tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70454301579545458292024-03-13T13:31:53.985-07:00Tomica Limited Vintage CollectorUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045430157954545829.post-14087246131655838172013-10-28T00:05:00.005-07:002015-06-24T04:07:03.046-07:00Toyota's Family Car<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/publica_1_zps60345d3c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/publica_1_zps60345d3c.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo publica_1_zps60345d3c.jpg"/></a><a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/publica_3_zps360be9dd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/publica_3_zps360be9dd.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo publica_3_zps360be9dd.jpg"/></a><p>
Introduced in 1961, the Publica is a small family car that was made by Toyota. It was only available as a two door vehicle. The name "Publica", was chosen by Toyota, referring to the english term, "public car". The car was made to fulfill the national car concept requirements of Japan. The car's target market was the general public. It was also the smallest Toyota car during that period that had a simple and economic design. This is a small car that has some similarities to the East German car, Trabant 601.
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<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/publica_2_zps5e299d3a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/publica_2_zps5e299d3a.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo publica_2_zps5e299d3a.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/Publica_05_zpseb0c8966.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/Publica_05_zpseb0c8966.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo Publica_05_zpseb0c8966.jpg"/></a><p>
Above is the Toyota Publica Toys Club version that was released in February 2005 along with two other cars, the Isuzu Bellett 1600 Sport and the Hino Contessa taxi. The Toys Club version is a racing version of the Toyota Publica.<p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045430157954545829.post-6169835518290723492013-10-21T19:53:00.000-07:002015-06-24T04:06:24.589-07:00Prince Gloria Super 6<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/Gloria_01_zpsb4c512fd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/Gloria_01_zpsb4c512fd.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo Gloria_01_zpsb4c512fd.jpg"/></a><p>
Prince introduced the S40 Gloria in 1962 and it was a much larger car than the previous cars that Prince released. It cannot be classified as a compact car anymore under Japanese vehicle classification regulations because of the engine exceeding two litres. This car was no longer based on the Skyline sedan and was also the first six cylinder car that Prince made.
Tomica released the Prince Gloria S40's in January 2004 and the Prince Gloria Fire Chief in February 2004. There is also a Prince Gloria Fire Chief car that was released in February 2004 that was part of the Toys Club three car set. (The other two cars are the Toyopet Crown Police and the Nissan Cedric Taxi).
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<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/Gloriaracing_01_zpsdb868baa.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/Gloriaracing_01_zpsdb868baa.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo Gloriaracing_01_zpsdb868baa.jpg"/></a><p>
<B>Racing Glorias </B><P>
In 1964, the Prince Gloria Super 6 entered in the Japanese GP T-VI class race (1601 to 2000cc) and managed to secure both 1st and 2nd place. The pole position record was also made by a Prince Gloria at 2 min 56.4 sec. (Toru Ikusawa). When the Gloria's Super 6 engine was installed in a Prince Skyline, it won the second T-IV class race. <p>
I had a hard time getting this rare boxed set that Tomica released way back in 2004. The cars on this boxed set are made well. The tampos are all printed well and the wheels look great. However, I think, being an old release, it is not up to par with the Tomica Limited Vintage cars that were released recently. Still, this boxed set has already been out of production and it would be a fantastic addition for Nissan and Prince model car fans.<p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045430157954545829.post-43757010416290312212013-10-21T03:20:00.002-07:002013-10-21T19:25:45.560-07:00Kei Sports Car<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/s800_01_zps4ce2233e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/s800_01_zps4ce2233e.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo s800_01_zps4ce2233e.jpg"/></a>
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I saw this sports car at a local car show just a few months ago. It was very small but it was one of those cars that screamed attention. A Datsun designer, Shozu Sato, and a Toyota designer who was also a World War two aircraft designer, Tatsuo Hasegawa, designed the aerodynamics of this car. The Toyota Sports 800 was one of the first sports car to incorporate the targa roof design (which Porsche would eventually have on their sports cars). When the aluminum targa roof is not in use, it can be neatly stored in the trunk of the car.
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<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/s800_02_zps429c021e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/s800_02_zps429c021e.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo s800_02_zps429c021e.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/s800_03_zpsd38f0a64.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/s800_03_zpsd38f0a64.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo s800_03_zpsd38f0a64.jpg"/></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045430157954545829.post-24640778683020183602013-10-17T09:28:00.001-07:002013-10-17T09:30:41.557-07:00Toyota Carina Road Runner II<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/small_DSC00786_zpsf144e712.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/small_DSC00786_zpsf144e712.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo small_DSC00786_zpsf144e712.jpg"/></a>
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I bought this car a few months ago and I wouldn't have purchased it, had it not been on sale (which would have been a huge mistake!) To be fair, the model car itself looks fantastic. I mean, what's not to like? The details, as usual, are impeccable. The paint job is excellent. The only thing I did not like was the color (but that itself is a personal choice). This was the last rear-wheel Toyota Carina.
