Schabak Modell
German die-cast cars and airliner models with fine detail.
Schabak is a German die-cast toy manufacturer headquartered in Nuremberg. It is best recognized for producing models of German automobiles and commercial aircraft. The company’s relationship with Schuco Modell was intermittent.
Founded in 1966 by Max Haselmann, Gerhard Hertlein, Horst Widmann, and Wolfgang Stolpe, Schabak initially operated as a distributor of toys, primarily those made by Schuco Modell. When Schuco ceased operations in the late 1970s, Schabak purchased most of Schuco’s tooling for cars and airplanes and secured contracts with various airlines to continue aircraft model production. Many of Schuco’s diecast airplanes were reissued by Schabak, which then continued the tradition of making toy and model cars. In the early 1980s, Schabak largely took Schuco’s place in the market, though Gama Toys also acquired some of Schuco’s dies and reproduced many of its 1:43 scale models.
Schabak’s car lineup initially consisted exclusively of German vehicles in 1:43 scale. The first model was a Volkswagen Jetta, and common offerings included Volkswagens, Audis, BMWs, and German-built Fords. Many were sold as promotional models in manufacturer-approved packaging with official logos. Later, in the mid-1980s, Schabak began producing cars in 1:24 scale, becoming one of the earlier manufacturers to adopt the larger size. Vehicles in that scale included the Ford Sierra Cosworth (also available in police livery), Granada, Orion, and Fiesta XR2i; Audi 80 Quattro, BMW 750, BMW 850, and Z1; Mercedes S Class; and VW Golf VR6.
Over time, Schabak earned a solid reputation in the die-cast car market, though it remained less known outside Europe. Outside Germany, brands like Matchbox, Hot Wheels, Maisto, and Corgi were more popular. Like its predecessor Schuco, as well as Gama Toys and NZG, Schabak models featured excellent detail and proportion, typically with all openings functional. Their fit and finish often seemed superior to that of other German toy brands. Headlights were usually chrome rather than jeweled, and tail lights were most often red plastic lenses. Model bases were diecast, similar to Schuco’s, but frequently in a darker gun-metal color. Unlike Schuco, Schabak models generally did not include basic specifications of the real cars on their bases.
- Founded
- 1966
- Founders
- Max Haselmann, Gerhard Hertlein, Horst Widmann, Wolfgang Stolpe
- Headquarters
- Nuremberg, Germany
- First model
- VW Jetta in 1:43 scale
- Scale range
- 1:43 and 1:24 (cars); 1:600 and 1:250 (aircraft)
- Acquired by
- Schuco (January 2006)
Lore & Background
Schabak was formed in 1966 as a toy distributor, mainly for Schuco Modell toys. When Schuco went out of business in the late 1970s, Schabak acquired most of Schuco's tooling for cars and airplanes and made agreements with many airlines to continue producing model aircraft. The company reissued many of Schuco's own diecast airplanes and carried on the Schuco tradition of producing toy and model cars. In the early 1980s, Schabak largely replaced Schuco, though Gama Toys also acquired dies from Schuco and reproduced many of Schuco's 1:43 scale line.
Schabak models were exclusively German vehicles, first in 1:43 scale. A Volkswagen Jetta was the company's first car, and Volkswagens, Audis, BMWs, and German-made Fords were common offerings. Many cars were offered as promotional models in manufacturer-approved packaging. Later, in the mid-1980s, Schabak offered diecast cars in 1:24 scale, becoming one of the earlier manufacturers to move to larger sizes. Vehicles in that scale included the Ford Sierra Cosworth, Audi 80 Quattro, BMW 750, BMW 850, Mercedes S Class, and VW Golf VR6.
Schabak was perhaps best known for its diecast airplanes, mostly commercial airliner models in 1:600 scale. The company had well over 200 airlines as customers and was, for a long period during the 1990s, the only company known to have a contract to produce models of Iraqi Airways, having produced a Boeing 747 of that airline in 1:250 scale. Schabak was purchased by Schuco in January 2006; by 2010, the Schabak car lines had been eliminated, leaving the Schabak name focusing solely on airplanes.
Reader's Guide
Schabak carved a respectable name in the die-cast car market, though it is not well known outside Europe. Outside Germany, competitors Matchbox, Hot Wheels, Maisto, and Corgi were more popular. Similar to Schuco, Gama Toys, and NZG, Schabak car models have excellent detail and proportion, usually with all apertures opening. Fit and finish often seemed superior to other German toy brands. Headlights were usually done in chrome rather than jeweled; tail lights were most commonly red plastic lenses. Model bases were diecast, often in a darker gun-metal color, and unlike Schuco, Schabak models usually did not have basic specifications of the real cars on their bases. Tires were hard plastic, though wheel designs were often unique to the particular model. The acquisition by Schuco in 2006 created a situation similar to Mattel's acquisition of Matchbox or Solido being acquired by Majorette: two respected lines brought together within one company that must be distinguished to avoid profit loss from internal competition. Schabak's car line, as part of Schuco, for a while focused on German vehicles, while Schuco's lines focused on more toy-like scales, wind-up cars, and autos from other countries. By 2010, the Schabak car lines had been eliminated, leaving the Schabak name focusing solely on airplanes.
Did You Know?
- The company's first car model was a Volkswagen Jetta in 1:43 scale.
- Schabak was purchased by Schuco in January 2006; by 2010 its car lines were eliminated, leaving the name focused solely on airplanes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Schabak Modell?
Schabak Modell is a German die-cast model company headquartered in Nuremberg, widely recognized for its detailed replicas of German automobiles and commercial aircraft. It was founded in 1966 by Max Haselmann, Gerhard Hertlein, Horst Widmann, and Wolfgang Stolpe.
What products does Schabak Modell produce?
The company specializes in finely detailed die-cast models of German cars and commercial airliners, with its first release being a 1:43 scale VW Jetta. Its aircraft lines are manufactured under contracts with various airlines.
What scales does Schabak Modell work in?
Automotive models are offered in 1:43 and 1:24 scales, while aircraft models come in 1:600 and 1:250 scales.
What is Schabak Modell's connection to Schuco?
Schabak originally started as a distributor of Schuco Modell toys after its 1966 founding. When Schuco ceased operations in the late 1970s, Schabak purchased most of Schuco's car and airplane tooling to continue producing those models on its own.
What ultimately happened to Schabak Modell?
In January 2006, Schabak was acquired by Schuco, bringing an end to its independent run. The two companies had maintained an intermittent business relationship for decades before that acquisition.
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