[REVIEW] Tomica Toyota Mark II 2600 Grande

Tomica time is here again, so you know it is Land of the Rising Sun-day. Today we examine a lovely model that is really a sign of its time. This is Tomica 69-2, the Toyota Mark II 2600 Grande. This casting had a short run, entering the range in January 1978, and remaining until January 1980. As one can see, it is an excellent period piece:

During the discofied late 70s, personal luxury coupes were all the rage. This style of Mark II was sold in NA as the Cressida, but oddly enough, the coupe did not make it over here (we got the sedan and wagon) - surprising, as it probably would have sold. A fancy (even more so in 2600 trim) hardtop coupe is a very American preference. However, this style was exported to other markets. This casting, from a period I consider approaching peak Tomica (it might have peaked with sunroofs, which debuted around this time), has laudable detail, with excellent proportion, many fine casting lines, and a fine “Grande” script cast-in to the rear fenders being a nice touch. Scale is claimed to be 1:65, likely accurate as usual. Per my reference book, this casting was only issued in this pleasing metallic blue. As expected, this model features the snappy door action, crisp glazing, and springy suspension we expect from Tomica of this era. From all angles, this is a pretty car to behold:

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

Front and rear have similar detail - the finely detailed mesh grille being a nice touch:

The base is metal, which adds heft, and contains ample detail:

This example is lucky enough to live in its nice original black box:

I am definitely happy to have this in my collection. I like this generation of Mark II/Grande - the baroque styling and somewhat Jaguar-esque front end have always caught my eye. From time to time I toy with the idea of finding a nice old Japanese car, and a first gen Cressida would be high on my list. Too bad the coupe never made it here, and many of the sedans have been used up or ruined by stance/driftbros by now. The nice color makes it all the better:

A selection of 1:1s in Grande and Cressida trim from toyotaoldies.de, motorbase.com, and wikimedia.