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This is the third generation "special" version that Toyota released in 1982. It was released to commemorate the three class victory in the 1982 Paris-Alger-Dakar rally, which surprised the French and thus gave the car the monicker, "flying Carina". This model car would look really good in a Hino car transporter which will be released on the first quarter of next year.
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<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/small_DSC00789_zpse753d1fa.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/small_DSC00789_zpse753d1fa.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo small_DSC00789_zpse753d1fa.jpg"/></a>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045430157954545829.post-7207123779787757592013-10-05T05:39:00.000-07:002014-02-18T01:33:15.912-08:00The All About Tomica Limited Vintage Book
The All About Tomica Limited Vintage Book was released by Neko Mook publishing a few years ago. It's a nice book that features all the Tomica Limited Vintage releases from January 2004 until February of 2009. The book even has a section on special releases like Tomica shop and Toys club Japanese exclusives. There are also sections on upcoming model cars, a sneak peek at the Tomytec factory in China and detailed descriptions of various TLV model cars. The book is a must-have for the Tomica Limited Vintage collector, even though if the text is all in Japanese. Sad to say, this book is now hard to find and is already out of production. I really hope Neko Mook makes a sequel to this fine big format book. A book that will feature model cars and trucks from 2009 to the present. <p>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/scan_03_zpsabf11356.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/scan_03_zpsabf11356.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo scan_03_zpsabf11356.jpg"/></a>
<i> Tomica released this Toyota Corona RT40 in August 2008. Pictured here is the actual product and the prototype </i><p>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/scan_02_zps45a32ec3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/scan_02_zps45a32ec3.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo scan_02_zps45a32ec3.jpg"/></a>
<i> A sneak peek in Tomytec's factory in China</i>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045430157954545829.post-12764117394495034362013-10-03T22:38:00.001-07:002013-10-23T23:08:44.417-07:00More upcoming models
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I'm sure that a lot of people are waiting for this Hino car transporter model to be released. It looks good with all the Toyota Carina Road Runners in it. The painted prototype looks awesome and it comes in two variants! Can't wait to get my hands on one. From the previous book that was released by Neko a few months ago (All About Tomica Limited Vintage), There were pictures of car transporters there, that I think, are also in the works. Among them are the Nissan C80 and the Nissan T650 car transporters.
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<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/small_DSC02_zps1bdff1d8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/small_DSC02_zps1bdff1d8.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo small_DSC02_zps1bdff1d8.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/001_zps1c545f02.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/001_zps1c545f02.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 001_zps1c545f02.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/002_zps7492b430.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/002_zps7492b430.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 002_zps7492b430.jpg"/></a>
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It was a pleasant surprise to see that Tomytec has plans to release a streetcar in their Limited Vintage line very soon. This would look great on a small Japanese street diorama.
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<i>Some prototype images were borrowed from these websites:<br>
http://www.minicarshop.jp/report/shobby52/sokuhou/tomy.html<br>
http://kidbox.co.jp
</i>
<p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045430157954545829.post-53558095690685342402013-10-01T19:13:00.001-07:002013-10-01T20:19:16.830-07:00First Generation Carina<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/small_DSC00784_zpsa1667236.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/small_DSC00784_zpsa1667236.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo small_DSC00784_zpsa1667236.jpg"/></a>
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The first generation Carina was introduced as a four-door version of the Celica. The basic model featured reclining seats, a clock, a radio and servo assisted brakes. The Carina was an affordable and reliable vehicle aimed towards the younger market. Tomica did an excellent job on the car's interior. I like how they painted the two-toned seat covers. The rear lamps were also done well. The Carina's name was based on the Carina constellation, which is latin for the keel of a ship.<p>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/small_DSC00785_zpsbb2683f8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/small_DSC00785_zpsbb2683f8.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo small_DSC00785_zpsbb2683f8.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/small_DSC00783_zps4ac7290b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/small_DSC00783_zps4ac7290b.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo small_DSC00783_zps4ac7290b.jpg"/></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045430157954545829.post-44484843689424067652013-10-01T08:03:00.000-07:002013-10-01T09:59:39.842-07:00The Fairlady<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/small_DSC00792_zps655f76f8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/small_DSC00792_zps655f76f8.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo small_DSC00792_zps655f76f8.jpg"/></a>
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The Datsun Fairlady was a roadster made by Nissan in the sixties. It was the first real sports car that Datsun produced. The first roadsters had a unique third seat in the rear that was positioned sideways. The car's name was based on the Broadway musical of the time, My Fair Lady. During the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics, Nissan held a search for Miss Fairlady. They chose five winners to represent the brand and at the same time, help them market it.
