In the mid 1990's, Don DeSalle manufactured a series of Tonka trucks for the very serious Tonka collector. These trucks were not meant to be played with in the sandbox or crashed and smashed in typical child's play fashion.
These trucks were based on the Tonka trucks of the mid 1950's and modeled after the round fendered Fords of the era. Steel stamping dies were created to replicate the various steel components for the trucks. A high quality paint finish was applied, something you did not find on mass produced Tonka trucks of the 1950's or today for that matter. The trucks were even packaged in unique shipping cartons. No expense was spared in an effort to offer a superior, high quality collectible Tonka to those enthusiasts with pockets deep enough to afford these offerings.
The DeSalle trucks were manufactured in limited quantities, from 100 to 1500 trucks in a given series. Don signed some of the trucks in an inconspicuous location and also offered a Certificate of Authenticity signed by many of the key players on his staff.
Following is a listing of the known DeSalle collectibles. Clicking a link will direct you to photos of the truck.
