1954 Asahi, New DeSoto (FireDome V8) in Original Box
Superb tin litho inertia driven New DeSoto FireDome V8 manufactured by Asahi, Japan in unused excellent+ to near mint condition. Comes complete with original box which depicts the 1955 model. Brilliant turquoise blue body features chrome plated side molding embossed "DE SOTO" on both sides. Powered by an unusual internal screw mechanism. Rotation of the axle rotates a vertical brass screw located directly below the rear window. The screw turns a vertical inertia wheel which maintains speed longer than a standard friction drive motor. Best of all it works great! In addition the toy includes DeSoto's characteristic chrome plated "toothy grille". It also has separate chrome plated head lights, front and rear wrap around bumpers, front and rear hood ornaments, and front and rear windshield frames. The black chassis is a single embossed plate stamped Ashaitoy, Japan. The wheel hubs are polished tin. Tires are solid rubber. Front and rear windshields are the original celluloid. The illustrated box cover accurately shows a two tone 1955 model DeSoto. A simpler drawing of two people looking at the car stand in the background. All four aprons were printed with "New De Soto". The original tissue paper separator is still inside the box. Size: 7½" Sold: Jun. 2008
Price Sold: $ 230