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These cars were recently released by Tomica on their Limited Vintage line. In spite of the small scale, Tomica again has amazed me by the intricate details that they put in these model cars. The roof is a separate part that can be taken off. The paint job is excellent and the instrument panel is well detailed too. Well done for a car that measures a little over two inches! <p>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/small_DSC00794_zpsf8f5e830.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/small_DSC00794_zpsf8f5e830.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo small_DSC00794_zpsf8f5e830.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/small_DSC00798_zps5f770555.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/small_DSC00798_zps5f770555.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo small_DSC00798_zps5f770555.jpg"/></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045430157954545829.post-62912543509189906782013-09-22T08:26:00.001-07:002013-10-01T20:43:49.853-07:00Vintage Coca-Cola VehiclesAs early as 1910, Japan wanted the rights for the Coca-Cola syrup to be sold at selected soda fountains in Tokyo. Between 1910 until the outbreak of the second world war, nearly a million bottles of Coca-Cola were sold in Japan. In June 1962, Coca-Cola Japan was granted the rights to bottle and sell Coca-Cola and Fanta in Fukuoka, Nagasaki and Saga Prefectures. Operations began on July of that year. Between 1960 and 1970, sales more than doubled every year. Trucks help distribute the beverage throughout Japan.<p>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/small_DSC00799_zps9d975eda.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/small_DSC00799_zps9d975eda.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo small_DSC00799_zps9d975eda.jpg"/></a>
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Tomica did a good job on these trucks. The tampo printing, no matter how small, was excellent. However, some Coca-Cola cases which came with the set, barely fit inside the cargo bay of the trucks. Some do not fit at all.
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<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/small_DSC00805_zpsdfd68a8a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/small_DSC00805_zpsdfd68a8a.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo small_DSC00805_zpsdfd68a8a.jpg"/></a>
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<b> Nissan C80 Coca-Cola Truck </b><br>
This truck was launched by Nissan in 1966 to fill the gap in their truck models. It should be bigger than the Nissan Caball but not as big as the 5 ton Nissan 680. This 3.5 ton truck sold well during the seventies.
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<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/small_DSC00804_zpsf9a41385.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/small_DSC00804_zpsf9a41385.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo small_DSC00804_zpsf9a41385.jpg"/></a>
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<b> Nissan Caball C141 </b><br>
The Nissan Caball was based on the chassis and mechanism of the Junior pickup. The Caball C141 was launched in 1962. The C141 had a better engine than the C140 but they practically look the same. The Caball was the last Nissan ever to have rear hinged "suicide" doors.
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<b> Mazda E2000 truck </b><br>
Mazda's D1500 trucks are quite popular in Japan during the sixties. Then in January 1964, after Mazda did some extensive research on their trucks based on customer reviews, they released the Mazda E2000. This truck can have a maximum load capacity of two tons.
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<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/small_DSC00808_zps51a2bb75.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/small_DSC00808_zps51a2bb75.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo small_DSC00808_zps51a2bb75.jpg"/></a>
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<b> Nissan Skyline Van 1600 DX</b><br>
The Skyline was originally made by the Prince Motor Company in 1955, then continued by Nissan when the two companies merged in 1966. The Skyline was designed by Shinichiro Sakurai and remained a chief influence on the succeeding Skylines until his death in 2011. This van is a fourth generation Nissan Skyline which was produced in 1972.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045430157954545829.post-68476667234453960592013-09-21T18:59:00.001-07:002013-09-28T03:22:25.833-07:00Mazda T2000 Work Vehicles
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The Mazda T2000 is a versatile three-wheeled vehicle. It can be used as a small dump truck or a vacuum truck. The Mazda T2000 dump trucks are used to transport sand, gravel or other materials used for construction. They are equipped with hydraulics at the back to allow the cargo to be deposited on the construction site. The vacuum trucks however are often used for sewer and street cleanup. They are also sometimes used to remove mud and oil spills. <P>
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<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/small_DSC00767_zps349f3bce.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/small_DSC00767_zps349f3bce.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo small_DSC00767_zps349f3bce.jpg"/></a>
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<p>
Tomica's attention to detail is amazing. The vacuum truck even comes with a miniature bucket. I think that they are the only model car company who made these obscure trucks in 1/64 scale.
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<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/small_DSC00775_zps3deef65a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/small_DSC00775_zps3deef65a.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo small_DSC00775_zps3deef65a.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/small_DSC00777_zps6f5a0420.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/small_DSC00777_zps6f5a0420.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo small_DSC00777_zps6f5a0420.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/small_DSC00778_zpsbadeaa58.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/small_DSC00778_zpsbadeaa58.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo small_DSC00778_zpsbadeaa58.jpg"/></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045430157954545829.post-59411166908411053192013-09-15T01:13:00.000-07:002013-09-15T01:13:11.659-07:00Italian Designed Sedan<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/small_DSC00607_zps521889e4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/small_DSC00607_zps521889e4.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo small_DSC00607_zps521889e4.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/small_DSC00605_zps3bda827f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/small_DSC00605_zps3bda827f.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo small_DSC00605_zps3bda827f.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/small_DSC00612_zps39db41c9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/small_DSC00612_zps39db41c9.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo small_DSC00612_zps39db41c9.jpg"/></a>
Created by Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti (who also designed for Triumph, Leyland and BMW), the second generation Hino Contessa was launched in September 1964, followed by the coupe in 1965. The coupe in particular won a <i>concours d'elegance</i> award (competition of elegance). However, the car had major issues like overheating. This was addressed by putting a radiator at the back of the car to help dissipate the heat.<p>
This was one of the early releases of Tomica in their Limited Vintage line. Though the detail is not at par with their recent releases, I still think that they did a decent job. The green taxi is part of the Toys Club three car set which was released in February 2005.
