1/40 scale 1956 Ford
Thunderbird by Maisto (4.5 inches or 11.5cm). The molds for this
car have been around since 1981. First under the name "Zee" and made
in Macau, later used by Maisto and "made in China". These are "pull
back" action models. Maisto started out as the MC Toy Co.
It has not been an easy model to find, only appearing for short periods. |
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This is the ZEE model, marked with the Zee circle, "MADE IN MACAU"
"1/40 SCALE" " '56 T-BIRD" |
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This is the base of the ZEE car. |
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This appears to be a transitional model as the base is marked MC Toy,
scale 1/40 with a paper stick on tag marked Made in China.The old chassis
markings from the ZEE models has been eliminated other than "scale 1/40".
The pink splash model, "Super Sport" came on cards marked 1993 BUT they
did NOT appear on the market until 1998. I know as I came across models
from the same series in 93, with the T-bird shown on the package back so
watched for the T-bird but it never appeared on the market until 98 and
then only in discount/closeout stores. Other collectors also
did not report finding this model until then. |
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This black version came out in 1997. Clearly marked with Maisto
on the chassis and Made in China where the Made in Macao had been.
Some may have a "Made in China" oval gold sticker on the bottom. |
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In January 2000, this white version with red interior appeared
for a very short time at various Target stores in the USA. They were
in a box labeled "Kid Toyz", a Target exclusive set. Possibly only
3 or 4 boxes at each store. Each box included 4 other models.
These boxes were all gone by April of 2000 in my area. |
| Have not seen this model resurface since. |
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