RARE Vintage Mitsuhashi M Japan Tin Space Racer Gold Star Friction Toy WORKS
Up for sale is a highly sought-after, very rare Mitsuhashi (M) Tin Friction Gold Star Space Racer (also known as the Space Gold Star). Made in Japan during the golden age of atomic space toys, this piece features beautiful red, green, and silver tin lithography with distinct "GOLD STAR", G. While many surviving models from this era have frozen gears or broken levers, the mechanical features on this specific toy work! Unique Features & Intended Operation. Pop-Out Action Wings: This vehicle features interactive mechanical action. Moving the manual lever at the rear sweeps the main wings outward into dynamic flight mode or pulls them completely flush against the sides of the fuselage. Twin Tubular Jet Engines: Molded directly into the lithographed chassis, the dual engines capture the atomic-era retro-futurism aesthetic perfectly. Friction Propulsion: This toy is designed to be pushed manually across a flat surface, allowing the heavy internal flywheel motor to spin freely and carry the rocket forward under its own momentum. Friction Motor: Fully tested and functional.
It spins smoothly and builds momentum with its signature vintage whirring sound. The torque on the motor does seem a little weak.
It does move but not as expected. Wing-Retraction Lever : The rear-protruding mechanical lever works exactly as intended. Pulling the lever smoothly sweeps the main wings out into flight mode, and pushing it forward retracts them flush against the fuselage. Lithography : The paint remains incredibly vibrant with brilliant color retention. The detailed interior cockpit dashboard and steering wheel graphics are beautifully preserved.
Wear: Shows authentic vintage character, including minor scratching, edge wear, and small spots of oxidation/surface rust on the underside chassis seams consistent with age. Notable Defects: One of the rear red fins has been replaced.
Additionally, the original clear plastic cockpit bubble canopy is missing. This is a common occurrence in toys of this age. This makes an excellent piece for the beginning collector or a person just looking for a unique piece of vintage Japanese atomic age toys. Because of its working internal wing mechanisms and functional motor, this is the perfect "shelf-filler" display piece for an atomic-age toy collector, or a highly valuable "donor" piece for a high-end restoration project. DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS RARE JAPANESE TOY HISTORY! Don't miss your chance to add this hard-to-find piece of space-age history to your collection. Ready to add this incredible piece to your collection? All reasonable offers are reviewed immediately. Final Sale : All sales are final. Please ask any questions or request additional photographs before purchasing to ensure your complete satisfaction.Due to its age, there are no warranties or guarantees, expressed or implied, regarding its future mechanical longevity or structural durability. While we make every effort to provide highly accurate descriptions and detailed. Photographs, vintage items may possess minor manufacturing imperfections, paint discrepancies, microscopic oxidation, or tiny blemishes common to 1950s lithographed tin that are not explicitly detailed in the text. I list item details as I see them If there is an issue with the toy that is not listed or in the photos, it is simply unknown before listing. This in NOT a deception nor does it count as "Not As described".
"Excellent Mechanical Condition" or "Vibrant Paint" represents a subjective amateur assessment and does not constitute a certified grade from a professional toy grading service.