<p>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/small_DSC00610_zpsaf4d8352.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/small_DSC00610_zpsaf4d8352.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo small_DSC00610_zpsaf4d8352.jpg"/></a>
<p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045430157954545829.post-18403530974546790362013-09-13T01:50:00.000-07:002013-09-14T21:35:50.108-07:00Dynawedge Patrol Car<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/Car%20Photos/tomicas%20upcoming/coltpolice3_zpsff04ff46.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/Car%20Photos/tomicas%20upcoming/coltpolice3_zpsff04ff46.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo coltpolice3_zpsff04ff46.jpg"/></a>
<p>
The Japanese police force are among the most respected law enforcement agencies in the world. They have tremendous amounts of equipment at their disposal like buses, vans, bicycles, disaster response vehicles and of course, their iconic black and white patrol cars, each one having a specific role to fill. <P>
During the seventies, Mitsubishi tried to export an estate version of the Colt Galant to Europe to be made into a patrol car. Though no Police force in Europe ordered it, the car did receive praises for it's performance, handling, comfort and economy.
<p>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/Car%20Photos/tomicas%20upcoming/coltpolice1_zps962ec915.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/Car%20Photos/tomicas%20upcoming/coltpolice1_zps962ec915.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo coltpolice1_zps962ec915.jpg"/></a><br>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/Car%20Photos/tomicas%20upcoming/coltpolice2_zpsf2f0b49b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/Car%20Photos/tomicas%20upcoming/coltpolice2_zpsf2f0b49b.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo coltpolice2_zpsf2f0b49b.jpg"/></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045430157954545829.post-65420843226776267472013-09-11T03:59:00.001-07:002013-09-12T16:23:09.778-07:00The Sixth Generation Crown<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/Car%20Photos/tomicas%20upcoming/crown2_zps12aaed75.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/Car%20Photos/tomicas%20upcoming/crown2_zps12aaed75.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo crown2_zps12aaed75.jpg"/></a> <p>
This Toyota Crown was the last series to have a four cylinder gasoline powered engine and was the first Toyota Crown to be imported in Germany. In Japan, the Toyota Crown have big rectangular headlights while other Crown service vehicles and taxis have the round headlights. Also, this Sixth generation car was the last Crown to have a two door coupe. A turbo version of the Crown was launched in 1980 exclusively for the Japanese Domestic Market.
<p>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/Car%20Photos/tomicas%20upcoming/crown_01_zpsdd371392.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/Car%20Photos/tomicas%20upcoming/crown_01_zpsdd371392.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo crown_01_zpsdd371392.jpg"/></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045430157954545829.post-19118373232516310752013-09-09T07:39:00.000-07:002013-09-22T08:42:39.983-07:00More Upcoming releases for 2013 (September to December)<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/Car%20Photos/tomicas%20upcoming/DSC06593-1_zps4c917ceb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/Car%20Photos/tomicas%20upcoming/DSC06593-1_zps4c917ceb.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC06593-1_zps4c917ceb.jpg"/></a>
<p>
My apologies for not posting in a long time. I will try to update this blog as often as I can. Anyway, the previous Tomica Limited Vintage upcoming list that I made last January has all been released. Here is a short list of what's to come in the next few months. The long awaited Mitsubishi Galant Sigma will be done by Tomica Limited Vintage very soon. I am also excited to see the Toyota Sports 800 and the Isuzu Bellett 1600 GT Type R done in miniature. There will also be another release which is the replica of the van that Japanese actor Yujiro Ishihara used. These cars would be great Christmas stocking stuffers! : <p>
- LV-N84c Datsun Fairlady 280Z-T 2x2 (Maroon)<br>
- LV-N84d Datsun Fairlady 280Z-T 2x2 (2 tone) <br>
- LV-N86a Audi 80 Quattro (gray)<br>
- LV-N86b Audi 80 Quattro (black)<br>
- LV-N87a Mitsubishi Galant Sigma Super Saloon (maroon)<br>
- LV-N87b Mitsubishi Galant Sigma Super Saloon (yellow)<br>
- LV-N88a Mitsubishi Galant Sigma Eterna 1600 SL (red)<br>
- LV-N88b Mitsubishi Galant Sigma Super Saloon (yellow)<br>
- LV135a Toyota Sports 800 (red) <br>
- LV135b Toyota Sports 800 (silver) <br>
- LV136a Isuzu Bellett 1600GT (yellow) <br>
- LV136b Isuzu Bellett 1600GT (green) <br>
- LV137a Isuzu Bellett 1600GT type R (orange) <br>
- LV137b Isuzu Bellett 1600GT type R (white) <br>
- LV138a Nissan Bluebird 1800 SSS (brown)<br>
- LV138b Nissan Bluebird 1800 SSS (green)<p>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/Car%20Photos/tomicas%20upcoming/DSC06593-2_zps474d2b28.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/Car%20Photos/tomicas%20upcoming/DSC06593-2_zps474d2b28.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC06593-2_zps474d2b28.jpg"/></a>
