Tomica Long Tomica (1977-1993): Complete Guide & History
Tomica Long Tomica (1977-1993) is an important name in international diecast collecting. This guide covers the history of the series, what makes it collectible, typical South African prices in Rand, and where to find models locally.
Quick answer: Tomica Long Tomica (1977-1993): Complete Guide & History – what it is, what to check before buying, typical SA prices in Rand and where to find one locally. Full details below.
About Tomica
Tomica is Japan’s beloved pocket-size diecast line from Takara Tomy, running since 1970. Founded in 1970 (Japan), the brand is now part of Takara Tomy. See our Tomica Brand Guide for the full picture.
History of the Long Tomica Series (1977-1993)
Running from 1977-1993, the Long Tomica line shows how Tomica approached design, licensing and scale detail across its production period. Early examples are the most sought after, while later releases are appreciated for improved accuracy and decoration. Complete runs are difficult to assemble, which keeps collector interest – and values – healthy.
Key Details
| Brand | Tomica |
|---|---|
| Series | Long Tomica |
| Production Period | 1977-1993 |
| Typical Scale | 1:64 |
| Manufacturer | Takara Tomy |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
Collecting Tomica Long Tomica in South Africa
Because these models were produced between 1977-1993, most examples in South Africa surface through estate sales, collector groups and online marketplaces. Start with Tomica Brand Guide, Tomica Mainline to see related guides and stock.
| Condition / Rarity | Typical SA Price Range (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Common, loose / played-with | R20 – R60 |
| Common, carded (mint on card) | R60 – R150 |
| Uncommon / popular castings | R150 – R400 |
| Chase, limited or premium releases | R400 – R1,500+ |
Related Guides
- Tomica Brand Guide
- Tomica Mainline
- Tomica Tomica Premium
- Tomica Dream Tomica
- Die Cast Collectors South Africa Hub
External Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tomica Long Tomica models valuable?
Values depend on age, rarity and condition. Common later releases sell for R60-R150, while early or rare examples from the 1977-1993 era can exceed R1,500 in South Africa.
Where can I buy Tomica Long Tomica in South Africa?
Collector groups, online marketplaces, toy fairs and specialist shops. Visit our shop for current diecast stock.
How can I date a Tomica Long Tomica model?
Check the base plate for copyright years and tooling marks, then compare decoration and packaging against reference sites such as the ones linked above.
Is Tomica still producing the Long Tomica series?
The Long Tomica series ran from 1977-1993. Where the line has ended, related modern Tomica series continue – see the related guides on this page.
Last reviewed: 2 October 2026 by the Unnew team. Checked against official sources – Hot Wheels, Matchbox and hobbyDB – plus the South African collector community.