All of the information I am about to share is gathered hypothetically, or by "scientific deduction". I cannot claim to have all of the dates or information 100% correct, and if you know for a fact that something I have claimed is incorrect, I would GREATLY appreciate your input.
I can be reached at-
roadrigs@webtv.net
There is not any reference material on these trucks, so I have to go by packaging, variances in manufacture, and claims from others who remember. I am trying to put together an accurate history of these trucks, but it is difficult, as the dies were traded off to different production facilities year by year.
The "Champ of the Road" series of diecast trucks were produced by a company formerly known as 'Universal Associated Co. Ltd.'. These trucks were manufactured in Hong Kong, and introduced in the mid seventies- with 1976 being the first cataloged year. They were a welcome introduction to a low-cost class of 1/50th scale die-cast models.
Universal Associated's trucks were sold through larger department stores, as well as the smaller localized chain stores and hobby shops. The main distributor was S.S. Kresge company from Troy, Michigan. ( S.S. Kresge later became known as K-Mart Corporation.) They hit the shelves in early 1976, and by year's end had a lineup of four well-known trucking company names.
Universal Associated continued to market this lineup until 1978, when they formed Elk Grove Village, Illinois-based "Kidco". Kidco took over U.S. distribution of Universal's products. The models were still produced in Hong Kong after 1978, but no mention of Universal Industries was to be found on the packaging. New and interesting changes came about with Kidco's restructuring of the model lineup, all done in an effort to bolster sales.
Kidco offered a catalog for 1982, but some models never made it to production, and Kidco was not to be heard from again.
I am still trying to locate executives and employees from Universal and Kidco, in order to obtain more information on the company's operations after 1982. In 1982 Universal purchased "Matchbox®", and Kidco was dissolved. Some folks claim that the trucks continued to be produced, but were only sold in Europe.
Offered below are four different pages- each one containing the information on the four major model lineup changes that occurred during the short lived lifespan of the trucks we know as- "CHAMP OF THE ROAD"
The Saga- Step by Step
From The Most Humble of Beginnings- 1976
The First Changes- 1978
Kidco Formed- 1978
The Final Year- 1981
Gettin' Around!
Front Page
Main Photo Archive
Allied Van Lines Page
Barnum's Animals Page
Coast to Coast Hardware Page
Consolidated Freightways Page
Exxon Page
Hook's Dependable Drugstores Page
K-Mart Page
Union 76 Page
Watkins Page
Oddities & Rarities Page
Restorations & Alterations Page
Trucks Wanted! Page
Frequently Asked Questions
