AMT, which stands for Aluminum Model Toys was founded in 1948 by attorney West Gallogly, in Michigan. In the early postwar period, new cars were difficult to get and did not remain in stock for long. The concept of “promotional models” provided a miniature, three-dimensional representation of the actual car, something potential buyers could see and touch when standing in an empty showroom. Postwar aluminum was inexpensive to obtain and Gallogly’s connections with Ford resulted in a replica of the 1948 Ford Tudor Sedan being produced as a promotional model. Cast in 1/25 scale and painted in-stock Ford colors, it was offered to Ford’s dealers, becoming a valuable sales tool. Ironically, AMT’s first aluminum product would be its last.
During the company’s infancy, early AMT employee George Toteff devised the “sliding pillar” tooling design, which allowed for the production of more complex shapes (like miniature car bodies) in plastic and in one piece. The switch from aluminum to plastic allowed for faster production, eliminated costly painting, and reduced cost. The lower cost of plastic promotional models transformed them from costly dealer sales props to relatively low-cost giveaway items.
AMT continued to produce promotional models and flywheel-powered toy cars well into the 1950s. In 1953 they released three “triple kits” each featuring 3 unassembled promotional models. In 1956, Erik Erikson established SMP (Scale Model Products) as a subsidiary of his own Detroit Plastic Products, but with considerable financial interest held by AMT. SMP was established to “get a foot in the door” with Chevrolet, which may have been holding back from dealing with AMT due to the latter’s close ties with Ford. SMP would produce Chevrolet and some Chrysler promotional models, while AMT continued its production of Ford and GM (other than Chevrolet) promos. While there were other companies also making toy model cars and banks, AMT and SMP are recognized as premier original manufacturers of promotional models, whether in metal or plastic.
