Sio Garage "Caltex" 1960

The Sio Garage "Caltex", produced around 1960, is a beautiful example of vintage wooden toys, which reflects the character and functionality of a real gas station from that time. Made by Sio (Speelgoed Industrie Overijssel), a leading Dutch manufacturer of wooden toys, this garage combines simplicity and durability with a timeless design. A complete example of this garage is nowadays rare and highly sought after by collectors, especially because of its nostalgic value and attention to detail.

Sio was founded in 1938 in Vroomshoop, the Netherlands, and was known for producing robust wooden toys such as doll furniture, garages and trains. At a time when plastic was not yet the dominant material in the toy industry, Sio managed to conquer the market with durable and educational toys that were both child-friendly and functional.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Sio brought several garages onto the market, often bearing the branding of well-known oil companies. This collaboration gave their toys a realistic touch, allowing children to build their own miniature world with recognisable elements from everyday life. The Caltex garage was one of the most popular models of this period, and it symbolised the growing importance of the automotive industry in Europe.

The Sio Garage "Caltex", made of wood, was designed as a scale model of a typical Caltex petrol station from the 1960s. This model recreated the real functions of a petrol station, with features such as parking bays, a repair area and realistic petrol pumps. The garage was decorated with the familiar red and white Caltex logos, which gave it an authentic look.

Children could take their car play experience to a new level by using this garage to "refuel" and repair their miniature cars. The Caltex petrol station was a recognisable brand in the 1960s and this model added to its appeal, as it matched what children saw on real roads.

Today, complete examples of the Sio Garage "Caltex" from the 1960s are rare and highly sought after by collectors of vintage toys. Due to the nature of wooden toys and their intensive use by children, many of these garages have become damaged or incomplete. A complete and well-preserved example, with all its original parts intact, is therefore of great value to lovers of historical toys.

In addition to its nostalgic value, this model also has a strong connection to the history of the automotive industry and petrol stations in Europe. For collectors of both toys and automobilia, the Sio Garage "Caltex" offers a unique piece of history that represents the growth of car traffic and the rise of petrol stations in the 1960s.

The Sio Garage "Caltex", produced around 1960, evokes an era when toys were both simple and functional, and when wooden toys had their place in many households. This model is not only a nostalgic keepsake for those who played with it, but also a valuable collector's item that perfectly captures the charm of the 1960s.

With its robust construction, realistic detailing and iconic Caltex branding, this garage remains a treasured item for collectors and toy enthusiasts. A complete example is a rare find and a wonderful addition to any collection of vintage toys or automobilia.

Dimensions: Length 30cm Height 23cm Width 30cm