Thomas Yellow Taxi Cab
Thomas Toys • Thomas Toys Plastic Vehicles
Toy Category
Vehicle
Year Released
Circa 1950s - early 1960s
Condition
Fair to Good. The plastic body appears intact without major cracks, but there is significant yellowing and surface grime. The side decal is worn and peeling at the edges, and the roof decal shows scratching and fading.
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $30.00 USD
Description
A bright yellow vintage taxi cab molded in hard plastic. Features a red roof light, open windows with no glazing, and two paper litho decals. The roof decal depicts two passengers inside a sunroof, while the side decal shows a 'Thomas Taxi' logo with a checkerboard striping and vintage fare rates (20 cents for 1/4 mile). It typically features a simple metal axle system with black plastic wheels.
Market Value
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $30.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$10.00 - $25.00 USD
Toy Identity
Edition Details
Standard production release; Made in USA (Haddam, Connecticut)
Model Number
Unknown / No markings visible
Toy Type
Hard Plastic / Polystyrene; Approximately 4-5 inches in length
Toy Condition
Fair to Good. The plastic body appears intact without major cracks, but there is significant yellowing and surface grime. The side decal is worn and peeling at the edges, and the roof decal shows scratching and fading.
Packaging Condition
No Packaging / Loose
Rarity & Significance
Thomas Toys was a prominent American manufacturer of 'dimestore' plastic toys in the mid-century. While not extremely rare, finding these with the original paper decals intact is becoming increasingly difficult as they were prone to peeling and moisture damage.
Special Features
Original paper litho decals on roof and sides; molded red plastic roof siren/light.
Notable Variations
Thomas Toys often produced the same vehicle molds in multiple colors including red, blue, and green, sometimes marketed as 'Fire Chief' or police cars depending on the decals applied.