Rare 1950s Atom Jet #58 Tin Litho Friction Race Car Space Toy Yonezawa Japan

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About the Item

Rare 1950s Atom Jet very large tin litho friction race car made by Yonezawa Japan, over 2 feet long (27 inches). With its futuristic space age atomic Japanese design, this is one of the most sought after tinplate toys, with all original parts, top fin pops on and off. Condition as seen in pictures, one tail light broken off. The DFW Elite Toy Museum is known for its rare cars, but the Atom Jet Racer just might be the most hard-to-find piece in the entire collection. In fact, with a scarcity rating of 10 on a 10 point scale, the jet racer is next to impossible to find anywhere except on display at Fort Worth's premier toy museum. At more than two feet long, the collectible toy is a favorite with visitors because of its unusual size and exquisite workmanship. "It was made in Japan in the 1950s and was one of the last large tin friction toys ever made," said Rodney Ross, museum curator. "Back when Atom Jet Racers were being made, they were pretty inexpensive tin toys - just a cheap toy that kids would play with and destroy. Because of that, very few survived." The scarcity of the Atom Jet Racer has made it even more sought after by collectors of large tin toys. Made by the famous Japanese toy maker Yonezawa, this beautifully lithographed tin racer is 27 inches long with a friction motor and a tiny, goggle-wearing driver in an enclosed cockpit. Part racer and part jet, this hybrid toy must have been captivating to young imaginations. "If I had to choose a favorite out of all the toys at the DFW Elite Toy Museum, I would choose this one," Ross said. "The museum has some of the finest antique toys in the world, but the Atom Jet Racer is exceptional. " In its heyday, the Atom Jet Racer was equipped with sparklers inside the body that would shoot sparks out the rear of the jet as it was rolled across the floor. Although the sparklers have since burned out, the rest of the vehicle remains in tip-top condition, right down to its rubber tires and chrome hubcaps. "Back when Yonezawa was making these, kids had no idea of how special a toy they were playing with," Ross said. "To them, it was just another toy to destroy. To us, as collectors, the Atom Jet Racer is amazing because of the exceptional workmanship it required to create a toy of its caliber." "It is easy to see why it has become one of the most sought-after toys for collectors today."

Dimensions:
Height: 7.5 in (19.05 cm)Width: 27 in (68.58 cm)Depth: 7.5 in (19.05 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Plastic,Tin
Place of Origin:
Japan
Period:
1950-1959
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1950
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Condition as seen in pictures, one tail light broken off, minor rusting and dents.
Seller Location:
Hamilton, CA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU1355216650772

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