Post by ferrari512s on Dec 24, 2013 8:04:53 GMT -5
The First Hot Wheels® Prototype Model Developed
Sub Title: The Prototype Hybrid Matchbox/Hot Wheels® Mustang
By Ferrari512s (a.k.a. Michael Basile)
Introduction
Have you ever wondered or even surmised what die-cast model Mattel engineers initially created for their new line of toy cars code named “Big Wheels” by Alexandra Laird? (Alexandra is Mattel's Namesmith, it was her job to give the toys and each Hot Wheels car catchy titles). Now what could possibly be that first prototype Redline ever developed or conceived? Well, through much deliberation and quite a bit of intense struggles, hardships and debates, we have narrowed this examination down to three Hot Wheels® castings or shall we say models.
6205 Custom Cougar
6206 Custom Mustang
6208 Custom Camaro
These three well illustrated animated images below are from the 1968 Mattel Hot Wheels® catalog.
6205 Custom Cougar
6206 Custom Mustang
6208 Custom Camaro
Images above are all courtesy of Ferrari512s
These were initially the first drawings Harry Bradley, Hot Wheels® initial designer, decided on, drafted and pencil sketched. They are also the first three castings to have various patents, trademarks, copyrights completed. Mattel’s product catalog also lists these as the first three; hold on a moment, a slight rectification and adjustment here, not important... As I was saying, these stock numbers are in the first four, yes, four from the Mattel inventory catalog. The 6207 Custom T-Bird appears to have accidentally slithered between the Mustang and Camaro. Who knew!
(How awkward and annoying, for me 
). As I stated above, this selection was heavily argued and discussed. Take note here, this will be deliberated further with Mike Otte (Mymo) and others so naturally more comprehensive material will follow.
Since it was mentioned, I might as well display the 1968 catalog picture of the Custom T-Bird at this point. It is definitely impressive...
6207 Custom T-Bird
Well what a surprise, the International Collector's Catalog by Mattel referenced here also has a product stock number, 6200. Like, who knew...
I sure do like the Hot Wheels flaming logo and motto "fastest metal cars in the world!"
Image is courtesy of Ferrari512s
So getting back to our discussion on Harry Bentley Bradley’s pencil sketches…
The Custom Cougar Pencil Drawing...
Image is courtesy of Bruce Pascal
The Custom Mustang Pencil Drawing...
(Insert picture here)
What the fox! I seem to have misplaced this image. Darn it, I really hate when this happens)
What should I do in my stricken panic!
Would you settle for the Mustang prototype concept car released in 1962 instead? Sure why not...
Image courtesy of Henry Ford Museum
Hey, something strangely familiar here. Like, hold on a minute! Hey, isn’t this a striking resemblance to the "Jack Rabbit Special" Hot Wheels® model released in 1970? The look and appearance is so uncanny, obvious and quite accurate! Mattel never told us this in 1970! Look for yourself!
The fleet of Jack Rabbit Specials. Nice, real nice.
Image courtesy of a private collector
By the way, the Jack Rabbit Special was also part of the Hot Wheels® cartoon show that ran from September 1969 - September 1971, ABC Pantomime Productions, Ken Snyder Production. I actually watched this show which introduced many new Hot Wheels® designs that were released the following two years. Want me to elaborate on the synopsis? Ok sure…
The cartoon show and the comic book series was about a group of young racers, their mentor Mike Wheeler and their devious opponents. One of them known as Dexter who drove a cool car called “Dexter's Demon”. This cartoon contained the voices of upcoming filmmaker Albert Brooks and radio legend Casey Kasem (his voice was featured on many other cartoon shows and later on the weekly music "Top 40" countdown).
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Image courtesy of herinst.org
Even more fun stuff on this….
The best driver at Metro City High, Jack "Rabbit" Wheeler was the son of former racing champ Mike Wheeler. Mike, who had retired after an auto accident, was worried about his son’s enthusiasm for the hobby. But Jack was unstoppable; a hot wheeling’ hot surfin diggity dune racing dog whose love of cars was matched only by his love for his girlfriend, Janet Martin. (Boy was she ever hot! Eek, can’t believe I just wrote this).
