Land of the Rising Sun-day, Tomica Time, has returned. Today we take a look at Tomica 78-3, the Toyota Corolla Levin. This casting entered the range in February 1980, remaining until October 1983, and is a nice period piece:
The E70 Corolla generation was an interesting one, with multiple two door variants even for the USDM, which by then was crucial to success. This fastback version was sold as the "Sport Coupe" in the USDM/NA market, along with being offered elsewhere as the "Coupe" (as opposed to the "Hardtop" and "Liftback" two door models). It appears there was a time when the Corolla wasn't just for people who don't like cars or driving. The diecast version contains ample fine line casting detail, detailed tampos, and accurate proportion, and contains the crisp glazing, springy suspension, and snappy door action we enjoy in vintage Tomica. Scale is claimed to be 1:61, likely accurate, close to the standard of small scale. From all angles, one can imagine this sporty little number cruising down a 55 mph highway, Hall and Oates on the radio, or cruising the boulevards:
Doors open to reveal a detailed interior and accurate steering wheel:
Front and rear have ample detail, the chromed grille area being a recuring theme by this time, and the rear defroster element lines and wiper being nice touches:
The base is plastic, a trend of the time, and contains ample identifying and technical detail:
This model is lucky enough to live in its original box:
I'm more than happy to have this model in my collection, this era of Toyota products has an appeal:
A 1:1 from pinterest along with some period promo items from tumblr, one showing the different two door Corollas of this generation:
Another beautiful Tomica! I have the knock off version of this casting, by CF