I have a few mini wind-up car toys, but nothing like the tin toys being shown at the Japan Society in NYC this summer. Coupling traditional metalworking skills with imported machinery, Japanese tin toys established a worldwide reputation after World War II for their quality and detailed workmanship. The exhibit showcases 70 examples of faithful mini models of Cadillacs, Buicks, Chryslers, Pontiacs, Chevrolets, Studebakers, and Fords. You can see pictures of some of the cars here and read some trivia about the heyday of Japanese tin toys here.

General Motors Cadillac 62 Four-Door Sedan, 1950; with friction motor. 9 1/2 x 3 7/8 x 3 1/8 in. (24 x 10 x 8 cm). Suzuki Gangu, about 1953–54. Yoku Tanaka Collection. Photo: Tadaaki Nakagawa.

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