[REVIEW] - Tomica Mitsubishi Galant 2000GSR

Tomica time again, today we examine an unusual casting, one I hinted at when a loose version was presented not long ago. This is Tomica 18-3, the Mitsubishi Galant 2000GSR. This casting entered the range in November 1977, and was made until January 1980 - a short run. This casting appears to be rare, and it is an excellent high quality piece even by Tomica standards:

It’s really lovely from all angles, and it shows off the angular hardtop styling of the real car. Scale claims to be 1:65, and this is likely accurate - the model is a little dainty but not too much so. Of course it has the springy suspension, snappy door action, and crisp glazing we expect from Tomica of this era. The cast-in Galant badge behind the doors is a nice touch. The paint is also fantastic, it has a metallic coppery glow:

Of course there’s a detailed interior and accurate steering wheel:

Front and rear also have plenty of detail:

Nice metal base with typical detail for this era:

This one is lucky enough to live in its original box:

I am definitely happy to have this - it wasn’t cheap, but I have seen more expensive. I also like the real car, so this is a good one for me. It’s a real gem:

There aren’t many castings of this car. Matchbox also made a casting of this car near the end of the Lesney era. Detail isn’t bad, but isn’t as crisp - however, it is a lot less expensive, image from a Vectis auction:

Here’s a similar 1:1 car with a different grille, from an Argentinian Mercado Libre ad:

And a US captive import version from Hemmings - these were sold in NA as the Dodge Challenger/Plymouth Sapporo, and in other markets under the Sapporo and other names: