The American love for cars and trucks shows itself early in the love of American children for toy cars and trucks. Of these, none is more famous for quality and realism than the Tonka truck. First made by Mound Metalcraft Company of Mound, Minnesota, Tonka is named after that state's Lake Winnetonka. The company manufactured sturdy steel toy trucks with parts that moved and worked but did not break easily. Beginning with the popular steam shovel and the crane in 1947, Mound Metalcraft soon changed its name to Tonka and made many different kinds of trucks, both construction and military vehicles. The yellow dump truck, introduced in 1965, has been the most popular Tonka ever since.

While children, especially boys, love their Tonka trucks, adults have also begun to collect the trucks, paying high prices for early models. The toys have changed over the years, with a variety...