Some vehicles were designed to be taken apart and rebuilt. Motorcycles were made in a variety of models, including some with detachable side cars. Hubley’s vehicles accurately reflected popular American cars such as the 1934 Chrysler Airflow, 1934 Ford coupe, and the 1937 Lincoln-Zephyr. These early toys were distinguished by their detail and complexity. The first group of cast-iron toys consisted of different breeds of cars, dogs, horse-drawn vehicles, motorcycles, steam shovels, tractors, trucks, and guns. As a result, Hubley products are sought by collectors in a number of specialized collecting categories. Hubley also produced 1:20 scale metal car model kits and briefly made promotion models for several Detroit automobile companies. John Hubley designed most of the products. Cap guns and motor vehicles were manufactured in zinc alloy and plastic. The Hubley Manufacturing Company made cast-iron bookends, doorstops, and toys. Since cast-iron pieces were hand-painted, quality of painting does vary. Form, quality, and character of design also are value considerations. The general rule is the better the condition, the higher the value. Diversifying its product line was an overreach and seriously taxed Hubley’s resources.Ĭondition, especially the remaining amount of period paint, is critical to value. In the 1960s, Hubley introduced new lines to appeal to the hobbyists. A 1949 labor dispute ended cast-iron production. When the Korean War ended and metal restrictions were removed, Hubley did produce some cast-iron toys. Hubley manufactured war-related material. The Kiddietoys brand name continued into the 1950s.ĭuring World War II, toy production ceased. Its new line of toys was marketed under the Kiddietoys brand. Hubley shifted from the use of cast-iron to a diecast zinc alloy known as mazac and plastic. Increasing freight costs and foreign competition forced Hubley to seek alternatives to cast-iron in the late 1930s. By 1936, Hubley started casting in multiple cavity steel dies. Hubley also cast pieces for other local manufacturers. The 68,000 square feet Hubley factory included a die-case room, paint room, tool room, and warehouse. Arcade was Hubley’s principal competitor. He used the income to begin production of cast iron toys such as circus wagons, a coal range, and mechanical banks. Financial difficulties in 1909 forced Hubley to sell his entire train-related stock. In 1937, the vehicle was taken off the market.Initially, the company made accessories and equipment for electric trains. The 1936 year saw only 6,285 Chrysler Airflow sales and 5,000 De Soto sales. The cheaper De Soto alternative sold 13,940 vehicles. The 122-horsepower Inline-8 could power the car from zero to sixty in 19.5 seconds and attain a top speed of about 88 miles per hour.ĭuring the first year of production, 11,292 Chrysler Airflow's were sold. This also did not produce desirable sales results, so the grill was again modified. When sales did not do well, the grill was changed to a more conventional 'skyscraper' gill in 1935. The front of the car had a large grill that extended from the hood to the bumper. The largest length measured 145 inches and was dubbed the Custom Imperials. The vehicle could be purchased in five different wheelbase lengths. In 1934, the production model was completed and ready for sale.Ĭhryslers Airflows used strictly eight cylinders, while the De Soto version used six cylinders. A prototype called the Trifon Special was constructed in 1932. Lightweight, rigid materials were used to help compliment the vehicle's design. Orville Wright, an aviation expert, was called upon to help design a vehicle that achieved aerodynamics similar to an airplane. The vehicle's design came about after many hours spent in wind tunnels. The design was revolutionary for the 1930s the sales, however, would be its downfall. The Carl Breer-designed Chrysler Airflow was ahead of its time in terms of aerodynamics.
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