Roly (Brazil)
Roly Toys of Brazil started in in Rio De Janeiro in 1965, founded by Kurt Adolf Hamberger and Mauricio Nhuch (son-in-law of Arno Kikoler of Kiko). They manufactured Matchboxes under license with the Inbrima name, as well as their own cars. The model I have is a truly beat up Willys Interlagos (Renault Alpine A108) in street and racing livery. The bottom of the car says "Roly Toys, Industria Brasileira, No. 1, Willys Interlagos Berlineta. The models I know of are: (#1)Willys Interlagos Berlineta, (#2) DKW Vemaget (a DKW estate/station wagon, also in fire and police livery), (#3) VW Kombi (bus), VW Kombi mail truck, VW Kombi ambulance, (#4) Scania Vabis, (#5) VW 1200 Beetle (some with doors which open, and some without), (#6) Willys Jeep, (#7) Mercedes Benz Tanker (in Texaco, Shell and Esso livery). Although a Centurion tank is often mentioned, it appears this was actually a Matchbox copy, and didn't have a number. I've also found on the Internet owners claiming to have a Scania Vabis truck with #11 on it instead of #4. There also seems to be a rare Karmann-Ghia convertible, Centurion tank, Camaro, and Karmann-Ghia. Production ceased in the early 70s.
In 1967 the company imported Matchbox cars from England instead of manufacturing them due to increased demand. I think that the source below (remember, I'm working from a bad translation) states that Matchbox production for Brazil then moved to Manaus, a city along the Amazon river. The bottom of the car may say "Alfeme Norte, PZF Manaus," which means "Produzido na Zona Franca de Manaus (made in the duty-free zone of Manaus)."
Much of of this history came from what I could understand from a poor Google translation (it definitely has problems with Portuguese) of Die-cast Cult Virtual Magazine. Definitely take a look at the site -- there are some great pictures of Roly Toys cars.
Strangely, the site recounts a story of one of the owners getting help from a local dealer in measuring a Ford Galaxie, yet there is no mention of such a model. It also discusses a Chevy Camaro (incorrectly called a Ford Camaro at one point), and shows a picture of it -- yet maintains that it wasn't ever manufactured. Curious.
I also found an article written by a Robert Tumminelli (introduced as webmaster of
www.minaturesbrasil -- but the link was dead when I tried it) on another Protugese-language site. This site concentrates on the plastic airplane model activities of Kiko, but it does also have an interview with Mauricio Nhuch. Good luck with the Google translation!
Toch wel wat gevonden
googel
Roly toys
