[REVIEW] Tomica Nissan Laurel 2000 SGX

Tomica time again, always works with Land of the Rising Sun-day. Today we take a look at a model of a model name from the past. This is Tomica 74-1, the Nissan Laurel 2000 SGX (C130). This casting entered the range in June 1973, and remained until March 1979. As one can see, via a few details, this is very much a period piece:

First off, the color. If you like green, I have a car for you. I don’t know if a car can be more green than this, and it is a very 70s green as well. Green with a red interior, no less, and from the days when Japanese makers had a fetish for somewhat large somewhat premium hardtops with somewhat American styling themes. For even more of a 70s vibe, this also sits on “old wheels”, which work perfectly with these old castings. As expected for vintage Tomica, there is plenty of fine casting detail, a nice touch being the model name cast in the rear fenders - something from the days when everything wasn’t done by tampo. Scale is a claimed 1:63, I see no reason to doubt the accuracy. Of course, this model features the crisp glazing, snappy door action, and springy suspension we all know and love from old Tomica. From all angles, it is a trip back in time:

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

Front and rear have similar detail, a nice touch being the model name cast into the front plate in correct font, and the tow hook adding play value:

The base is metal, as per usual with these earlier castings. This adds heft, and contains ample detail:

This is definitely a model I am pleased to have in my collection. This is yet another loose survivor which has survived 40+ years relatively unscathed. There are a few varieties of this casting, most of them green, but with old wheels, button wheels, and wide wheels. I don’t yet have one of these mint in box, this one is a more than worthy space filler until I happen upon a boxed model. And even then, it will be a keeper:

And a few images of similar 1:1s from wikipedia, japanclassic.ru, wheelsage.org, and pinterest - it seems green was popular: