Tinplate Toy Cars: of the 1950s & 1960s from Japan
Octane, June 2008UK magazineCirculation: unknownA companion volume to the book on plastic toy cars reviewed last month, this paperback draws on a world-class US collection, and includes some toys that are so rare they've never been pictured in print before. It shows 150 mint examples, grouped by subject - police cars, European cars etc.Classic & Sports Car, July 2008UK magazineA new addition to Veloce's Collector's Guide range is 'Tinplate Toy Cars of the 1950s and 1960s from Japan'. Andrew Ralston reviews and values American, European and Japanese cars, plus commercials. The most surprising subject is a Volvo P1900, but best news is that the photos feature box art. The 150-page colour paperback is £24.99.Rod Ward for Model Auto Review, June 2008UK magazineAndrew's name will be familiar to MAR readers, as will the quality of Veloce's books. Many will also know of Bruce Sterling's collection in New York, from which 150 examples are pictured here, all in mint condition, and with their boxes. Japanese tin cars are very desirable, and here we have examples of all the major toy makers, with their Cadillacs, Chevrolets, Buicks, Packards and many other makes. I usually whinge about full-page photos, but that is when they are bigger than life size. Here are big pictures, but much smaller than the real tin toy. Andrew provides a concise caption for each item, on the original vehicle, the Japanese toymaker and the toy. In addition he gives a price category. If you have Japanese tinplate cars in your collection, or if you would like to have them (and who doesn't?), you'll find this book fascinating.Cars & Parts magazine, November 2008USmagazine First and foremost; this book is an illustrated guide to the tinplate automobiles produced in Japan after World War II. As such, it is a priceless resource for collectors. Profiles of more than 100 of the rarest of these toys include background information on the manufacturers and degree of rarity. There is also a handy guide to identifying manufacturers and a price guide. This book is also a testimonial to one man's passion, as all of the toys featured are from the stunning collection of Bruce Sterling. Even more amazing is the fact that all of the cars featured are in mint condition with their original boxes! Another treat is to see that this collection is not limited to American-built automobiles such as Packard, Chevrolet, and Checker; mixed among these miniature legends of the highway are automobiles by foreign makes such as Fiat and Alfa Romeo.I highly recommend this fascinating book. You might even consider it an investment that will pay for itself with one swap meet treasure find."Each car is treated to a clear photo and informative text. An interesting and informative publication." – Australian Classic Car