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Post by Volktales on Mar 28, 2021 17:36:55 GMT -8
Sooo, check this out...  Tomica has produced a Beetle toy forever, and has released many different versions over the years. This one is different however...  Unlike the previous SuperBeetle version they had, this is a newer casting and replicates what looks like a Java Green '65. And very nice it is...  For a small HotWheels size toy, the lines have been captured very well. The clear plastic headlights and taillights are a nice touch. Don found this on line, and there must be more of them out there...  No this is not a VW, but Don also spotted these Toyota Celica toys locally and knew I would like them. And I did! I always have liked the first generation Celicas and would consider owning one. Except they are pretty much out of my price range now, just like the Corvairs I want...  |
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Post by Volktales on Jul 25, 2021 21:30:08 GMT -8
So this has not been updated for awhile...  Today I took up a trip to Reagh's place and had a good BS session with him and Rob. And Rob presented me with a little gift... The white Beetle on the right is a 1968 Matchbox 1500 and has always been one of my favourites. The red one on the left is an alternate version and I wheedled this one out of Don some time ago. I still owe him that Matchbox Saab I have stashed away somewhere...  Surprised I got it out of him too, considering his love for rally cars!!!  I also dug out this Matchbox Beetle that I have had for several years now. With the original box too, which apparently dates this version around 1962. This popular model was in production from 1960 to 1967, and was replaced by the Superfast series '68 1500 shown previously.  Now today Rob in fact gave me two vintage VW toys, and this is the second one. At first glance it looks like another Matchbox, but is not. This one was made by Budgie toys of Great Britain, who were a one time competitor to Matchbox. Morestone toys originally manufactured this model in 1956, Budgie took them over in 1960 and continued production, and later they were marketed under the Modern toys name. This one is believed to be a mid '60's version, and this toy had a long life, being discontinued in 1970 when Budgie was sold and toy production discontinued...  You will note that it is an Oval window of course, and just happens to be in my favourite shade of Strato-Silver. Interesting how this toy and Matchbox's version were in production for so long, and in similar colours.  The Budgie is noticeably smaller than the Matchbox, and both are much smaller than later Matchbox and HotWheels type cars. Anyway another cool addition to the VW tiny fleet, and thanks Rob! |
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Post by Volktales on Sept 25, 2022 21:55:42 GMT -8
It has been awhile since I have added anything to this category. But recently HighTopRob donated a few items my way...  How about this TINY oval window Beetle. Don't know which company made it, but it is very small.  Tiny, but pretty cool...  This oddball Chinese made Beetle is unusual. The bumpers are '60's era, but the body is not.  It is actually a split window version, and features a very smooth running friction motor that would impress even Don. The quality of this toy is better then you might think.  The wheels let it down (waaay down), though. Pretty sure they make a New Beetle version, and used the same wheels on this one. Laughed at the "Goodsyear" tires... Still fun to have though...   This one was my favourite however. Pretty sure this is a genuine old toy. The markings indicate Red Cross, and this toy has a maker's name of Trumpf on the hood. Couldn't find much info about this, but I believe they are European, and are from the '60's. I likey this one and know I would have played with it a lot as a kid... Thanks, Rob! |
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Post by Volktales on Mar 3, 2024 22:58:42 GMT -8
 And look what I got my hands on this weekend! This is one of the old Franklin Mint 1967 Beetles! These were released in the early '90's, and Franklin Mint was one of the first "higher end" diecast "collectable" companies, and they did well for many years. These Beetles represent a European spec 1300 and were available in both white and yellow.  These were nice quality, and were certainly not cheap to buy when new. I have had the yellow version for decades, as it was given to me by my Dad's buddy, when I helped him work on his 1955 Thunderbird project. But it was the white version that I secretly wanted, as it more closely approximated my first '66 Beetle that I had at the time. Now thanks to Reagh, I do have that white version at last! These Franklin Mint Beetles appear to have sold well, and they also have a much wider legacy. Why? These were made in China, and those castings must have been grabbed by MANY toy companies over there. Pretty much ANY cheap Beetle toy since, has been a copy of these Franklin Mint cars. I kid you not, look at the details and you will find SOOO many examples of toy Beetles that for some reason just happen to all be European 1967 versions... I wonder why???  |
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Post by clay on Mar 4, 2024 9:52:59 GMT -8
I like that in white! I've had the yellow version for years, but our family's first VW was a brand new white 68 or 69.
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Post by Volktales on Mar 4, 2024 22:32:35 GMT -8
I always wondered why the Mint never released these in a larger variety of colours. I would have been all over Sea Blue for sure!
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Post by clay on Mar 4, 2024 23:03:11 GMT -8
And of course the completionists who would chase down one of each available colour :-D
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