Japanese diecast manufacturer Tomica is about to release its first Japanese classics into their main line since, well, since most similar classics were still new cars. The cars in question are an Isuzu 117 and Bellett, but there’s a catch. Both are actually going to be plastic accessories attached to a modern Isuzu Elf flatbed.
![Isuzu Giga potato truck Isuzu Giga potato truck](https://i0.wp.com/JapaneseNostalgicCar.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Isuzu-Giga-potato-truck.jpg?w=247&h=139&ssl=1)
![Tomica Hino shark truck Tomica Hino shark truck](https://i1.wp.com/JapaneseNostalgicCar.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Tomica-Hino-shark-truck.jpg?w=247&h=139&ssl=1)
![set - odd cargo set - odd cargo](https://i2.wp.com/JapaneseNostalgicCar.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/set-odd-cargo-e1485207932942.jpg?w=385&h=282&ssl=1)
The thing to remember is that Tomica are first and foremost kids’ toys, so traditionally when trucks have carried any kind of cargo they’ve often leaned towards the whimsical — a plastic animal, pirate ship, or giant order of furaidopoteto (fried potato).
What’s more, Tomica often releases new castings with a limited first-release color, in this case the Elf in white. But rather than change just the color, they’ve changed the cargo as well, in the form of an orange Bellett. In fact, this will be the first time an Isuzu Bellett has appeared in the Tomica main line at all (there’s a Tomica Limited Version, though).
If you want the Bellett, you’ll have to get a friend in Japan who can wait in line on release day, March 18, 2017. They will go fast, and never be seen again. The regular-issue Elf with the yellow 117 will be released at the same time but continue to be available in mass quantities as it takes a spot in the permanent lineup. Consider yourself warned, Isuzu fans.
I’ll see your two Isuzu’s and raise you one Mazda…
http://www.tomytec.co.jp/minicar/lineup/set/set16.html
Can’t wait for either. 🙂
Love to see even more vintage Japanese cars in their line although they do a pretty fine job.
It would be a fun project to get these and paint the cars how you’d like.
Imma get the white Elf with the Bellett carrying it as well as the wrx s4 unmarked cop car
and oh hopefully the cars carried by the elf are detachable and has moving wheels with it….
I need a Giga Potato truck in my life, I think.
Tomica really needs better distribution in the US; maybe do an unlimited version in white with Chevy/GMC branding?
I really would like a set. Need to make some Dekotora style trucks. Chevy,Dodge,Ford & GMC are everywhere HW,MBX,Greenlight hitch & tow,M2Machines. Nice to see something differect. Like to see some Euro cab-over Lorries.
I would love both models, but since I live in the States (shout-out from Staunton, VA!) I will take what I can get; which will probably be nothing. Tomica sales and distribution is just about non-existent where I live. Anyway, nice to see some Isuzu love out there! In some toys I got from an uncle that briefly lived in the U.K., I found a Nissan crane truck (yellow); and a 1st gen. RX-7 in brown.
The Nissan crane truck and RX-7 were older Tomica models. He lived in England in the mid ’80s. I forgot to include that, sorry. These models are the only Tomica die-cast cars I have.
Amazon Japan should have them closer to release date.
The blue one can be had for 325 yen (plus shipping and other charges) @ https://www.amazon.co.jp/トミカ-No-60-いすゞ-エルフ-車両運搬車/dp/B01MRAEP2J/
Off topic…. FYI: Something else is also “already” on sale in Japan. The Hot Wheels Kmart mail-in Datsun 510 is selling in TRU and on Yahoo Auction JP. Go figure. Buy 3000yen worth of any Hot Wheels product, get the car right there. 🙂