Tomica 1975 Honda Civic and 2006 Mazda MX5 Miata

Here are two Tomica castings that defy the company they represent and help bring fun back to their lineup, split by about three decades.

1975 Honda Civic

The civic is not the first Honda to be introduced in the U.S., but unlike its earlier predecessors this Civic has gotten off to a good start and still continues to be one of the most successful Japanese nameplates today.  The first-generation was introduced as a three-door hatchback in 1972 and was an all-new platform that stretched the N600 size to better accomidate larger American roads, styling that was an evolution to the N600, and typical of Honda products options were kept at a minimum so that its affordable price can reach many.  By the time the Civic arrived the oil crisis was in action, forcing consumers to go for more fuel-efficient vehicles and the Civic was one of the best with better fuel economy and as an added bonus better handling thanks to a four-wheel independent suspension.  The interior has a more sporty look than what other typical econoboxes offered at the time.  The engine is 1.5L SOHC I-4 with CVCC, or Compound Vortex Combustion Chamber, that produces combustion at a unique angle compared to typical combustion chambers in other vehicles.  This reduced the need for a catalytic converter and produced 53 horsepower through a 5-speed manual transmission.  The Civic’s success would ultimately end up with future variants that also include an Accord spin-off and sedan and wagon models.

Tomica is just one of a few diecast manufacturers at the time that produced the first-generation Civic, and this one is decoed out as a rally car.  The front has a slightly-forward hoodline with round headlights next to a round grille with H logo in the center, though partially obstructed by three driving lights, and a lower bumper with license plate.  The sides show a fairly playworn model with rally decals, gold 5-spoke wheels, and a handsome hatchback profile with crisp lines.  The rear has ribbed taillights, HONDA letters across the tailgate, GL badge, and CIVIC in the plate area.  The base is metal and features detailed engine, transmission, fuel tank, suspension, and exhaust system, while the doors open to an interior with front bucket seats, rear bench seat, floor shifter, and the usual steering wheel with no dashboard.  Like a Mini Cooper this car is very fun to toss around and economical, one of the reasons why the Civic is a best-seller.

2006 Mazda MX5 Miata

In 1990 Mazda reinvented itself by bringing back the old British roadsters in a modern and more reliable setup called the MX5 or Miata in some countries.  For 2006 the third-generation still continued the rounded look, but was now more muscular with flared fenders, larger headlights, grille, and rear taillights based on the 2004 Ibuki concept.  The interior has a more refined look with more defined shapes and curves that follow the rest of the Mazda line at the time, but with more easier-to use controls.  This generation also saw the first retractable hardtop model to add more practicality to the roadster for all seasons.  The rear-drive roadster is powered by a 2.0L DOHC I-4 that produces 170 horsepower through a six-speed manual transmission.

It is surprising that the many of Miata (or Eunos in other countries) models in diecast seem to be slim for each generation, specifically regarding the low-cost and smaller scale diecast brands.  Tomica made a nice example, but to get one today is not cheap so shop around for a great deal.  The silver with tan interior is gorgeous on this casting and the thin Tomica wheels look great on this car even if they could benefit from a wider track for better handling.  The front has large headlight/signal light units with a larger lower grille also in the same oval shape as the headlights and round foglights to the sides.  The sides show a clean profile with the visible flared fenders and note the painted trim around the windshield frame, while the rear has highly-detailed taillight tampos that are spot-on.  The base is plastic and features detailed drivetrain, exhaust, and suspension setups and yes this car also has a working suspension.  The downside is that there is no opening parts to this car, but then again with an open top look does it really matter?  Inside the interior has bucket seats, a center console with shifter, and two roll hoops in the back just ahead of the nicely concealed convertible top; now at this time Tomica was starting to realize cars have dashboards, yet still resilient to put one in.  Hence the Miata here with the three-spoke steering wheel and the round arch in the center for the radio and HVAC controls, but after that there’s not much else to see.  A very nice casting that fills a needed missing gap in my generation of Mazda Miata roadsters.