In the 1960s a Japanese company called AHI issued a series of small die cast toy "yesteryear" vehicles that were packed in clear plastic display boxes. The series included a version of the very first motor vehicle on record - a 1769 French steam wagon by Cugnot which resembled a three-wheeled, powered buckboard. This toy actually has some nice detail.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b228/PropMonster/ToyAuto_VariousBrands/AHICugnot1769.jpg

I bought this for a buck while looking through a box of "beaters" at the Stormville, NY flea market a couple years ago. I found it just after two Hot Wheels enthusiasts had picked the best toys from the bunch.

However, they also left this nice little Zylmex Corvette!

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b228/PropMonster/ToyAuto_Zylmex/ZylmexVette57.jpg

Ahh Zylmex!! Another favorite.
I am always on the lookout for these..
I have many that date back to the mid 60's (with removable mag wheels very much like Hot Wheels!). To find decent examples can be difficult as most mint examples come from Hong Kong sellers.
The other type I collect are the cars with the hub cap wheels similar to Playart cars.
I have many of the later cars as well - I quit collecting these when they became a bit too cheapy towards the end of Zylmex (plasticky and crude).
:wave:

Another AHI. This one is a Franklin.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a80/chrycopaul/e58489b7.jpg

Greetings Paul ! ! !

More fora to discover! :thumbsup: