Die-cast John Deere tractor is a ‘Toy of the Century’

GLEN ELLYN, Ill. – The Die-Cast John Deere Tractor produced in 1947 by The Ertl Company has been named to the Toy Industry Association’s “Century of Toys” list of the 100 top toys produced in the 20th century.

According to Peter Henseler, president of Racing Champions Ertl, the honor is particularly gratifying because of the long-term staying power of the company’s entire John Deere product line.

“Without question, the ‘Century of Toys’ list includes the most memorable and creative toys produced in the last hundred years,” he said. “They’re truly the best of the best, and our Die-Cast John Deere Tractor definitely belongs on this list.”

Among the criteria used by the judges in selecting toys for the list were longevity in the market, incorporation of new technologies, introduction of a new play pattern, consumer demand, creation of an industry trend, and impact on both the toy industry and the children who played with these toys.