Vintage Daiya Citroen 2CV Tin Friction Two Tone Lithographed 4-Door Sedan Hoku Japan Car with Box *SOLD*

1960’s Daiya Citroen 2CV Tin Friction Two Tone Lithographed 4-Door Sedan Hoku Japan Car for Sale

This piece is a tin friction two tone lithographed 4-door Citron 2CV sedan marked as “F.W.W. #1018/8088” with box, made by Daiya of Tokyo, Japan ca. 1960’s.

This car is a maroon color with a tan top with detailed tin interior which includes full dashboard and separate front and rear seats. The red steering wheel is plastic and it has its original celluloid windshield. The toy is marked with manufacturer’s trademark in the rear window well. There are some chrome plated parts that include the front grille with chevrons, windshield frame, front and rear bumpers, and two raised headlights. There is separate lithographed tin plate just above the rear bumper that’s includes the license number, model name and orange tail lights. The underside chassis is clean single black lithographed tinplate embossed with Citroen 2CV. The tires are made of a solid black rubber with metal centers. We tested the vehicles friction movement and it works wonderfully. It makes the “clack clack” noise and the “spring” suspension works as it should. This piece is in excellent all original condition with no restorations, repairs, or touch ups. The lithos are in excellent condition with the usual patina, scratches, scuffs and chips that are seen with age and display.

The box is in great condition. The art work is strong and the box has no corner tears. We did notice some warping on the bottom cardboard box from humidity. The box touts its “spring cushion” and “clack clack” noise. The box has the Daiya and Hoku mark.

The car is approximately 8 ½” in length. We encourage you to examine the photographs to further determine condition and quality (More pictures to come).

A brief history of Daiya of Tokyo, Japan:

Daiya was founded in the 1950’s in Tokyo, Japan. Their trademark is the letters “DAIYA” within a diamond shape. Daiya appears to have been active from the mid to late 1950’s through the early 1970’s. After the 1970’s, Daiya seems to have faded from the public view due to marketplace pressures. As such, their current disposition is unknown.

Daiya specialized in wide range of novelty tinplate mechanical (friction), clockwork and battery operated toys such as space related toys (ray guns, robots, etc.), motorcycles, clown like figures, civilian vehicles, military vehicles, helicopters, airplane, and horses. Many of their toys were produced with impressive multi-functional features such as operating lights and sounds etc.