<p>
- LV-RA04 Isuzu Gemini TBS<br>
- LV-RA05 Nissan Cedric (Nippon Cultural Broadcasting) <br>
- LV-RA06 Nissan Bluebird (Nippon Cultural Broadcasting) <br>
- LV-RA07 Toyota Land Cruiser (Radio Japan) <br>
- Seibu Keisatsu Volume 5 Machine RS-1 <br>
- Seibu Keisatsu Volume 6 Machine RS-2 <br>
- Seibu Keisatsu Volume 7 Machine RS-3 <br>
- Seibu Keisatsu Volume 8 Hakata Minato Kessen (two car set) <br>
<p>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/Car%20Photos/tomicas%20upcoming/DSC06593-3_zps55da46a2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/Car%20Photos/tomicas%20upcoming/DSC06593-3_zps55da46a2.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC06593-3_zps55da46a2.jpg"/></a>
<br>
- Nissan Civilian Van (Yujiro Ishihara)
<p>
<i>All prototype images above were borrowed from the web.</i>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045430157954545829.post-35904733138934564792013-01-13T01:45:00.000-08:002013-01-26T09:08:12.401-08:00Upcoming 2013 Tomica Limited Vintage cars<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/?action=view&current=DSC06593-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/DSC06593-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<p>
There are a lot of model cars that Tomytec have in store for Tomica Limited Vintage collectors this 2013. I sure hope that they continue to make foreign cars as I really look forward to getting the Mercedes Benz 190E and the Audi 80 model cars that I pre-ordered. Tomytec will also release three boxed sets from the 80's television show, Seibu Keisatsu, which is an action packed police drama series in Japan. Also, if you haven't ordered the Datsun Fairlady 2000, now is your chance to pre-order this. Here is a short list of what's to come: <p>
- LV-23f Hino Type RB10 Tokyo Bus <br>
- LV-124c Nissan Cedric Custom Dunlop version <br>
- LV-125c Honda S600 Dunlop version <br>
- LV-131a Datsun Fairlady 2000 (red)<br>
- LV-131b Datsun Fairlady 2000 (white)<br>
- LV-132a Mitsubishi Galant AII GS Miyagi Police<br>
- LV-133a Nissan Cedric Custom Style 1963 (brown)<br>
- LV-133b Nissan Cedric Custom Style 1963 (green)<br>
- LV-N05c Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 (red)<br>
- LV-N06c Subaru Legacy RS (black) <br>
- LV-N44c Hino KB324 truck (green)<br>
- LV-N73c Toyota Celica 1800GT-T (red) <br>
- LV-N73d Toyota Celica 1800GT-T (blue) <br>
- LV-N76a Nissan Gloria Turbo Brougham (white) <br>
- LV-N76b Nissan Gloria Turbo Brougham (blue) <br>
- LV-N77a Mercedes Benz 190E (silver) <br>
- LV-N77b Mercedes Benz 190E (blue) <br>
- LV-N78a Toyota Crown 2800 Royal Saloon (white)<br>
- LV-N78b Toyota Crown 2800 Royal Saloon (white)<br>
- LV-N79a Mercedes Benz 190E 2.3 (white) <br>
- LV-N79b Mercedes Benz 190E 2.3 (red) <br>
- LV-N80a Nissan Bluebird SSS Attesa Limited (black)<br>
- LV-N80b Nissan Bluebird SSS Attesa Limited (white)<br>
- LV-N81a Audi 80 2.0E (white)<br>
- LV-N81b Audi 80 2.0E (red)<br>
- LV-N82a Audi 80 2.3E (black)<br>
- LV-N82b Audi 80 2.3E (blue)<br>
- LV-SM01 Snake Motors Toyota Masterline <br>
- LV-SM02 Snake Motors Nissan Caball <br>
- LV-RA01 Nissan Skyline Van TBS Radio Car <br>
- LV-RA02 Mitsubishi Galant AII Broadcasting Car <br>
- LV-RA03 Nissan Laurel 1800 Nippon Broadcasting Car <br>
<p>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/?action=view&current=DSC06594.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/DSC06594.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <br>
TOMICA LIMITED VINTAGE BOXED SETS <br>
- Seibu Keisatsu Boxed Set 1 Nissan Cedric type 230 (Set of 2) <br>
- Seibu Keisatsu Boxed Set 2 Nissan Cedric type 430 (Set of 2) <br>
- Seibu Keisatsu Boxed Set 3 Nissan Cedric and Nissan Gloria (Set of 2) <br>
<p>
<i>All prototype images above were borrowed from the web.</i>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045430157954545829.post-51752305552587220842013-01-11T03:37:00.001-08:002013-01-14T02:36:38.333-08:00Micro Sensation<a href="http://s3.beta.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/alto_01_zps54aa8dbd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/alto_01_zps54aa8dbd.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/></a>
<br>
<a href="http://s3.beta.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/alto_02_zpse5197d4f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/alto_02_zpse5197d4f.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/></a>
<br>
<a href="http://s3.beta.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/alto_03_zps5dbc22ab.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/alto_03_zps5dbc22ab.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/></a>
<p>
For something measuring barely two inches, the detail that Tomica put in this model car is amazing. The wheels, the tires, the grills and even the logos are all there. It would be nice if Tomica could make side mirrors for this car. The Suzuki Alto was launched in May 1979. It is the hatchback version of the Suzuki Fronte. It's cheap price made it very popular among motorists.
