Tomica - Taxis

Taxis are a recurring theme of Tomica models and they are a very realistic and hence very colourful and detailed in their execution.  The passion for realism is evident throughout.  I have a few of the early Made in Japan  versions in my collection.

No. 28 (No. 13 on baseplate) - Nissan Cedric Taxi

No. 4. 27. 32. 110 - The casting was issued under all these numbers - Toyota Crown (no Box)

I have a couple of the early F for Foreign series:

No. F18 (Baseplate also shows F8. 9. 10) - Dodge Coronet Taxi (misspelled 'Taxe' on box)

No. F56 Austin Taxicab - first released in 1978

The following are Made in China and are marketed under the TOMY brand shown in red on the box.

No. 8 (No. 13 on baseplate) - Nissan Cedric 4 Door HT Taxi

No. 8 (No. 13 on baseplate) - Nissan Cedric 4 Door HT Taxi (same casting as above)

I believe that the release date of the orange coloured version precedes the yellow one based on the design of the packaging which differs at the back.

No Number Hong Kong Edition; Toyota Crown 2800 Royal Saloon ca 1999, Made in Japan

 See box insert and decals below:

 Those of you who may have travelled to Hong Kong will know that this is a very authentic replica and red is the colour of Taxis on the mainland.  Most taxis there seem to be on or other version of a Toyota Crown which appear to be specifically designed for the Taxi market.  One can also come across the odd large Nissan, but Toyota is the favourite by far.

The following model is the only one I have with the red TOMY logo. After this they moved to the blue version.  I believe that this model was released around 1997.  Made in China now...

No. 115 (No. 55 on metal baseplate) - Toyota Crown Majesta

Enjoy this fine detail!

No. 110 Reissue for the 30th anniversary in 2000. Toyota Crown

From 2003 I have the following.

No. 101 (No. 46 on baseplate) - Honda Odyssey Wagon Taxi

The following model was released in 2004 and comes in unique packaging for distribution via a particular department store chain? I bought it in Japan in April 2005.  The inclusion of a road sign is interesting.

No. 99 on baseplate - Toyota Estima (Previa)

 Interestingly this model does not have suspension - the axles are fixed.

No. 60 (No. 17 on baseplate) - Toyota Celsior (Lexus LS400) Privately Owned Taxi

It's not too often that one comes across a model of a Lexus Taxi...this one from 2005 is a typical Tomy example and it worthwhile enjoying the detail that they apply to them.

Sadly, as I don't read Japanese I can't tell what is written on these models, so if anyone can help I would appreciate comments/translations.

No. 51 (No. 32 on baseplate) - Toyota Crown Taxi - released in 2006

The following model came out of a set with a couple of other service vehicles. Its another Toyota Crown version with No. 92 on the baseplate. It might have been released around 2004-2005.

Look at the details appearing on the door and roof sign. So delicate and authentic!

The transition to TAKARA Tomy is now evident.  Released in 2007 this Toyota Crown is the near universal taxi workhorse of many places in Asia.

No. 51 on metal baseplate.  Toyota Crown Comfort, Taxi

This version of the Toyota Crown is only built for the taxi trade, so in this instance the baseplate No. and actual release No. of the model coincide.

If you have ever travelled in the Hong Kong / Macau SAR's you will have noticed the variety of taxi colours used.

In respect of Hong Kong SAR, Green is used for the New territories, Blue on Lantau Island and Red for Hong Kong proper - white or for Hong Kong 'proper', silver roofs.  Macau uses Black with a beige roof.

The importer of TOMY in Hong Kong Mani Ltd. must have commissioned this series which to the best of my knowledge is only available in these two regions.  If my memory serves me right, the actual car used as a taxi in Hong Kong and Macau is identical to the version shown above - No. 51, but perhaps that casting was not available to them when Mani Ltd. planned this series...

No. 32 on baseplate - Toyota Crown Taxi - Hong Kong SAR New Territories

Side of the box depicting the 4 versions.

Like the 1999 version above, each model comes along with appropriate decals (common for Hong Kong areas but different for Macau).  They also enclose a 'registration document'

Above is Hong Kong version and below that for Macau.

No. 32 on baseplate - Toyota Crown Taxi - Macau

No. 32 on baseplate - Toyota Crown Taxi - Lantau Island

No. 32 on baseplate - Toyota Crown Taxi - Hong Kong mainland (excl. NT) and Victoria Island

Look out for these in specialist shops in Hong Kong!

No. 60 (No. 72 on baseplate) - Toyota Mark X Owned Car - Released 2008 to replace No. 60 above?

As of 12 April 2012, this completes my survey of Tomica Taxi models.