Posted 2 months ago
Lata
(89 items)
In Portugal, Mercedes-Benz has long been associated with success, while also playing a key role in everyday transportation—especially through trucks and taxis. In the late 1960s, when models like the 190D and 200D were widely used as taxis, a Portuguese toy company recreated them with notable quality. These models allowed children to recreate Lisbon street scenes, replacing foreign toy brands.
Metosul, based in Espinho, was the pioneer of 1:43 scale die-cast cars in Portugal. Starting production in 1965 with a Renault Floride, the company produced iconic vehicles from Portuguese automotive history, including taxis (both city and rental versions), as well as buses, trucks from national companies, official and military vehicles, and police cars.
The taxi models were based on a mold from the German brand Gama, originally representing a Mercedes 220 SE, which Metosul adapted into the more common 190 and 200 models used in Portugal. The 190 model carried license plate HI-965, likely referencing Henriques & Irmão, the company behind Metosul, while the 200 model had HI-966.
The 190D version featured side indicators and integrated bumpers, while the 200D introduced separate chrome plastic parts, which were fragile and often missing in surviving models. Various versions exist with different wheels, paint details, lettering, and taxi signs (green or red to indicate availability).
Today, Metosul models are gradually gaining recognition among collectors worldwide.
