1972 Takara Tomy Tomica No.63 Furukawa Wheel Loader FL140 Made in Japan

🚧 A True Piece of Tomica Construction-Vehicle History

Step back to the very early days of Tomica collecting with the 1972 Tomica No.63 Furukawa Wheel Loader FL140 — a highly distinctive Japanese-made die-cast model and an important piece of Tomica history.

First released in December 1972, the Furukawa Wheel Loader FL140 was Tomica's first wheel-loader model, making it a particularly interesting release for collectors of vintage construction vehicles and early Tomica.

With its rugged construction-vehicle design, large treaded tyres and fully movable loader arm and bucket, this miniature captures the character of heavy machinery in classic Tomica form.

🏗️ An Important Early Tomica Model

The No.63 Furukawa Wheel Loader FL140 represents one of the earliest construction machines introduced into the Tomica range.

The real Furukawa machinery business had begun producing wheel loaders in 1971, with production taking place at Furukawa's Oyama factory in Tochigi, Japan. The company's wheel loaders became an important part of its machinery business and were exported internationally.

Tomica subsequently transformed the FL140 into a compact die-cast model, giving collectors a miniature representation of an authentic piece of Japanese heavy equipment.

🛠️ Functional Loader Arm & Bucket

One of the most appealing features of this vintage Tomica is its working construction equipment.

The loader arm and bucket can be moved up and down, allowing the model to be posed in different working positions. The bucket is designed to remain in position when adjusted, adding an impressive level of functionality for such an early die-cast model.

This moving mechanism gives the No.63 much more than static display appeal — it reflects Tomica's early emphasis on combining realistic vehicle forms with interactive play features.

🇯🇵 Made in Japan

For vintage Tomica collectors, the MADE IN JAPAN marking is an important characteristic of this early version.

The original Japanese-made No.63 is identified as No.63-1, with documented early examples carrying the MADE IN JAPAN marking on the base. Later production versions of the model were also manufactured in China, making the Japanese-made example a distinct production variant.

The early model also featured a separate black driver's seat, rather than the later integrated seat moulding — another detail associated with the initial production variation.

🟠 Classic Construction-Vehicle Styling

The FL140 has the unmistakable appearance of a vintage wheel loader, with a compact operator's area at the rear and a prominent front loading assembly.

Its documented early colour combination includes an orange-toned body and loader bucket, contrasting with large black tyres and polished/chrome-style hubs. The model also uses an unpainted metal base, giving it the authentic appearance associated with early Japanese Tomica construction vehicles.

The result is a wonderfully period-correct miniature that looks distinctly different from modern Tomica releases.

⭐ A Remarkable Tomica Long-Seller

Although originally introduced in 1972, the No.63 Furukawa Wheel Loader went on to enjoy an exceptionally long production run.

The model remained in the Tomica range until August 2007, meaning the No.63 casting was sold for approximately 34 years and 8 months. Japanese-made and later Chinese-made versions existed, along with examples appearing in gift sets and other Tomica releases.

Its popularity was considerable: according to research based on Takara Tomy data from December 2009, the Furukawa Wheel Loader had reached approximately 2.07 million units sold between 1970 and 2009, ranking second among the historical Tomica models included in that comparison.

That longevity makes the No.63 one of the most historically significant construction vehicles in the classic Tomica catalogue.

🏆 Why Collectors Will Love It

The 1972 Tomica No.63 Furukawa Wheel Loader FL140 brings together an impressive collection of vintage Tomica characteristics:

• 🇯🇵 Made in Japan
• 📅 Original 1972 release
• 🔢 Official Tomica No.63
• 🏗️ Furukawa FL140 wheel loader
• 🥇 Tomica's first wheel-loader model
• 🛠️ Movable loader arm and bucket
• ⚫ Large treaded black tyres
• ✨ Polished/chrome-style wheel hubs
• 🟠 Classic early-Tomica construction-vehicle styling
• ⚙️ Early-production separate black driver's seat
• 📏 1/79 scale
• 📜 One of Tomica's exceptionally long-running models

🎁 Ideal for Vintage Tomica & Construction Collectors

This model is particularly appealing to collectors interested in:

Vintage Tomica • Japanese Die-Cast • Construction Vehicles • Heavy Machinery • Furukawa • Made in Japan Toys • Early Tomica • Vintage Industrial Vehicles • Scale Models

Its significance as Tomica's first wheel loader, combined with its early-1970s origins and Japanese production, gives it a special place within a vintage Tomica collection.

Whether displayed alongside other early construction vehicles or collected as part of a complete Tomica No.63 lineage, the FL140 offers an authentic glimpse into the beginnings of Tomica's construction-vehicle range.

📦 Product Details

Brand: Tomica / Tomy
Model: Furukawa Wheel Loader FL140
Tomica Number: No.63
Early Variant: No.63-1
Original Release: December 1972
Country of Manufacture: Japan
Scale: 1/79
Type: Die-cast construction vehicle
Vehicle Type: Wheel Loader
Features: Movable loader arm and bucket
Early Production Detail: Separate black driver's seat
Production Run: December 1972 – August 2007
Later Variants: China-made versions also produced

🚧 A Small Model with a Huge Place in Tomica History

The 1972 Takara Tomy Tomica No.63 Furukawa Wheel Loader FL140 isn't just an old construction vehicle — it represents a significant moment in the history of Tomica.

As the first wheel loader ever released by Tomica, an early Japanese-made example combines genuine historical significance with classic die-cast engineering and working construction equipment.

Early Tomica. Made in Japan. Built for collectors who appreciate the history behind the model. 🇯🇵🏗️