Is the Porsche 917 a V10 or V12?

The Lamborghini Marzel offers different window tints and steering wheel positions.

The small window in the Porsche 911's targa bar is only on the driver's side.

This BMW 2800 offers a serious fender gap.

Who but Yat Ming bothered to do the Opel Admiral?


Wheels don't match on Adam's Probe.


Yatming Mistakes Make for a Perfect Collection
story and images by Raed Ammari

As a diecast collector, you tend to compare not just the models or the manufacturers, but you go all the way to the quality and the mistakes between like models. I have an older collection of Yat Ming models (about 70 cars in 1:64 scale) and could not help finding a few errors worth mentioning. Take for example, the two of blue Porsche 917 race cars , if you look closely at the photo, you will notice that the one on top has only 10 velocity stacks, unlike the one on the bottom with 12 ( go ahead and count them!).

The Lamborghini Marzal is another interesting example, looking at the photo you will notice the deferent plastic widows colors , clear, light blue, blue. Take a closer look at the steering wheel and you will notice the different "position" of each wheel. I think a lot of manufacturing was done by hand.

Making your own design is one thing but changing the original design is another thing, just take a look at the Porsche 911 Targa. You will notice a small window was added just behind the driver! This small window is only on the driver's side of the car. The right side is a pure targa design. The BMW 2800 has a big gap in the right fender, The Adams Probe has different types of wheels, front and rear (I believe some of the wheels are from Playart).

On the brighter side (to be fair) there are some interesting models that I have not found any were else. The Opel Admiral , and the Datsun/Nissan Laurel 2000 SGX. As far as I know, only Tomica made this model. The Dodge Aspen and Volvo sedan are also rare examples of these cars. The 6-wheeled Elf Formula 1 race car was also done by Tomica and Polistil

Some good quality models like the Maserati Bora and the Chevrolet Corvette show car (again with Playart wheels). The Jeep CJ also was nicely done in a lot of colors. Having all these errors in a relatively small collection makes you wonder is it bad or good having a collectable, one of a kind model? I believe it is up to you to make up your mind because lately I have seen some error cars sell for considerable amounts at online auctions. I would rather spend that money on expanding my collection and enjoy it as long as possible Of course, it is good to have some diecast cars that hold the or add to their value.


Yat Ming offered plenty of variety for Jeep CJ5 lovers.


Is this Nissan Laurel SGX a Tomica copy?

The Dodge Aspen and Volvo sedan are seldom seen in any scale.
Is this 6-wheeled F1 car also a Tomica copy?

The Maserati Bora is one of Yat Ming's best.

The Corvette Aerovette show car was based on a Corvair platform.