Land of the Rising Sun-Day, Tomica Time is here again. Today we examine Tomica F47-1, the Lotus Elite. This casting entered the range in January 1978, remaining until February 1988, and is something unique:
Lotus had a line of vehicles styled in a particularly 70s wedgy aesthetic, this second usage of the Elite name was a big part of that movement. Tomica made a few castings of Lotus products of this era, perhaps they were big in Japan, as I know that market appreciates the unique. This model contains the fine line casting detail and accurate proportion we expect from vintage Tomica, with the tampo, (maybe not used as a design on 1:1 cars as I can't find a real world image), adding visual interest, and the gold button wheels are a period touch. This casting has the crisp glazing, springy suspension, and snappy door action we enjoy in old Tomica. Scale is claimed to be 1:63, likely accurate, and roughly the standard of small scale. From all angles, one can imagine uniquely proportioned wedge on a period Motorway amongst Minis Marinas and Allegros:
Doors open to reveal a detailed interior and accurate steering wheel:
Front and rear have similar quality detail matching the rest of the casting, with the "LOTUS" and "ELITE" badges at front and rear being nice touches:
The base is plastic, a trend of the time, which allows ample technical and identifying data:
This model is fortunate to live its clean original box:
I'm pleased to have this model in my collection, as it is fun period piece. These is another model that was sold as a Pocket Cars, and is attainable if one wants their own example:
Image of a similar 1:1 from a BaT auction:
Awesome and insightful!
These old tomicas are excellent for their age.