c.1956 Japan, Piggly-Wiggly Car in Original Box
Wonderfully animated "Piggly-Wiggly Car" with friction drive motor. All tin litho convertible sports car marked only "Made In Japan". Comes complete with original box. Produced by an unidentified Japanese manufacturer (neither the toy or box have a trademark). Toy features "zig-zag" motion. Both the front axle and the piggy head are connected internally to the rear drive friction motor. While the motor is running the front wheels will turn towards the right and back to the left with side to side movement. The piggy's head will simultaneously turn right and left in the same direction as the wheels. Motor is strong and all parts move easily. Vehicle resembles a German or British two seater sports car. It has yellow and red striped horizontal panels traversing the entire length of the car. Front and rear fenders, hood and trunk are all embossed. Details such as the grille, side vents, and lights were lithoed black and white. The piggy sits on a blue and white striped bench seat with dotted floorboard and dashboard details. The piggy appears to be wearing a red and white polka dotted dress although the box shows it as a male figure. Wheel hubs are black and white lithoed spokes. The chassis base plate is solid black and embossed. The metal bumpers and windshield frame are chrome plated. The tires are solid black rubber and it has its original celluloid windshield. The box was illustrated with a full color, full panel drawing of the Piggly-Wiggly Car in action. The design differs significantly from the actual toy suggesting the possibility of a Chevrolet or Nash. The zig-zag motion (driving around a curved beach-front highway) is prominently shown. The toy name and zigging action was printed in text on all four aprons. The lower right cover corner is marked "JAPAN". Size: 9½". Sold: Aug. 2008
Price Sold: $ 398
