[REVIEW] Tomica Sunny Coupe 1200 GX

Tomica time again, which always coincides with Land of the Rising Sun-day. Last week we examined an earlier Lesney Matchbox, today we examine an earlier Tomica. This is Tomica 8-1, the Sunny Coupe 1200 GX. Nissan Sunny? Datsun Sunny? It’s your call - the box and casting are simply marked “Sunny”, that’s what you get. This was the 8th model to join the regular Tomica lineup, entering the range in January, 1971, and remaining until March, 1975. It is a prime example of early Tomica, showing the quality that would define the brand:

This model has excellent detail, the cast-in “Sunny” badging on the rear fenders being a fine touch. Scale is a claimed 1:56, and this is believable - the 1:1 was fairly dainty, and this casting has some size. The color is a lovely lustrous metallic blue, maybe not perfectly captured in these phone pics, which contrasts nicely with the off-white interior. This model was only offered on the earliest 5 spoke wheels, or these “old wheels”. Even at this early stage, the model features the springy suspension and crisp glazing we know and love from Tomica - the doors aren’t quite as snappy as later models, but the action is still crisp. From all angles, it is representative of Tomica quality:

Doors open to reveal a detailed interior and accurate steering wheel:

Front and rear are just as nice:

The detailed base is metal of course, which adds heft, and has a patina that reminds me of old silver:

This model is lucky enough to live in its fresh original box, a time warp:

I am definitely happy to have this, and am lucky to have it in my collection. It is effectively in new condition, and is a sweet little gem of a casting from when Tomica was just ramping up to take on the big boys:

A few pics of a US spec model from japanesenostalgiccar.com. This is an excellent example of what I call the “tin can” (or less pleasant terms) era of Japanese cars. The gauge of steel and interior materials used on most Japanese cars of this era would stupefy those of us used to German cars or modern cars, but mechanically, they were usually robust, and the engines would outlive the bodies. Sadly, without lots of love, they dissolved in any climate with rain, snow, or sun.