(1959-1978)
The first ones, in 1954, were named Bear the Fireman, Buffy the Boat, Puffy the Train, and Purry the Car. Although they were crude, they sold well. Buying a motor car was still just a dream for most families. The dream inspired many to collect car makes.
Åsmund Lærdal saw the possibilities and bought an expensive moulding machine in England. The Tomte cars were to be cheap and totally accurate models, never rusting, and so small that they could fit into a trouser pocket. They were indestructible, and the wheels never fell off.
Tomte invented a new term: furniture friendly. After the shortage of housing during the war, many managed to build modest 'house bank' homes during the 1960s. The bedrooms were tiny, but now play could move into the sitting room. The Tomte cars never scratched the furniture.
During the first year, the company sold nearly 600,000 cars, two for each little Norwegian boy.
Exports grew fast. When production stopped in 1978, sales had reached nearly 100 million Tomte cars, in 110 countries.
Imagine that your parents had bicycles, but were dreaming about buying a Volkswagen or possibly even a Volvo Amazon. You shared in the dream, and knew exactly how the cars looked. Then, in a shop window, you saw a box with 24 Tomte 'true copy' authentic models in bright colours. They were not expensive, either, so perhaps you could wish for a couple of them, as Christmas presents? Or you might even, if you were given pocket money, save up for months to buy one yourself?
Since the Tomte cars never fell apart, your grandparents, or some of their friends, may still have some in a cupboard.
Written by Nina Tjomsland
Translated by Piers Crocker