Founded in 1882, Nuremberg, Germany by Georg Adam MAngold. Gama was known for producing a variety of metal playthings. Through GAMA, the company and name Trix was established in 1938, but was previously known as Vereinigte Spielwarenfabrike Andreas Fortner back to 1925. Gama also is widely known for distribution of other makers toys and in 1971, established, TRIX-Mangold (GAMA). According to Edward Force, Gama is the acronym for Georg Adam MAngold, who started the company in 1882 making tinplate mechanical toys. Most toy production up through World War II and up until the late 1950s was lithographed tinplate.

Made in U.S. Zone Germany

In the early 1940s, tanks were popular and offered in various sizes including 3.5 and 7 inches in length. World War II certainly disrupted production as with other makers such as Marklin and Schuco. In the late 1940s production was started again under the auspices of the U.S. which controlled this portion of the country. Gama made tinplate or pressed steel trucks of various sizes (8 and 14 inch sizes were common), and they were stamped with Made in U.S. Zone Germany.

Gama also made tin friction and plastic cars from the late 1950s through the early 1960s. Trucks and motorcycles were also made and these were usually around 10 inches long, but many were smaller. One example made around 1950 was a 6 inch long motorcycle ridden by a chimp in a circus suit. Many of these were wind-up/clockwork operation. Other more traditional toys, like a donkey ridden by a clown, or more fantastical, like spaceships, were also produced.

Like Schuco, remote control models were common, both cars and trucks, and some were made even as large as 1:12 scale. In the 1960s and 1970s several slot cars were made called 'Gama Rallye'. These were unique in that they could do a 180° spin and drive on in opposite direction. They were not interchangeable with other slot car tracks, and featured a special hook that would keep them affixed to the track. Scales of the slot cars were 1:24, 1:32, and 1:40. Cars in the Gama Rallye series were the Opel GT, Porsche C6, Porsche 910, Porsche Carrera RSR, Ferrari GTO, McClaren CanAm, Matra and other Formula One selections.

During the 1960s, to distinguish the smaller diecasts from larger slot cars and remote control vehicles, Gama named it's main line of diecast "Mini Mods" (Mini Models). These were very Corgi-like with plain aluminum wheels and rubber tires. While bodies were diecast, chassis were often plastic, something that would be common throughout most diecast company lines by the 1980s. Other details were odd, like the flat chrome 'rivet' headlights on the VW Transporter van. The company, however, did not stick firmly to 1:43 scale and some 1:25 scale vehicles were produced and even a Matchbox sized Minette series, which did not last very long.

In the late 1970s, Gama introduced its diecast old car series and attached the 'Mini Mods' name to it. These were in brightly colored box style that hinted of the 1920s or 1930s. These were very much like Matchbox Models of Yesteryear in detail, precision and size, but focused more on classic cars of the European mainland. Though Gamas are usually as detailed and finely rendered as Schucos or Marklins, they don't seem carry the same respect from collectors. Perhaps this sentiment comes from the diecast seconds sold to other countries and brand 'inter-breeding' which makes identification of true Gamas difficult at times.

Gama made in Bulgaria:

Gama value

What's it worth? Take a look at this Gama price guide: sold listings for a value indication.

Gama forum (5 comments)

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Arie - February 9, 2012

How would I go about finding a 1979 or 1980 Gama model?I have a picture of the model as well as the box, and the box has printed on it the number 441, but there is also a yellow sticker with the number 757.663 0!Which one to use?

Andrew - July 13, 2011

Thanks for sending me a picture of the Opel Kapitan GAMA 400. Mine has ablack body and a white roof, and the hand held device is different in that it has 2 buttons to make it go back and forth, instead of the wheel.Thanks again,Andrew Smith

Andrew - July 10, 2011

I have a GAMA-400 Opel Kapitan Remote Controlled car, from the mid 1950's. All the parts are there, but it needs repairing to make it work. I can't find any references to this model on the internet. Can anyone help me find its value?
►reply: I only found this one: Opel Kapitan GAMA 400.

Amie - November 28, 2010

At an auction last night I bought a Gama tank for my grandfather Christmas present. I see alot about "Made in US Zone Germany". Mine doesnt say that. So, does that mean that this one was made before the US occupied the area? Just curious. Trying to find information that I can print and give ot my Grandpa with the tank. He fought in WWII for the US and was on a tank. Do you know where I can find more info?
►reply: If you are certain your tank isn't a repro and the tank model is from the beginning of WWII, then yes, your tank is made before the US occupation.

Mimi - October 20, 2010

we have a mint in box (the box is bad) Gama Holiday-weekend-bus and are wondering what the value is? We work for the Salvation Army Thrift Stores, raising money for our treatment centre and have no idea what to ask for this lovely old toy. Any help will be gladly accepted.