1957 Masudaya, Chevrolet Convertible (Open Car No.6) in Original Box
Superb friction drive tin litho Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible with figural driver manufactured by Masudaya. Beautiful near mint+ example complete with original box marked "Open Car No.6". Definitely has an overall unconventional appearance with its one piece body, solid plate chassis, and figural driver. It more closely resembles some of the German made 1950's auto's like Niedermeier, than it does Japanese. Brilliant red/orange body with mint green interior. Lots of detail such as a full instrument panel dashboard, front grille, side molding, and Chevrolet logos on the front hood and rear trunk. Masudaya trademark lithoed onto right rear trunk. Not a drop of plastic! All metal construction including the driver's gold painted cap, steering wheel, and pressed tin windshield frame. It was not produced with a celluloid windshield, or hub caps. Tires are rubber. For safety purposes the solid plate chassis and upper body were finished off with rolled metal edges. Friction drive works great. Full color box illustrated with a very accurate rendition of a '57 Bel Air convertible although the appearance of the three people is "slightly archaic". Probably had a brochure to look at. Chevrolet logo appears on the front hood, but it wasn't included in the toy' name. Size: 11" x 4¼". Sold: Nov. 2005
Price Sold: $ 357
