Buddy L Pressed Steel #208 Coach (1927-32) Passenger Bus *SOLD*

Buddy L Pressed Steel #208 Coach (1927-32) Passenger Bus 

We have for you a pressed steel #208 Coach (1927-32) passenger bus that was manufactured by the Buddy L Toy Company (Buddy L)/Moline Pressed Steel Co. of Neosho, Missouri/ East Moline, Illinois.  

This highly desirable piece has been repainted, but it would make an excellent restoration project for the right person. This bus has 2 spares mounted behind the fenders, aluminum tires and nickel hexagonal hubs. A double bar bumper (first ones used on a Buddy L), shell headlights with metal “light bulbs” (first ones used on a Buddy L), a brass radiator knob, open and close front doors, and 22 chair seats. The left back tire is on backwards, we flipped it. The pressed steel is relatively straight with minor dents and dings. We put new stickers on it to help restore it to its former glory.

This piece is in great repainted condition with no breaks or repairs. This piece shows the usual patina, fading, dust, chips, scuffs, surface rust, scratches, missing accessories and wear that are to be expected from age and display. This is approximately 29 ¼” L x 8 ¼” W.  We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.     

*CALL 1-727-777-4206 TO INQUIRE ABOUT PRICE**     

A brief history of Moline Pressed Steel Company/Buddy L Toy Company of East Moline, Illinois:       

The Buddy L Toy Company was founded in East Moline, Illinois in 1920 by Fred A. Lundahl. However, Moline Pressed Steel Company did not actually start manufacturing toys under the Buddy L name until 1921 starting with a pressed steel pick-up truck that expanded into a veritable fleet of almost 30 cranes and other construction toys some five years later. Up until that point, Moline Pressed Steel Company manufactured parts for farm implements, truck parts, and automobile fenders and other stamped auto body parts for the automobile industry.       

It is interesting to note, that the company was named after the founder’s son Arthur whose nickname was Buddy L. Lundahl started the company because he wanted to make toys that were new, different, and durable. Buddy L produced cranes, steamrollers, trucks, trains and construction toys.        

Throughout the years the company that manufactured Buddy L had many names beginning with Moline Pressed Steel Co. until Mr. Lundahl sold the company during the depression. After that the company switched hands, a few times before being sold off in 1995 by SLM International under bankruptcy protection. By 2010, Buddy L was owned by Empire Industries of Boca Raton, Florida, a subsidiary of Empire of Carolina where it has become more of a name than a toy maker. In 2001, after filing bankruptcy Empire Industries and its holdings were sold to Alpha International, Inc./Gearbox Pedal Car Company/Gearbox Toys/J. Lloyd International of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.        

Other names: Moline Press Steel Company (1910 -1913); Buddy L Manufacturing (1930); Buddy L Wood Products (1944); Buddy L Corp. (to date).