Back in 1969, Nissan brand “Datsun” released the Fairlady, known then as “Datsun Z”. The goal was to create an affordable car comparable to European luxury GT’s and to also expand the Datsun brand in North America.
Katayama Yutaka (President of Nissan back in the 60s), was the person who planned the development of the first generation Z and he requested for engineers to build the car like the Jaguar E-type and the sportscar was instantly popular and setting a sales record of 550,000 units sold worldwide.
The 300 ZX became a popular sports car and in Japan, would go by the name “Fairlady Z” and was sold in Japan from 1983-2000 and the US from 1984-1996.
In 1983, the Fairlady Z was created for better aerodynamics and more power and the 300 ZX (Z32 type series) was created from 1989-2000 with the catchphrase, “I want to drive a sports car”.
In North America, which was its main market, it gained recognition as a luxury sports car that rivaled European sports cars such as Porsche.
And the Fairlady Z is now in its 6th generation and now as the RZ34.
But the classic 3rd generation and 4th generation vehicle, the 300 ZX of the ’80s will be remembered was known as impressive Japanese engineering.
The Fairlady Z showcased a wide and low proportion style, 60-degree ultra-slant headlamps, dynamic cabin forward silhouette and short overhangs which symbolize good maneuverability.
Which then brings me to the Tomica Premium – Tomica Transporter: Nissan Fairlady Z 300 ZX Twin Turbo.
Unfortunately, the box that I received came damaged but because it was ordered overseas, I didn’t want to deal with the hassle, especially if it was opened due to customs. And for the most part, the vehicle was in good shape and shipments can’t always be guaranteed to have mint casing (Hot Wheels and Matchbox fans know this from department store boxed shipments).
Like any Tomix boxed release, it does come with vehicles pre-bagged.
In addition, while the car itself is a real vehicle, the transporter is not based on a real vehicle.
It’s well-designed and I have to say, it’s heavy for a transport truck! Which is great!
Let me first begin with the transporter, I do like the vehicle. It looks like a Fuso and Elf, but I do like the ramps (they click and lock in place and not flimy). The transport truckbed is only enough to fit one vehicle. And for the most part, I like the size of the overall transporter.
For the most part, the transporter is a good size and I like the detail of how it looks overall.
I do like that metallic silver paint on the vehicle and for the most part, I really do like this transporter!
As for the Fairlady Z 300 ZX Twin Turbo…
This Tomica Premium vehicle may not have any major gimmicks aside from suspension but you do get the fly wheels. I like it when their is black between the spokes and not all silver for the entire wheel area between the black tires.
The 300 ZX is on the rear, as well as the “Fairlady Z” on the license plate.
The headlights and taillights show plastic and is not painted over, which is cool.
For the most part, I really do like the overall details of the vehicle.
It’s important to note that the Fairlady ZX Twin Turbo has been released before as no. 9 for Tomica Premium in yellow back in 2017, a black version was released as a Tomy Mall Original Limited Edition (thus the reason why resellers are selling it for Y3680) and there is a regular version #15 in red that was released back in 2013 and a Tomica #44 version ala Patrol Car.
This version is the Tomica Premium 9 in red format, thus the 2016 year that is seen underneath the vehicle. So, if you want a Fairlady Z 300 ZX Twin Turbo, this transporter set is the easiest way to get the vehicle affordably at Y2024 (on Amazon JP).
Overall, the Tomica Premium – Tomica Transporter: Nissan Fairlady Z 300 ZX Twin Turbo may seem pricey at Y2024 but for those living outside of Japan, for those that live in the US, that translates to $14.85, which is not far off from the Hot Wheels transporter at under $16. So, if you are wanting this set, now’s the time to get it, if you live outside of Japan.
It’s important to note that while mine came with a less than desired looking box from Amazon Japan, of the many transactions of ordering from Amazon JP, this was the only time I received a vehicle in bad shape, so 99% of the time, the boxes have been in very good shape.
But otherwise, I do recommend the Tomica Premium – Tomica Transporter: Nissan Fairlady Z 300 ZX Twin Turbo.
