| 02.18.2020 – With the resurgence of Lupin the Third due to the recent film’s “Lupin III: The First” long-time fans and those recently introduced to the franchise will probably look for merchandise tie-ins or previously released collectibles based on the characters or even the iconic car that Jigen and Goumon has driven in the film.
Your worries are immediately forgotten as Tomica, a diecast toy brand has produced the iconic Fiat 500 car that appears in the Lupin the Third franchise from television series, Manga, and the recent film under the Dream Tomica sub-brand! |
Tomica which is a portmanteau of “Tomy” and “Car” has been producing diecast cars since 1970 and expanded into sub-brands. Dream Tomica is one of those sub-brands that produced licenced cars based from Comicbooks, Japanese Manga, Movies, and Videogames. It features a plethora of characters like Mario Kart from the videogames, Takumi’s Toyota AE86 Trueno from Initial D, and the Mach 5 from Speed Racer to name a few were produced in well-detailed diecast collectible cars.
Dream Tomica still produce licenced cars for this sub-brand with intricate details and high quality that is inspired from the source material. They are introduced as one-offs with a designated number and re-released with no number appearing on the box.
Packaging | Boxed Tomica
Like its other brand competitors Tomica has its distinct style and how it was marketed in Japan taking inspiration to then-Lesney produced Matchbox as their product is packaged in a window-less box. The box itself is a work of art featuring their product painted instead of presented by its product photography.
But for the Dream Tomica range it is presented with the product image and the character art beside it while retaining the trademark white box with the red logo of the product. The other part of the box is in Japanese text as this product is sold first in Japan as it is exclusive for this country. However, due to its popularity it is widely available in selected region in Asia largely in Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines as its market.
Lupin the Third | Fiat 500
If you have read the manga series or have watched the anime or its films chances are you’re familiar with the yellow car. It is unmistakeable that you’ll miss it as Jigen drives this classic Fiat 500, which is based on the real life car. Released in September 2014 with a designated No. 146 it was re-released in 2015 without a number.
It is a rear-engine, four-seat, small city car that was manufactured and marketed by Fiat Automobiles from 1957 to 1975 over a single generation in two-door saloon and two-door station wagon bodystyles. This car has been synonymous with this franchise that Fiat even produced a special edition of the modern version released in Japan. This version from Dream Tomica is loaded with Easter eggs and based from the anima films more synonymous with the appearance in 1979’s Castle of Cagliostro that was the directorial debut of Hayao Mizaki.
Loaded & Ready To Go
Tomica has produced another Fiat 500, but this one has bells and whistle. Its rear engine cover is open while the sunroof is rolled up. At the same time it has camping gear that includes a rolled up tent and stuff like a suitcase and a pale you bring in the wilderness.
Unlike the other Tomica cars with working suspension this one is permanently lowered in the rear due to the heavy load that is packed to the brim. It is well detailed that everything is painted from headlights, license plate at the front, and intricate camping gear that is loaded at the back of the car. Though it may not have opening doors the sheer detail of the casting makes up for its lack of moving parts.
The quality doesn’t stop there as the back engine is revealed. It is impressive how Tomica uses a set of wheels that was also seen in the anime. It depicts every aspect of the character Lupin, Jigen, and Goemon would ride in their adventures.
Overall it is a fun nod to the car that appeared on Lupin the Third and it is a character itself when you look at how well detailed this Fiat 500. Although the open roof shows that its top cover is rolled up a translucent plastic still covers the opening.
It makes sense why they put this instead of an actual roof to avoid dust going in the car’s interior. Entirely, one of the best diecast cars produced under the Dream Tomica sub-brand that adapts all manner of aesthetics of the Fiat 500 from Lupin the Third.
“Fiat 500” from Lupin The Third is manufactured by Takara Tomy under the Dream Tomica line and was retailed at ₱ 349.75 pesos ($10.33 AUD | $ 6.90 USD**) in the Philippines distributed by Ban Kee Toys!
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** - Currency Converter via Google.com
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