#3003 - TN (Nomura Toys) - Truck - Car Carrier (Friction Operated)

One-piece black plastic wheels with chrome-plated sheet metal inserts. A superb vehicle! This imposing tinplate car transporter truck was made in Japan by the toy manufacturer TN (Nomura Toys), which was one of the leading Japanese manufacturers of lithographed tinplate toys in the 1950s and 70s. The superb combination of blue and red colors is particularly striking, complemented by the two yellow gas cans located on either side of the chassis. The model is complete, in mint condition, without a scratch. The friction drive system is functional and very powerful! The tailgate also opens. This model is surely one of the earliest versions of this truck, given the high level of detail. For example, the "Auto Transport" inscription on the rear of the tailgate is a separate sheet metal piece, not simply tampo printing. The type of wheels also confirms this hypothesis. Other versions of this truck exist, but their finishes indicate production later than the example offered here. The cab interior looks impressive with its yellow and red striped bench seat. The dashboard is even quite detailed and complete with its plastic steering wheel. To top it all off, this vehicle is being sold with its original box, which is also quite rare. The box is in excellent condition. We should note the good taste of our Japanese friends in having placed a load of Jaguar E-Types on the box illustration. However, the use of the Italian language on the box, as well as on the truck itself, clearly indicates a vehicle produced for export, most likely to the USA.