[REVIEW] Tomica Toyota EX-7

Tomica time, Land of the Rising Sun-day is here again. After 80s overload last week, we take a step back in time. Today we examine Tomica 31-1, the Toyota EX-7. This casting entered the range in May 1972, remaining until January 1980. As one can see, this is quite a unique vehicle:

Everyone is probably still overwhelmed from all of the Radcast Tomica content last week, which makes a good excuse for something older, and something a bit unusual. The EX-7 was a supercar concept from the 1970 Tokyo Motor Show. Concepts of this era were still daring, not saddled by the depressing fears of fuel shortages and general malaise found later in the decade. This casting is also quite daring. Nothing opens, but it has the detailed interior, crisp glazing and springy suspension we all know and love from old Tomica. This model enjoyed a long production run, no doubt because the futuristic shape attracted young buyers, and it didn’t become dated. Fine line casting detail abounds, with “EX7" cast on the sides being a nice touch, and it is fairly true to proportion from the original vehicle. Scale is claimed to be 1:62, likely accurate. From all angles, it is something you have likely never seen before:

Front and rear have similar detail. The overhead front view shows off the deep dish steering wheel and roof panels, while the rear light lens piece and “Toyota” cast into the rear deck add realism:

The base is metal, with ample technical and identifying detail, and this metal has acquired a nice patina over time:

This is another unboxed model I am pleased to have in my collection. This is an eye-catching vehicle, and the “old wheels” set it off even more:

Some 1:1 images from youtube, allcarindex.com, a period ad from, cardesignnews.com, and opening pics from carstyling.ru, and allcarindex.com - the latter 2 images might explain why nothing opens, as this elaborate opening to the passenger compartment would likely be very difficult to cast at this scale and price point: