Walking through the halls of Toy Fair, I spied a booth with what looked like a vintage Ideal Mr. Machine on the counter. Then the next thing that grabbed my eye was the Evel Knievel stunt cycle. I had to stop and ask what was up.
American Classic Toys is owned by Jay Horowitz, who acquired the assets of Ideal in 1985. Over the years he's re-issued classic toys using the original toolings and designs. It was great to see these toys in such perfect shape.
As I began to talk to Jay, he invited me to sit down and look at his book of designs. Included were all the properties that he had the molds and rights to. LOTS of the old Evel Knieval stuff, Mr. Machine and even more modern properties like Chuck Norris and the Karate Commandos. It was great to talk toy with a guy who has been in the industry for so long.
The nostalgia was killing me. What struck me most was how welcoming Jay was as opposed to a lot of other manufacturers. It was one of the cooler experiences at the show.
If you get the chance, check out the American Classic Toy website to see what other great nostalgic toys they are bringing back.
American Classic Toys is owned by Jay Horowitz, who acquired the assets of Ideal in 1985. Over the years he's re-issued classic toys using the original toolings and designs. It was great to see these toys in such perfect shape.
As I began to talk to Jay, he invited me to sit down and look at his book of designs. Included were all the properties that he had the molds and rights to. LOTS of the old Evel Knieval stuff, Mr. Machine and even more modern properties like Chuck Norris and the Karate Commandos. It was great to talk toy with a guy who has been in the industry for so long.
The nostalgia was killing me. What struck me most was how welcoming Jay was as opposed to a lot of other manufacturers. It was one of the cooler experiences at the show.
If you get the chance, check out the American Classic Toy website to see what other great nostalgic toys they are bringing back.