MASUDAYA, founded in 1928, Japan, was the manufacturer of this Volkswagen Split Window toy. It was a better idea, after the post WWII period, to market the Japanese MASUDAYA toys in the USA under the name of MODERN TOYS.
The MODERN TOYS Split Window VW had a tin plate body with cut out windows except for the rear split window, that is indented into the body stamping. Body details included the front hood and rear deck lid curves and door lines. Additional shiny metal trim parts such as the windshield trim, front hood trim, headlights and bumpers were included details.
The stamped metal chassis was equipped with either a key wound clockwork motor, battery with an electric motor or just a plain friction motor (rarest version found). The electric and clockwork version featured forward and reverse action by using the metal lever at the side or rear section of the metal VW body. Metal rims with rubber tires were standard and “MADE IN JAPAN” was stamped into the chassis.
This MODERN TOYS Split Window VW was sold in a constructional kit form (several variations exist - see photos) and is perhaps a Japanese copy of the German produced DUX Split Window Volkswagen.
