ちびっこチョロQ/Chibikko Choro-Q Mazda T2000

Not to be confused with regular Choro-Q, this is the Chibikko series version.  Little bit smaller than the normal Choro-Q's.  

Packaging features Japanese film called "ALWAYS 三丁目の夕日", or 'Always: Sanchōme no Yūhi'.  A film I've never heard of based on a manga(comic book) I've never heard of.  If they made a movie, this must be a really good manga.

Fact:  I ordered this on eBay thinking that this was a full-size Choro-Q.  lol  Jokes on me, but not total loss, as it really has that nostalgic, vintage style cool, and it's really cute.  

Tomica Nissan Skyline C110 Patrol Car(2000GT/Kenmeri)

I'm not sure of the story behind this release.  It seems to be some sort of exclusive model?  After searching for long time, I finally saw one come up on eBay for $52(shipped).  It is a thing of beauty, worth every penny if you get one in a sharp box(more on this later).  

Hot Wheels recently released Japanese police livery Kenmeri, but it has nothing on this Tomica, at least in my opinion.  This Kenmeri has that sad sad Tomica mainline wheels, but other than that, it's perfect.  Vintage Tomica goodness.  *wipes drool*

On the door is "Kanagawa Prefecture" Police, which happens to be where I'm from(Tsunashima, Yokohama to be exact).  That's just too awesome.  lol

Unfortunately, I may not be able keep this car.  eBay seller mailed this car from Japan in an envelope, and it's looking like the seller will attempt to put this on postal service(for insurance money).  You mail this from overseas in an envelope, but you will hold postal service accountable?  Sounds legit.

  Personally, I'm in disbelief how often these things happen.  Sellers happily accept collector money, then treat it/mail it like it's worth 25 cents.  Any online seller reading this, please remember to mail collectibles well protected, and please handle with care!

Now for the bonus round:

- Kenmeri -

It's not unusual for notable cars to have nicknames in Japan.  Perhaps the most famous JDM nickname in the States is "Hachiroku", or "Eight-Six".  At least that one was just numbers.  Simple.  

Kenmeri, I remember this name from my boyhood in Japan, yet, it wasn't until fairly recently I learned how this nickname came about.  It was short for "Ken & Mary", a fictional couple who starred in Skyline TV commercial campaign.  

I recommend this wonderful article featuring Diane Krey-Wesley(Mary), and her look back during the modeling days & shooting the commercials.  

End bonus.  Thank you for reading!  :)

Tomica Limited Vintage NEO LV-N22c Honda Ballade Sports CR-X Si

Bought this again. because I didn't like the finish around the taillights on the one I have.

It's not perfect, but it's little bit better than the previous one.

You can see why these things are coveted on eBay.  Amazing execution considering its small scale.  May also want to check out this little old side-by-side with Kyosho.

Hot Wheels RLC Real Riders - Texas Drive 'Em

I still remember when I first saw the picture of this casting online.  My reaction: "game over, man".  It was really shiny, everything seemed to be painted meticulously, and had rubber tires(I was into $1 cars, w/plastic tires).  

By the time I bought this on eBay, I was a collector who was starting to get his feet wet in the hobby, and I paid roughly $40 for this one.  It's going rate is around double that now, so it was $40 well spent.

I really wanted to open this one, but I chickened out.  :p  RLC Silverado(green one) I spent $85, that one's also worth double that & I opened that one......  I don't know why I couldn't open this one.  Maybe it's the pretty bikes in the back.  Sorry.  I did my best take detailed pics.  :(

Tomica Limited Vintage NEO LV-N37b 1974 Mitsubishi Galant GTO 2000GSR

Finally in my collection.  Took me long enough, but I really wanted it in the color I liked, and ended up deciding on this one.

Rear reminds me so much of Celica.