1949 Distler, BMW Wanderer Cabriolet Roadster in Original Box
Distler produced several versions of their tin litho clockwork BMW Wanderer from 1936 through 1955. This ochre yellow roadster with scarlet red pleated seating is marked U.S. Zone Germany on the underside chassis. It's a solid, hand-crafted toy weighing nearly a pound. This example looks like it was never played with. It comes complete with its original nickel plated cast iron key with envelope and original box. The quality built into this toy is rarely seen today. The tin litho is heavy gauge, embossed and rolled at the edges for safety. It's an accurate representation of the actual BMW Wanderer Cabriolet Roadster (see last photo). The interior includes a working, nickel plated cast iron steering wheel, a rubber tipped brake lever (stop/start), and a working 3-speed clutch with reverse. Also solid rubber tires with narrow red sidewalls. It has its original transparent plastic windshield. Best of all...everything works; clockwork motor, steering wheel, clutch, and brake. The chrome accessories include bug-eye headlamps, BMW kidney shaped grille, front and rear bumpers with lithoed plates, bubble type wheel hubs, hood divider, running boards, and embossed trunk mounted spare tire cover. The entire single plate embossed chassis is all chrome plated as well. The beautiful color box features a different illustration on every panel. Large schematics provide the instructions. All text including the company name, and country of origin were printed only on the endflaps. It still has its original $1.79 price sticker on the endflap. The box is marked "Made in Western Germany". Size: 9¾". Sold: Jan. 2007
Price Sold: $ 567