<p>
<a href="http://s3.beta.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/media/alto_04_zps330c9d68.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/alto_04_zps330c9d68.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045430157954545829.post-58687690701024602862012-12-30T03:16:00.003-08:002012-12-30T03:27:26.600-08:00Tomica Shop Exclusive Model Cars<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/?action=view&current=DSC06599.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/DSC06599.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br>
<i>Pictured from left to right: Toyota Land Cruiser FJ56V Police, Nissan Gloria Police, Toyopet Corona Police, Subaru 360 Custom Police, Mazda 360 Carol Police </i>
<p>
These exclusive model cars were made by Tomytec for Tomica Limited Vintage to commemorate an anniversary or a newly opened Tomica shop. They are also hard to get since they are not exported outside Japan. Here is a list of what they have released so far:
<p>
2006 Mar - TLV's 2nd anniversary - Daihatsu CO10T <br>
2006 Oct - Tomica Shop opening in Nagoya - Toyopet Crown Fire Chief <br>
2007 Mar - TLV's 3rd anniversary - Mazda K360<br>
2007 Jul - Tomica Shop opening in Osaka - Nissan Gloria Police<br>
2007 Oct - Nagoya Shop 1st Anniversary - Toyopet Corona Police<br>
2008 Mar - Tomica Shop opening in Tokyo - Subaru 360 Custom Police<br>
2008 Jul - Osaka Shop 1st Anniversary - Daihatsu Midget<br>
2008 Oct - Nagoya Shop 2nd Anniversary - Toyota FS45V Ambulance<br>
2009 Mar - Tokyo Shop 1st Anniversary - Mazda Carol Police <br>
2009 Jul - Osaka Shop 2nd Anniversary - Subaru Sambar Mail <br>
2009 Oct - Nagoya Shop 3rd Anniversary - Toyopet Crown Ambulance<br>
2010 Mar - Tokyo Shop 2nd Anniversary - Subaru 360 Custom Fire <br>
2010 Jul - Osaka Shop 3rd Anniversary - Datsun 510 Police Wagon<br>
2010 Oct - Nagoya Shop 4th Anniversary - Porsche 912 Aichi Police<br>
2011 Mar - Fukuoka Shop 1st Anniversary - Land Cruiser FJ56V Police <br>
2011 Jul - Osaka Shop 4th Anniversary - Subaru Sambar Firetruck <br>
2011 Oct - Kichijoji Shop 1st Anniversary - Skyline Van Police <br>
2012 Mar - Fukuoka Shop 2nd Anniversary - Crown unmarked Police <br>
2012 Jul - Osaka Shop 5th Anniversary - Nissan Fairlady 260ZE <br> <p>
<p>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/?action=view&current=DSC06603.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/DSC06603.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<i>Pictured from left to right: Toyota FS45V Ambulance, Toyopet Crown Ambulance, Toyopet Crown Fire Chief, Subaru 360 Custom Fire Chief, Subaru Sambar Mail Van </i>
<p>
I was lucky to get a few from Hong Kong and from friends who frequent Japan.
