TEXAS TOY MAN

Mustang-Show Hoss II-1977 Hot Wheel

The Mustang-Show Hoss ll was based on the original Mustang ll funny car dragster. This Hot Wheel was manufactured with the following features:

• Metal chassis
• Black plastic interior *
• Lift-up body “funny car style”
• Metal-unpainted engine
• Basic or redline wheels
• Yellow in color
• Dark-red, white and black tampo – Show Horse ll racing decal on hood
• Manufactured in Hong Kong only

* The French version had a tan interior/1983

Remember, if you are beginning to collect Hot Wheels, I highly recommend your getting a good reference/price guide. My favorites have always been Tomart’s Price Guide to Hot Wheels: Volume 1: 1968 – 1996 and Tomart’s Price Guide to Hot Wheels, Vol. 2: 1997 to 2008, 6th Edition . They are both very easy to use and have great information – as well as good pictures.

“Tip of the Week”

Become familiar with the various types of tires, i.e., wheels used on the different Hot Wheels that you are planning on buying. Wheel variations is one of the keys to the value of certain Hot Wheels.

Hot Wheels “Buzz Off”

The “Buzz Off” Hot Wheel was manufactured by the Mattel Company. It was first introduced into the market in 1970, and was call the “Tri-Baby. Mattel made several variations of this Hot Wheel but changed the name to “Buzz Off” in 1973.

In spite of there being several variations introduced to the market, the changes were very subtle.

For example, In 1970, the models had the following features:

• Metal base
• Swing-up rear engine cover
• Blue Windows
• Plastic interior
• Redline-(RSW)
• Hong Kong-MFG
• Original name (Tri-Baby) -US/HK
• Six different colors

The later versions produced in 1973-77 had the following features:

• Redline or Basic Wheels
• Gold chrome color (as seen in the picture)
• Black base
• Red, dark red and black tempo “The Gold One”

With so many variations available, it’s easy to understand why so many people make Hot Wheels their collector hobby!

Not only can it be fun but also very challenging to be a Hot Wheel collector. Remember when buying for your collection – or any

collection, it is always smart to buy the best you can afford.

Don “The Snake” Prudhomme’s Funny Car

….

This U.S. Army sponsored “Funny Car” was manufactured by Hot Wheelsin 1978 – but only in Hong Kong. This car is called a ‘Funny Car’ because of its racing style. One of the more sought after Hot Wheels out there “The Snake” was produced in four different colors:

• White
• Red
• Black
• Blue

The tampos on the sides were printed with “Don ‘Snake’ Prudhomme”.   In addition, Army was also printed on the sides and hood . This Army “Funny Car” came with two different styles of tires. The front tires are basic wheels (bw); the rear tires – while also basic – are large basic wheels (blw).

Some other features you will find on the pictured car are listed below:

• Metal base
• Metal interior
• Lift up body
• Basic wheels front (bw)
• Rear wheels large basic (blw)
• White enamel paint
• Sides and hood tampo
• Made in Hong Kong

There were many versions of the “Funny Car” and having all of them would make a cool collection, if you are willing to take the time to look for them . . . and are able to  find all the different variations.

If you need a good Hot Wheels reference guide, I recommend Tomart’s Price Guide.

PS – For those that collect and enjoy vintage cap guns, I’ve just uploaded a price guide for vintage toy guns – regular-sized, miniatures and a few others that did fit those two categories.  You can check them out from this link – www.txantiquemall.com/toypriceguide.html – visit ‘Cap Guns – Regular’,  ‘Cap Guns – Miniatures’ and ’Cap Guns – Other’.  Thanks!