WITH HISTORY OF COURSE!

I posted these on the International Board but wanted to share here as well. Mostly because it took me so long to type up this thread that I wanted to get maximum use out of it!:p

Amazing condition for 35 years old loose toy cars! These 4, Japanese built Tomica's were released from 1976 to '78 in the popular Pocket Car series. I just grabbed them off Ebay in 4 separate auctions (with the same seller) and was pleased to land the set around $20 delivered.

1) 1977 RENAULT ALPINE A442 / Casting #F48

Originally, French sports car constrictor Alpine (pronounce Al-Peen) built the cars and used Renault for power. But by the time this car saw the track in 1977, The factory works team was wholly owned by Renault. The successor to this model, the A443 (a different wind screen) is still said to be the fastest Renault ever built at 236 mph! The A442 was powered by a little 2.0L (130 ci) V6 with a stout 1997cc Garret Turbo!

This car replicates the factory team of Jacques Laffite and Patrick Depailler. They qualified this car 2td for the 1977 Le Mans but suffered a DNF with engine failure.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/WilsonRacePhotos/DSCN2295.jpg

2) 1976 PORSCHE 936/76 TURBO / Casting #F43

This factory works Porsche (based on the Martini Racing sponsorship) was a mid 70's spider based on the successful 917 platform. Built for both WSC racing as well as Le Mans, this proved to be a competitive car. A version of this car won MONZA in 1976 at the hands of Jackie Icks and Jochan Mass.

Though this livery is accurate, I found no documentation of a #2.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/WilsonRacePhotos/DSCN2294.jpg

3) 1977 McLAREN M26 FORD / Casting #F39

Though not a replica of authentic livery, this 1977 FIA F1 fantasy release features a nice mix of tampos and decals.

The real Ford Cosworth powered M26 saw three 3 seasons on the tour (1976-78) with three wins from 4 cars built. This is a very accurate casting of this racer.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/WilsonRacePhotos/DSCN2297.jpg

4) 1976 TYRRELL P34 FORD / Casting #F32

A superb 1:64 replica of Jody Scheckter's winning ride in the 1976Swedish Grand Prix. The Ken Tyrrell (and designer Derek Gardner) concept P34 six wheel creation was intended to reduce drag by reducing the frontal tire area.

Though there are several reasons why this car went away after just two years ('76-77), primarily it was the lack of quality rubber available. Only 6 of these were ever built and no other 6 wheel car ever campaigned in F1.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/WilsonRacePhotos/DSCN2296.jpg

Thanks for the look gang, I enjoy sharing cars with a bit of history.

Ward

the 6 wheeler had front brake problems.... mainly because the front wheels could be going 300 mph while the rears were only going around 180 because of the size difference... and yes, it had front disc brakes for the smaller wheels.

Yep, ventilated discs all-round. And not saying that their were no brake problems, but from what I can read, Goodyear simply did not want to keep developing an odd size tire for such a small customer base. And correct, the wear was MUCH faster on the small diameter tires just as you describe.

A wonderful car to study.

Great write up and pics,I've visited this thread several times...thanks :thumbsup:

I'm pretty sure that I bought the Renault Alpine at a diecast show last year. It's one of the
few that I have added to the collection. Nice piece of diecast!