Bburago Tom Cat Cruiser Van 1.24 Scale Diecast Model 0157 Vintage Italy, Boxed

Bburago Tom Cat Cruiser Van 1.24 Scale Diecast Model 0157 Vintage Italy, Boxed

Here I have for sale a highly collectible, vintage Bburago "Tom Cat Cruiser" Custom California Van 1.24 scale diecast model (Product Code: cod. 0157), historic companion piece proudly made in Italy.

Itemised Details
• Maker: Bburago (Burago)
• Product Line: 1.24 Die-Cast Scale Miniature Series (Custom Vans / Cartoons)
• Item: Tom Cat Cruiser Custom Van (Chevrolet G20 "California Custom" Style)
• Product Code: cod. 0157 / 1157
• Year of Release: Circa 1980 – 1982 (First-generation variant featuring the early-style red, blue, and yellow target box wheel logo)
• Country of Manufacture: Italy (Made in Italy)
• Scale: 1.24 Scale
• Material: Heavy Die-Cast Metal Chassis with high-gloss metallic red finish and plastic accents
• Condition: Sealed to the inner base, unused vintage item.

This is an incredibly rare, vintage Bburago 1.24 scale Tom Cat Cruiser Custom Van diecast model. Designed during the peak of the 1970s and 1980s "California Custom" van craze, this heavy diecast model features an array of 3 distinct operational opening features, including the front cabin doors, the side access panel, and a flip-up rear gullwing spoiler window. Styled with period-correct "Tom Cat Cruiser" side graphics, customized chrome deep-dish mags, clear top skylights, and a bright blue front chin spoiler, it remains an iconic masterpiece of retro Italian toy manufacturing.

The vehicle is permanently attached and sealed to its original internal factory styrofoam base insert. It has never been unfastened or removed from its base, ensuring that the model has escaped the common play-wear or scratching associated with loose examples.

Condition Report
• The Model Placement: Model remains completely sealed and attached to the factory styrofoam display base insert, never removed. Please note that while the unit is structurally unloosened, it may have been briefly displayed out of the cardboard box at some point over the decades, but it is otherwise untouched.
• The Back Windscreen: The plastic rear windscreen panel previously popped loose from its track—a very common occurrence with the tension mounts on this specific tooling. It has been successfully and easily popped back into place with absolutely no issue. However, please be aware that because it is a tension fit, it may potentially shift or unseat again during transit to your address.
• The Paint/Markings: There is a minor white mark located on the upper rear panel of the van body. This does not appear to be a deep scratch; rather, it looks like a small spot of old surface debris or factory storage compound. In order to preserve the untouched collector state of the model, I have purposely left it exactly as found and have not picked at it or attempted to clean the surface.
• The Box: Box shows signs of wear and tear such as marks, scrapes, dings, and creasing. It also may show signs of old water staining etc., but it does hold the model still and displays well. It is the highly desirable early-80s white-face box variant featuring the classic multi-language "Modello in Metallo Pressofuso" stamp. (Please study the comprehensive photography array closely for full cosmetic view tracking).

Originally founded in Molgora, Italy, Bburago (initially trading simply as Martoys before changing names) is globally legendary for pioneering affordable, large-scale 1.24 and 1.18 diecast models. While world-famous for their high-end replicating of European sports cars like Ferraris and Porsches, Bburago captured a unique market segment in the early 1980s by launching a fantasy line of "California Custom" custom utility vans.

Based heavily on the wild custom show-vans popularized by American designer Tom Daniel, the Tom Cat Cruiser (Code 0157) and its siblings (such as the Surfing Wild Bull) became immediate cult favorites. These variants were unique for using full metal castings paired with bold lifestyle graphics and pop-up structural elements. Because these custom vans were highly coveted as toys and typically unbolted immediately for heavy floor play, finding an original early-80s Italian survivor that remains sealed and unloosened from its factory base unit is an exceptional rarity for serious international diecast collectors.