[REVIEW] Tomica Datsun Sunny 1200 Coupe Racing

Tomica time, Land of the Rising Sun-day, is here again. Today’s model fits in with the prior Tomica review, and also suits Easter with its strong colors. This is Tomica 15-2, the Datsun Sunny 1200 Coupe Racing. This casting entered the range in January 1976, remaining until May 1979, and is indeed a racy little car:

Like the racing Mazda posted in the prior Tomica review, this model is based on an older casting, one I reviewed some time ago:

This casting, as with the Mazda, was updated with front and rear spoiler, fender flares, etc, along with the bright paint job and the crisp tampos typical for vintage Tomica. It retains the same ample fine line casting detail (badges/nameplates are especially well done) and fine proportions of the original casting, as it is based directly on this. Scale is claimed to be 1:56, likely accurate - it seems like a slightly large scale, but the model doesn’t feel huge - this is a small car in the real world. As expected, this model features the crisp glazing, springy suspension, and snappy door action we appreciate about vintage Tomica. From all angles, one can see it out on the track with those racing stripes:

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

Front and rear have similar high quality detail:

The base is metal, which adds heft and contains ample technical and identifying detail. This model features a painted base, not seen on most models, which helps with the red bumpers on this car:

I am pleased to have this loose model in my collection. It is a cheerful piece with its racing livery, and I recall I picked it up for a low price. I believe this one was also sold as a Pocket Cars, so if one wants an example, it probably won’t break the bank:

Somewhat similar 1:1 racing Sunnys from Youtube and nzdatsun.com - apparently these were a thing: