Japanese Tin Toy Edsels


There are at least eight front end styles associated with the big 13" toy Edsels by S&E, I-Y, Daito, Mitake, Cragstan and others, all of which utilize identical body stampings. There doesn't seem to be any pattern as to how these front ends were used, but for the sake of academics, they too are cataloged. References to license plates are included as they may provide clues as to which manufacturers actually produced these toys. They are as follows:
Type 1 is seen on Mitake sedans & wagons as well as unidentified police & fire chief cars. The license plates on these cars are FX-1001E or M-7195. All toys with proper Edsel front ends have rear license plates only.
   
Type 2 is seen only on 08-01-01 so far. It's a slightly more detailed version of Type 1 with the biggest difference being the inclusion of EDSEL lettering inside the grille. The one toy cataloged thus far has license number FX-1451.
   
Type 3 is seen only on 08-01-02 and is distinctive in that there are lines representing body panel seams. This toy also has an FX-1451 license plate.
   
Type 4 is similar to Type 1 but with detail variations in the turn signals and small, imprecise EDSEL letters inside the horsecollar. This stamping has been found on one toy so far. The license plate number isn't known.
   
Type 5H is a hybrid, one of several types found on 58-S2-01-01-H and probably others. It has red headlamps, bumper guards and an FX-1001E license plate.
   
Type 1H is a hybrid front end. It's found on many different toys. Generally, it has the Y-3018 tag. but is also seen with D-3972. Headlight and license plate color variations are known. The Type 1H-a variant simply lacks bumper guards.
   
Type 6H is also a hybrid using the D-3972 tag. It has been found on the Cragstan-Daito police car, 58-D1-01-04-H.
   
Type 2H is a variation on the above and has been seen only on police cars at this point. It appears with either MA-805 or S.E.0151 license plates.
   
Type 3H has turned up on a fire chief car and a station wagon so far, both wearing FX-1001E plates. Here is a blue example.
   
Type 7H has been found only on 58-S2-01-01-H so far.
   
Type 4H appears on 58-S2-01-04-H and 58-S2-01-01-H. It has the S.E.0151 plate. These toys display the Suzuki & Edward trademark, hence the probability of license plates also being manufacturer's identification.
   
Type 1H found on what appears to be a '57 or '58 Ford Country Squire made with a '58 Edsel sedan body. You can even see the scallop! For more images imagea, click here and. here.
   
Type 6H may also be seen on this '58 Pontiac Edsel hybrid wagon. It too uses a '58 Edsel sedan body.