Many of the highest quality Japanese tin toys were distributed by the ASAHI Trading Company (ATC) of Taito Ku, Tokyo, but not necessarily manufactured by ASAHI Trading Company. For example, as can be seen in the original box photos of these VWs, there is the ASAHI name and logo. There is also another logo on the box representing the manufacturer of TSUBAME TOYS (swallow bird silhouette), Tokyo, Japan. The TSUBAME TOYS VW was also distributed in the USA under the LUCKY TOY and AHI BRAND names as well.
Tin body with cut out windows and good details of front and rear hood, door seams and rear oval window with air louvers. Tin headlights and bumpers. Tin chassis with or without a friction motor and rubber tires with hubcaps. Chassis may or may not be stamped “MADE IN JAPAN.”
During the post WWII period, it was common for the Japanese manufacturers to use recycled tin cans for sheet metal. Shown in the photos is a TSUBAME VW that used a FUJI 35mm film canister for a chassis and it was later made into a FUJI Company car. See the link under TSUBAME OVAL VW FUJI FILM, Restor-Version Toys (RV) on the site for detailed information!
