Original 

1953 Friction Toy Cadillac 

by Marusan Kosuge made in Japan

4-door sedan, license plate 2203, friction toy  12 inches in Length

detailed design with friction mechanism make this valuable piece a nostalgic automobile for all collectors and enthusiasts of vintage toys and classic cars. 

The toy is made of stamped steel with a painted body and chassis base, with a lithographed steel-sheet interior. The tires are real rubber with whitewalls stamped and painted steel rings. Rim wheels, friction mechanism & body are made of steel. A must have for collectors and enthusiasts of post-World War II Japanese tin toy American automobiles. 

FUN FACT: these toy cars were assembled by women over long tables, the final product boxed, then packed into large wooden crates for export to American toy stores in 1953.

For its age it is in overall great shape; missing its original glass for the windows, needs replaced. Normal wear and tear for its age. If you have any questions please feel free to send a message.

History of Japan's manufacturing company Marusan, founded in 1947, three relatives, Haruyasu Ishida, his brother Minoru Ishida and brother-in-law Yasuo Arai. In 1950, the company was formally incorporated as MARUSAN SHOTEN LTD. “Shoten” means company or shop. Toy exports from Japan grew rapidly during the 1950s and the toy manufacturers sought to produce specific toys as requested by the US importers. In 1953, they introduced the now famous and elaborate tin toy “Cadillac” based on a 1951 model. This car and the variations of this car are highly prized by collectors today. One of the top toy craftsmen of the time was Matsuzou Kosuge. Mr. Kosuge’s factory was sub-contracted to produce the Cadillac. Kosuge factory mark is found on the base of the car along with the mark of Marusan.