Tin Hot Rods from Japan!

I’ve shared my love of old die cast and model hot rods for many years now. Probably the coolest items of the 1950s are the large scale tin toy hot rods that were made in Japan between 1950 and the early 1960s. Nomura was probably the very best of the Japanese manufacturers for battery powered tin toys. Why? Well built, colorful paint jobs, and elaborate details.  Check out the videos below to see what I’m talking about:

This one has light up three-deuce Flathead and if you look closely you can see the decapitated driver bobbing his neck:

Here’s another (albeit blurry) video of the toy in action with the nodding driver’s head intact:

Here’s one with an early Hemi, and check out those flames on the sides and deck lid!

Again, different video of the same car, but this shows the rocking engine function well:

How about the Dream Boat, looking for his lady?

Last one, (not sure if this is Nomura), and I can’t explain how cool the function on this one from the 60s is, so just watch… The hot rod looks to be a tall ‘T’ Opera Sedan perhaps?