ERTL is an American toy manufacturer known for collectible die-cast replicas and scale models of vehicles and agricultural machinery.
The company was founded in Dyersville, Iowa, home of the National Farm Toy Museum. In the 1990s it began manufacturing in Mexico, leading to layoffs at the original ERTL factory, which soon became the company's warehouse store.
ERTL's popularity stems from the meticulous detail of its miniature tractors and other vehicles.
In the late 1970s its engineers introduced plastic models of tractors, ploughs and farm wagons. Although the range was less popular than expected, it apparently led to the acquisition of AMT in 1981.
In the early 1990s ERTL launched the ‘American Muscle’ range of collectible cars and trucks in 1:18. It quickly appealed to baby-boomer collectors, especially the limited editions of 2,500 pieces. The earliest models brought the company more than $500 apiece. The most famous and sought-after was the 1957 Chevy Bel Air, better known as Peggy Sue.
ERTL has made farm toys since 1945. Over more than 60 years it produced them for John Deere, Case IH, New Holland and AGCO. It also acquired licences for die-cast vehicles and figures based on Thomas the Tank Engine, Star Wars and DC Comics. Racing Champions bought all ERTL shares in 1999. The brand now operates under RC2 Corporation.
Key dates in ERTL/Racing Champions history:
- 1945 — Fred Ertl Sr. founds ERTL.
- 1959 — the company moves to a larger factory in Dyersville, Iowa.
- 1981 — acquisition of model-kit manufacturer AMT.
- 1985 — acquisition of model-kit manufacturer MPC.
- 2000 — acquisition of Britains Limited.
- 2003 — Racing Champions Ertl acquires Chicago-based Learning Curve International, Inc.
- 2004 — RC2 Corporation buys all shares in Playing Mantis and The First Years Inc.
- 2008 — Auto World, a division of Round 2, LLC, signs a licensing agreement for the manufacture and sale of AMT, MPC and Polar Lights die-cast models in 1:18 and 1:24.