Tomica Dandy Nissan Skyline Silhouette C 1
This model car was number D38 in the Tomica Dandy range of die-cast toy cars. It was made in Japan to 1:43rd scale and issued in 1983. This model car represents the Nissan Skyline RS Turbo C which is a modified Silhouette Formula to Group C specifications. The main identifying feature is the full width rear spoiler. On the Nissan Skyline RS Turbo KDR30 Super Silhouette this rear wing isn’t full width. Both real cars feature on the cover on the 1983 Tomy catalogue. The Skyline Silhouette retains the "silhouette" and engine block of the production R30 Skyline as these were the only concessions in this formula and accounts for ultra wide fenders and equally massive wings! Thoughtfully, Tomica Dandy also made the ordinary production R30 Skyline in 1:43rd scale (there is a version available in red and black) and posing these both together provides a superb 3D visual of the width difference between these two cars.
As a toy car from the 1980’s the level of detail is extremely good and the front section includes cast details for grilles and NACA ducts. Overall Tomica Dandy’s were superior to the competition of the period, exhibited flawless paint finish and tampo printing. The latter utilised for certain aspects of the competition finish. This includes driver names, racing numbers, sponsors names which include TOMICA. Further decoration was available with an enclosed decal sheet. The whole of the front section is removable by lifting the component and then moving it forward. Once this has been removed the engine detail can be seen as can the radiator and lighting section. The former is in black plastic and the latter is represented as a plated plastic component. Both doors open giving access to a miniature racing interior. The main section is in grey plastic and includes dashboard details, gear shift lever and fire extinguisher. Further details include a red drivers seat and a black steering wheel both plastic items. Rubber tyres replicate racing slicks and the hubs in gold plastic provide a basic representation of the real life versions. The axles feature spring suspension. Rear lights are in clear red plastic and the headlights are plated parts. There is little detailing on the metal baseplate but as this replicates a competition car this is expected. However, there are cast details on the front section. Windows are in clear plastic and the windscreen features a rear view mirror.
Tomica Dandy overview
Following on from their success with small scale toy cars, Tomica decided to launch their Dandy range in 1972. Size wise Dandy were comparable with Corgi Toys and Dinky Toys, and as with these ranges the scale varied between releases. However, gradually the majority of models issued followed the Solido line and were in 1:43rd scale. All Dandy series model numbers were prefixed with a D to avoid confusion with Tomica’s miniature series. In 1984 the whole Dandy range was restructured and subsidiary ranges were introduced. Another restructure followed in 1988 and then in 1993 Tomica decided to discontinue their Dandy range. However, from this time Tomica have reissued certain Dandy models either under their own name or in liaison with model shops or distributors.
On a personal level I have always been impressed with the quality of Dandy models and where there are opening parts the fit is perfect and they close with a reassuring click. Even if a Dandy model is turned upside down these opening parts stay shut! This is certainly worth mentioning as this level of precision didn’t manifest in toy cars from most other manufacturers and the only one that is comparable in this area is Solido with their classic 100 series. The Dandy range extended the availability of quality toy cars into the early 1990‘s and provided collectors of toy cars with new releases during this period. Unfortunately, they were not officially released in certain markets and collectors had to rely on local model shops to gain access to this superb range of models.
Please do not use this image on websites, blogs or other media without my permission. Thanks.
Chris
Tomica Dandy Nissan Skyline Silhouette C 1
This model car was number D38 in the Tomica Dandy range of die-cast toy cars. It was made in Japan to 1:43rd scale and issued in 1983. This model car represents the Nissan Skyline RS Turbo C which is a modified Silhouette Formula to Group C specifications. The main identifying feature is the full width rear spoiler. On the Nissan Skyline RS Turbo KDR30 Super Silhouette this rear wing isn’t full width. Both real cars feature on the cover on the 1983 Tomy catalogue. The Skyline Silhouette retains the "silhouette" and engine block of the production R30 Skyline as these were the only concessions in this formula and accounts for ultra wide fenders and equally massive wings! Thoughtfully, Tomica Dandy also made the ordinary production R30 Skyline in 1:43rd scale (there is a version available in red and black) and posing these both together provides a superb 3D visual of the width difference between these two cars.
As a toy car from the 1980’s the level of detail is extremely good and the front section includes cast details for grilles and NACA ducts. Overall Tomica Dandy’s were superior to the competition of the period, exhibited flawless paint finish and tampo printing. The latter utilised for certain aspects of the competition finish. This includes driver names, racing numbers, sponsors names which include TOMICA. Further decoration was available with an enclosed decal sheet. The whole of the front section is removable by lifting the component and then moving it forward. Once this has been removed the engine detail can be seen as can the radiator and lighting section. The former is in black plastic and the latter is represented as a plated plastic component. Both doors open giving access to a miniature racing interior. The main section is in grey plastic and includes dashboard details, gear shift lever and fire extinguisher. Further details include a red drivers seat and a black steering wheel both plastic items. Rubber tyres replicate racing slicks and the hubs in gold plastic provide a basic representation of the real life versions. The axles feature spring suspension. Rear lights are in clear red plastic and the headlights are plated parts. There is little detailing on the metal baseplate but as this replicates a competition car this is expected. However, there are cast details on the front section. Windows are in clear plastic and the windscreen features a rear view mirror.
Tomica Dandy overview
Following on from their success with small scale toy cars, Tomica decided to launch their Dandy range in 1972. Size wise Dandy were comparable with Corgi Toys and Dinky Toys, and as with these ranges the scale varied between releases. However, gradually the majority of models issued followed the Solido line and were in 1:43rd scale. All Dandy series model numbers were prefixed with a D to avoid confusion with Tomica’s miniature series. In 1984 the whole Dandy range was restructured and subsidiary ranges were introduced. Another restructure followed in 1988 and then in 1993 Tomica decided to discontinue their Dandy range. However, from this time Tomica have reissued certain Dandy models either under their own name or in liaison with model shops or distributors.
On a personal level I have always been impressed with the quality of Dandy models and where there are opening parts the fit is perfect and they close with a reassuring click. Even if a Dandy model is turned upside down these opening parts stay shut! This is certainly worth mentioning as this level of precision didn’t manifest in toy cars from most other manufacturers and the only one that is comparable in this area is Solido with their classic 100 series. The Dandy range extended the availability of quality toy cars into the early 1990‘s and provided collectors of toy cars with new releases during this period. Unfortunately, they were not officially released in certain markets and collectors had to rely on local model shops to gain access to this superb range of models.
Please do not use this image on websites, blogs or other media without my permission. Thanks.
Chris