c.1964 Bandai, Volkswagen Bus Cattle Truck in Original Box
Outstanding tin litho friction drive VW Bus, Cattle Truck version complete with original box and in-package brochure. Tough to find modification of the popular Volkswagen bus. Both toy and box conservatively grades EXC+ to NM. Colorful vehicle features deep metallic blue (cobalt) embossed body with simulated striped wood paneling pick-up bed. It's unusual that the chassis plate is the same color as the body. Frequently it's black. The stake rails with roof and drop-down tail gate are dark gray. Interior has a single orange and gray bench seat with lithoed floorboard and detailed dashboard. Steering wheel is red plastic. Separately tabbed "Volkswagen" rear license plate lithoed white located above rear bumper. Tires are solid rubber. Loaded with chrome highlights including head lights, authentic VW front hood logo, and wrap around front and rear bumpers. Hub cap are bubble style, ringed with white and chrome in the center with lithoed VW logos. Chassis is embossed single plate which includes the vehicle and manufacturer name. Also marked "Made in Japan". Structurally it features a divided windshield and smoker windows (i.e., side window dividers). Two piece box prominently features a detailed drawing of the truck colored slate gray and black. Statements indicating that this toy is one of Bandai's "Automobiles of the World" series was printed on the cover and front and rear side aprons. Box bottom has red exterior and has all eight original staples. Cover has all four original staples. In-package brochure and advertises Bandai's auto series including a photograph of their Mercedes sedan and HO train sets. Several additional models listed by country plus a "suggestion" questionnaire are printed on the other side.. Cover has its original price sticker from Channel Lumber although the actual price is no longer readable. The box bottom is correctly stamped "BLUE" to indicate the body color. Size: 7½" Sold: May 2008
Price Sold: $ 935
