The Honda Beat by Tomica in lots of variations in the Hondacurator Collection.

Tomica introduced quite a number of variations of the Honda Beat – originally made in Japan while the later ones were made in China. Most of the Japan-made ones had painted metal bases. There are no operating features on this model unlike the S800. The best feature of this model are probably the chrome headlights.

In April 1992, shortly after Honda released the Honda Beat, Tomica released its rendition of the Honda Beat in 1/50 scale in both red and yellow. The first release Yellow, made in Japan, came in both carded blister and boxed packaging. The boxes for both the first issue Honda Beat, identified as No.72 in Tomica’s reusable numbering scheme, all depicted matching car colors.

First release red ones were made in Japan, also in both carded and boxed packaging.

Silver (Made in Japan)

Subsequent red versions of the regular series were made in China until this regular release was retired in 2001.

Comparison between the Japan and China made variations. China (left) vs Japan (right). The details and lines clearly sharper in the earlier Japan casting.

White – from the Honda Direct Marketing boxed set that includes set-unique variations of a blue NSX, a silver S2000 and a red S800. While unique with it’s almost white, light-grey interior, this version does lack details of some of the Beats from other boxed sets.

Disney Goofy variation

Disney Goofy variation

White “Orico” special edition (Made in China)

Another special edition in 3 variations of color (Made in China)

in August 1999, as a commemoration of Honda’s 50th, Tomica released a “Powered by Honda” boxed set that included a black Beat with chrome lipped wheels. The set also included set-unique white S2000, blue NSX and yellow S800.

Special edition by N’s Collection (Made in China)

Taspa Zubo special edition (Made in China)

Bolts and Nuts special editions in yellow and red (Made in China)

Silver/red with blue interior and yellow tinted windshield from a Special Edition set. (Made in China)

A yellow Beat with “Special Model” on its’ rear fenders was part of the Tokyo Tomica Expo Special Model series in its No.13 Special Model Tomica box

Released in 2005, the Toy’s Dream Garage Compact Cars Collection set-exclusive version in Silver (Made in China). Typical of Toy’s Dream Garage releases, this silver Beat included additional painted detail such as the yellow license plates, rear lights and side air intakes.