Maker record
Metosul
Metosul was a Portuguese toy brand introduced by Osul in Espinho in the mid-1960s. It made metal miniatures, especially die-cast cars and commercial vehicles, including Mercedes-Benz trucks and Volkswagen Beetles. Models featured details such as separately fitted metal bases, rubber tyres and painted trim; the range also included taxis, police and fire vehicles, buses and tankers. Metosul expanded from the domestic market into European exports and showed its products at the Nuremberg toy fair.
- Founded
- 1960
- Countries
- Portugal
- Locations
- Espinho, Portugal
- Founders
- Unknown
The story of Metosul
Metosul emerged in Espinho in the mid-1960s, when Osul, the toy-making identity of Luso-Celuloide, began producing metal toys. Luso-Celuloide had been established in 1931 by Manuel and Artur Henriques and initially made costume jewellery and small goods. It later used rejected plastic material to make toys, including cars, dolls and soldiers. In the 1950s the brothers separated: one established Hércules, while the other continued with the company that became Osul. Metosul marked Osul’s move into metal toys.
Early Metosul miniatures included a Volkswagen Beetle, Citroën DS 19, Mercedes-Benz 200, Renault Floride and Alfa Romeo Giulietta. The range grew to include taxis, police and military vehicles, fire engines, buses and tankers. Models were made from Zamak, a zinc-based alloy, and could feature painted trim, detailed lights and fittings, rubber tyres or opening parts. Production initially served Portugal. The company later developed European exports through a Dutch distributor and exhibited at the Nuremberg toy fair. The Universidade do Minho’s account also identifies Metosul as the first Portuguese toy factory to export, in the 1960s, and notes its later transition from metal to plastic.