Fred Thompson Smith Miller, Inc. “Smitty Toys” Limited Edition SG017/T100 Mack LF Cab Signal Gasoline Fuel Tanker Truck in Box *SOLD*

Fred Thompson Smith Miller, Inc. “Smitty Toys” Limited Edition SG017/T100 Mack LF Cab Signal Gasoline Fuel Tanker Truck in Box 

We have for you an all-original pressed steel limited edition SG017/T100 Mack LF Cab Signal Gasoline fuel tanker in the original shipper box that was manufactured by Fred Thompson Smith-Miller “Smitty SG017/T100″ meaning it is number 17 out of 100. This is one of the first few to come off the line and has a manufacturer’s flaw in that the hitch between the main tanker and the pup is completely missing and is not a part that can just come off easily as it is usually attached to the axle. This makes this tanker very unique. The shipper box is in very good condition with all foam inserts present.     

According to garageart.com, “The Signal Gasoline Company began in 1922 when farmer Samuel B. Mosher started his first filling station. Mosher became quite a businessman with strong entrepreneurial skills as the operation quickly grew during the 20s and in 1928 was renamed Signal Gas and Oil. In 1931, Signal partnered with the gasoline and oil giant, the Standard Oil Company. Signal eventually grew to be the largest independent oil company on the West Coast. Signal Gasoline was known for its premium quality.”

This piece is in excellent all original condition with no breaks, restorations, repairs, or touch-ups (with the exception of the missing hitch). 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. It is approximately 38” L altogether x 6” W x 7” H. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.    

A brief history of Smith-Miller Toys “Smitty Toys” of Santa Monica, California:    

Smith-Miller Toys was founded in 1945 in Santa Monica, California, and stayed in business for about 10 years. Smith-Miller, Incorporated producer of arguably the finest toy trucks ever made in the United States, or anywhere else for that matter, has produced more than 75 different toy trucks. When the company ceased production in the mid-1950’s the factory sat defunct for a little over 23 years before being purchased by Fred Thompson in 1979.  

Now for a little more history on these highly sought-after trucks. It was the spring of 1979. Smith-Miller, Incorporated, which had made trucks of about 1/16 scale under that name as well as “Smitty Toys” and “M.I.C.” (derived from Miller-Ironson Corporation), had been defunct for about 23 years. Fred Thompson, a Los Angeles area resident, had bought Smith-Miller trucks as a kid. He still had several and needed parts to restore them. Unlike today, original or replacement parts for Smith-Miller trucks were not available.  

After tirelessly trying to locate the factory Fred was able to track down its location and phone number which still was in service even after the factory had been closed for so long. After several calls for an appointment, Fred was finally able to get into the factory. After his initial introduction, Fred was able to make reoccurring trips to get the parts he needed for his restorations. He even went so far as to inquire about purchasing the factory. Four years later in 1979, Fred Thompson was able to purchase Smith-Miller, Inc. Not just the leftover trucks… not just the parts… the whole company! The cardboard boxes… the sign over the door… the factory photos… the dies… the company name… the whole company!  

Fred Thompson and the Smith-Miller Corporation of today have produced 48 different toy trucks. These newer trucks have all been serially numbered limited-edition issues. They are made from new-old-stock parts, replacement parts made from original dies and/or to original specifications, and newly manufactured parts, which are hand-assembled to exacting standards.  

The year of issue and descriptive information for the limited-edition trucks thus far produced is only an approximation as Fred was not absolutely certain for some of the trucks.