I still have a long way to go to complete this. I am still missing 9 model cars. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045430157954545829.post-57481502137300498672012-12-30T03:16:00.000-08:002013-01-01T05:00:11.215-08:00Honda Ballade<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/?action=view&current=DSC06581.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/DSC06581.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<p>
These cars are among my favorite Tomica Limited Vintage release and I must say, they really did a great job. I regret not pre-ordering the first release of the CR-X when I had the chance to do so. The model car was so popular in Japan and Asia that it was sold out even before it even reached the hobby stores.<p>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/?action=view&current=DSC06587.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/DSC06587.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/?action=view&current=DSC06585.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/DSC06585.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<p>
The Honda CR-X was launched as the Honda Ballade Sport in Japan. From what I read, it was a popular car back in the eighties not only because it handles well on the road, but also because of it's fuel efficiency. It was Motor Trend Magazine's Import car of the millenium for 1990 and was listed as Car and Driver magazine's ten best list for 1985.<p>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/?action=view&current=DSC06584.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/DSC06584.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<p>
Tomica's attention to detail definitely made this model car desirable for collectors. Everything is well replicated in spite of the small scale. The wheels are done really well, along with the side mirrors, which Tomica often forget to include on their cars. No Honda collection would be complete without this iconic car. When Tomica released the second and third wave of this highly coveted model car, I was fortunate enough to get a few pieces.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045430157954545829.post-39964314626490200032012-12-30T03:11:00.002-08:002012-12-30T06:54:02.911-08:00Beetle replacement<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/?action=view&current=DSC06590.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/DSC06590.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<br>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/?action=view&current=DSC06596.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/DSC06596.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br>
<i>Pictured (from left to right) are the Volkswagen Golf Mark II and Volkswagen Mark II GTi Tomica Limited Vintage cars.</i><p>
Volkswagen has presented the Golf as a long range replacement for the Volkswagen Beetle. The original Volkswagen Golf was designed by the legendary Italian designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro. The Golf was released in 1974, and up to now, is Volkswagen's best selling model. Every generation of Golf has been a runner up in the European Car of the Year awards, except in 1992, when it actually won the award. The Golf name was derived from the German word for gulf stream. It was sold as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada. <p>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/?action=view&current=DSC06592.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/DSC06592.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <br>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/?action=view&current=DSC06593.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/DSC06593.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<p>
This is the second non-Japanese car that Tomica released under it's Limited Vintage series. As usual, the details on these Golf cars are well done. Everything is well replicated and in my opinion, could probably be the best 1/64 scale Volkswagen Golf to come out of the market, sans the side mirrors. You would never have guessed that this model measures almost the same as a regular Hotwheels toy car. This car has a working suspension too!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045430157954545829.post-18071913673177575262012-11-16T19:52:00.003-08:002012-12-27T10:09:06.064-08:00The First Generation CedricThe first Cedric was introduced by Nissan in March 1960. It was Nissan's first big car since the Nissan 70. The Cedric replaced the Austin A50, which Nissan was building under license from the Austin Motor Company. The styling of the Cedric's windscreen and vertical headlights were inspired by the Tobu JNR 151 commuter train. When it first came out, only the sedan was available from the dealerships. The station wagon and van became available at a latter time.<p>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/?action=view&current=DSC06073.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/DSC06073.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><p>
The Cedric was developed to compete with the Prince Skyline and Gloria. According to Nissan, the name "Cedric" was inspired from the main character in Burnett's novel Little Lord Fauntleroy, who was known as a model of beauty, strength and justice. <p>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/?action=view&current=DSC06066.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/DSC06066.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/?action=view&current=DSC06063.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/DSC06063.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><p>
Tomica Limited Vintage released this model car in 2004. They made six versions of this car. The first four models were numbered LV01 with no alphabetic designations. The brown with white roof and ivory versions were released in January 30, 2004. The black with white roof and the Tokyo taxi were released in February 2004. There are two variants of the Cedric which were released in May 2004 and are numbered LV01e and LV01f, both had different interiors from the others. The Nippon Kotsu Cedric taxi was released in March 2007 as part of their taxi boxed set. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045430157954545829.post-89799863770758311602012-10-30T01:20:00.002-07:002012-11-01T07:14:46.500-07:00Vintage Shell Gas Station<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/?action=view&current=001-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/001-1.jpg" /></a>
<p>
Tomica first released their Tomicarama Vintage line in 2010. They started with the police station diorama set, then released the Shell gas station a year after. The details are just amazing. Pictured with the set is a Mazda Familia van, a Shell Subaru Sambar service truck, a Honda S600 sports car and a Honda T360.
<p>
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/?action=view&current=002-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/002-1.jpg" /></a>
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<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/?action=view&current=003.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/003.jpg" /></a>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045430157954545829.post-25471322488482157592012-10-25T23:26:00.001-07:002012-11-11T02:22:08.279-08:00Japanese Lemon<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/?action=view&current=DSC05989-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/DSC05989-1.jpg" /></a>
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The Honda 1300 77s is a small compact car which was designed in the mid sixties. Soichiro Honda was so obsessed with air-cooling, that he wanted to incorporate this on the cars that he built. The engineering team of Mr. Honda did not approve of what his vision was. They were worried that once the cars were exported to the United States, they might not meet their emissions standards.
