958. Lion Toys later changed hands several times and was acquired by Tekno in 2010.
- Founded
- 1946
- Final year
- 1983
- Countries
- Netherlands
- Locations
- Wassenaar · Nistelrode · 1958 · Dinther · Uden · 1998
- Founders
- Arie van Leeuwen
The story of Lion Car
Lion Car was founded in 1946 in the Netherlands by brothers Gerard and Anton van Rin. The brand was initially well known for producing matchbox cars and trucks. However, it later expanded to include a range of other vehicles and even ventured into producing models of trains. The brand is famous for its meticulous attention to detail, rigorously following or even surpassing the standard set up by its rivals. Lion Car ultimately ceased production in 1983, but left behind a legacy of high-quality, tactfully crafted models that continue to be coveted by collectors around the globe. An interesting fact about them is that Lion Car always ensured their models were a true reflection of their full-sized counterparts, with all moving parts and accessories miniaturized and reproduced in the model.