c.1949 Lupor, U.S. Army Ambulance with Siren in Original Box
Lupor Metal Products, Inc. produced quality toys at affordable prices. However, stiff overseas competition plus the introduction of plastics quickly outpaced the small company. It's for these reasons that excellent examples of their toys are difficult to find, while well used pieces are common. I was fortunate to recently find this tin litho, friction drive Lupor, U.S. Army Ambulance complete with its original box. The last Lupor vehicle I found in excellent condition with box was March, 2003. (Written June, 2006) This is a simple two piece Nash style, olive green ambulance with sloping rear hatch door. Red Cross emblems are lithoed on the roof, doors, and rear trunk. The windows show a uniformed driver and passenger in perspective from the side and front. It has embossed fenders, front grille, and hood. It features a front, triple headlight similar in style to the 1949-51 Nash. "Ambulance" and red emergency lights are lithoed on the roof. The crimson red chassis is realistically embossed, one piece solid plate. Tires are solid rubber. The friction mechanism works well while producing a slightly high pitch "siren" noise. The red, white, and blue box shows a perspective drawing of the speeding ambulance. The name of the toy appears above the illustration with the word "siren" printed in a screechy lightning bolt text. The toy name, company name and address appear on the side panels and endflaps. Size: 7". Sold: Jun. 2006
Price Sold: $ 293