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Mr. Honda still had it his way. The 1300 arrived in April 1969. It was the most powerful 1300 car during that time, reaching 110 mph in a straight line but had horrible handling. If Ford Motors have the "Edsel", Honda in turn have the 1300 77s. Delays from production and it's high price against the competition made Honda Motors lose a lot of money.
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There is another Tomica Limited Vintage version of this car, the Honda 1300 99s that comes with round headlights and different grills.
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045430157954545829.post-50922936038406368732012-10-25T21:09:00.002-07:002012-10-26T08:37:35.595-07:00The Dynawedge Car<a href="http://s3.beta.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/library/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/003copy.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/></a>
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The Colt Galant was made by Mitsubishi to compete with the Ford Pinto, Chevrolet Vega and the AMC Gremlin. Mitsubishi merged with the Chrysler Corporation to import the Mitsubishi Colt Galant to the United States in 1971. The car was rebadged and sold as the Dodge Colt.
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It was released in 1969 in Japan as a cutting-edge car with an outstanding capability. The car became a huge success during the 70's. The Colt Galant was powered by a 1300cc or a 1500cc Saturn series SOHC engine. It had an aerodynamically designed shape (dynawedge), which was revolutionary during that time.
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<a href="http://s3.beta.photobucket.com/user/kamikaze0118/library/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/005copy.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/></a>
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A lot of collectors, including me, were excited when Tomica decided to release this in their Limited Vintage line. I get nostalgic whenever I see this car on the road. It brings back a lot of memories from the seventies.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045430157954545829.post-26453359969646655612011-07-28T03:21:00.000-07:002011-08-09T01:25:21.247-07:00Suzuki Kei Car<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/?action=view&current=DSC09983_02.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/DSC09983_02.jpg" border="0" alt="Suzuki Fronte 360"></a>
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<br />I don't know why, but I really love those old Japanese kei cars. I love how quaint they look. Kei cars are small Japanese automobiles which usually exploit tax laws and insurance policies and regulations because of their size. I think the market for these kei cars are slowly shrinking. It was not as popular as it was during the sixties till the early seventies.
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<br /><a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/?action=view&current=DSC09986_02.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/DSC09986_02.jpg" border="0" alt="Suzuki Fronte 360"></a>
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<br /><a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/?action=view&current=DSC09985_02.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/DSC09985_02.jpg" border="0" alt="Suzuki Fronte 360"></a>
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<br />The Suzuki Fronte 360 was launched in 1962. It had a transversely mounted two cylinder, two-stroke engine driving the front wheels. The engine maintains peak performance even when running continuously at high speed because of a highly efficient cooling fan, superior mechanism and the Suzuki Posi-force lubrication. This car has independent suspensions on it's four wheels, which results in excellent road handling. Tomica Limited Vintage released their version of the Suzuki Fronte a few years back, which was the 360 two door sedan (LC10).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045430157954545829.post-66596792024553829752011-07-24T20:16:00.000-07:002013-09-13T08:01:55.836-07:00Toyota FJ56V Land Cruiser<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/?action=view&current=DSC09803_01.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Toyota FJ55 Land Cruiser" border="0" src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/DSC09803_01.jpg" /></a><br />
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The Land Cruiser is Toyota's flagship four-wheel drive vehicle. In 1941, the Imperial Japanese Army occupied the Philippines where they found an old Willy's Jeep (Bantam Mark II). They quickly brought the jeep to Japan and commissioned Toyota to build a vehicle similar to it. The prototype was called Model AK, which was a compact cargo truck.<br />
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During the 1950's, the first Land Cruiser was developed. It was still based on the design of the Willy's Jeep. The Land Cruiser was first tested in August 1951. To test the vehicles off road abilities, they drove it until the sixth station of Mount Fuji, in fact, it was the first vehicle to ever perform this feat. The first orders for the Land Cruiser came from the police and forestry departments because of its off-road abilities.<br />
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<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/?action=view&current=DSC09808_02.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Toyota FJ55 Land Cruiser" border="0" src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/DSC09808_02.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/?action=view&current=DSC09806_01.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Toyota FJ55 Land Cruiser" border="0" src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/kamikaze0118/DSC09806_01.jpg" /></a><br />
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In the mid 60's, Toyota launched the FJ55, which was four door station wagon based on the FJ40's drive train. It replaced the FJ45V. The FJ55 has a longer wheelbase than the FJ40. It was a vehicle that can handle off-road terrains, yet comfortable and powerful enough to drive on the street. <br />
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In my opinion, this model has long been overdue. Tomica had been making other Land Cruiser versions over the past decade and it's really good to see this model on the Tomica Limited Vintage line. The detail is good. It is quite hefty and is packed in a bigger Tomica Limited Vintage box. They also made a police version of this, which was only available thru Tomica shops around Japan.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0