1975 Tomica Kubota Tractor

The company now known as Kubota Corporation was first established as a foundry in Osaka, Japan, in 1890. In 1922, the company introduced its first kerosene engine for use in agriculture and from there it was off and running. The multinational corporation now produces a wide range of products including engines, tractors and other agricultural equipment, construction equipment, valves and pumps, and equipment for water purification, sewage treatment and air conditioning. Kubota introduced its first tractor to the U.S. in 1969, and formed the Kubota Tractor Corporation in 1972 to expand its product line for the U.S. market.

The Tomica Kubota Tractor, based on the Kubota L225 which was produced from 1974 to 1976, was first released in 1975. It features a diecast engine and seat, with a plastic engine cover and fenders. It has two-piece wheels with black tires and plastic hubs, and an unpainted metal base. This example is another fun score from my Wichita eBay friend.

Tomica | 1975 | 92 | Kubota Tractor | orange plastic with metallic blue metal engine, unpainted metal base | 1/42 | Japan | large black tires with orange plastic hubs

Click here to see the Kubota Tractor on the 1975 page of the online Tomica History Museum.

Playart Fiat X1/9

The Fiat X1/9 was manufactured by Fiat from 1972 to 1982 and by Gruppo Bertone from 1982 until 1989. The design of this two-seat sports car was heavily influenced by the Bertone Runabout concept car. It had a transverse-mounted mid-engine and rear-wheel-drive, which gave it exceptional handling.

The Playart Fiat X1/9 features a (poorly-fitting) plastic top and opening doors. This green model with black tampo and flower wheels is another of my Wichita eBay finds.

Click here to compare to the Tomica Fiat X1/9 and click here to compare to the Corgi Juniors Fiat X1/9.

Playart | 7196 | Fiat X1/9 | green with black trim, black plastic roof and interior, black metal base | HK | flower wheels

1973 Tomica Isuzu Elf Hi-Roof

The Isuzu Elf is a medium duty truck known outside Japan as the N-Series. It has been produced in six generations since 1959 and has been sold in markets around the world for a tremendous variety of uses. The second-generation Elf (1968-1978) was available as a “high roof” van.

The Tomica model of the Isuzu Elf Hi-Roof was first released in 1973. This example with Tomy Racing Team labels and early two-piece wheels is another of my Wichita eBay finds. It’s pretty rough and is missing the sliding side doors, but this little van has tons of character.

Click here to compare to another Tomica model of the second-generation N-series, the Isuzu Elf Refuse Collector.

Tomica | 1973 | 49 | Isuzu Elf Hi-Roof | orange with TOMY Racing Team labels, cream plastic interior and roof rack, missing sliding side doors, unpainted metal base | 1/81 | Japan | black tires with chrome plastic hubs

Click here to see the Isuzu Elf Hi-Roof on the 1973 page of the online Tomica History Museum.