Image courtesy of Ferrari 512s and his DC 1969 comic collection
Let me try real hard and segue back to the topic of discussion, where was I? Oh yeah, Harry Bradley’s pencil drawings…
The Custom Camaro Pencil Drawing...
Image is courtesy of Bruce Pascal
The Redline Archeological Discovery by Indiana Bruce!
When Bruce Pascal uncovered this redline artifact the answer became clear and yet somewhat even more confounding. Would you believe the first model Mattel developed for various testing was actually a hybrid Matchbox/Hot Wheels® prototype conception? Seriously, this crossbreed Mustang is not quite the awe inspiring answer I was searching for or expecting to uncover. Nonetheless, here is the make shift prototype those R&D Mattel engineers smacked together to produce this timeless wonder.
Image is courtesy of Bruce Pascal
Below are some images attained from Bruce Pascal’s Hot Wheels® redline archives of the very first hybrid Matchbox/Redline archetype, as well as, the first Hot Wheels model conceived. This hybrid die-cast model would eventually develop into and become the 1967 Custom Mustang (product stock number 6206, I might add) that many of us collectors fondly appreciate. Take notice of the prototype chassis deprived of any discernible markings, embellishments, trademarks, copyrights, details (how about no text) or for that matter proper post riveting.
Much to my surprise, upon further visual analysis I did happen to notice there is some light lettering stamped or is it etched on this rudimentary base. This roman type font could be the following: MI, IW or possibly IM and WI.
Look closely, real close, there is some type of text letting there. I`m not imagining this. (Yes this threw me for a loop as well).
This well embellished adjusted image by me is courtesy of Bruce Pascal
Now what could this actually represent?
- Possibly these roman numerals epitomize the number of changes or augmentations that went into testing this base modeldesign? (Not really possible, this is too crude to have revisions of that magnitude).
- Could this conceivably be the initials of the Mattel designer or engineer who worked on this archeological relic? Indeed these designers and engineers have been known in the past and present to surreptitiously sneak in their mark or credentials unknowingly on the bases, decals and tampos. (Hmmm, there is definitely some merit to this theory).
- A prank by a Mattel engineer. Well, why not! Could be a remote possibility since they've done this before. Harry Bradley sure does have stories about some pranks they pulled on that poor El Camino! That's another topic for another discussion.
It took me sometime to ascertain and resolve this conundrum. These deciphered code initials represent the letters “MI” which is acknowledged as an acronym for “Mattel Inc.” So Mattel as a company placed their seal of corporate ownership on this prototype base as the first order of operations. Basically one of the two R&D departments working on this new line of die-cast cars stamped this on the base immediately after it was crafted.
The Matchbox modified body is being held to the Hot Wheels® chassis with one Flathead screw. Notice how Mattel engineers only use the finest vintage and most high tech crafted equipment they can find lying around to bring their designs to life!
This modified image by me is actually courtesy of Bruce Pascal
We do know from discussions held with Harry Bradley that he and another Mattel associate, Fred Adickes, went shopping for days and purchased several hundreds (Harry mentioned thousands, now that can't be right) of die-cast toy cars back in late September 1966. Fred’s exact words were “We’re going to go to the store and buy every die-cast car we can find”. This transpired when Harry first came on board to work as Hot Wheels® first toy car designer. (Not that he really knew what this work assignment was all about). These die-cast cars were all mounted on bristleboards and studied intensely. (I should mention these large bristle boards we’re getting in the way and becoming quite obtrusive at the Mattel headquarters). Harry needed to establish what the look and design would be of this line of Mattel die-cast toy cars. These toy die-cast cars were purchased from every company that was producing them during that time. They consisted of Lesney’s Matchbox, Marx, Corgi, Husky, Ideal, Aurora, Tootsietoys and several other brands. Since these die-cast cars were simply lying around, through necessity this could be the reason why the Matchbox Mustang die-cast was selected or chosen, as well as, used for various testing purposes.
(Anyone know the real answer as to why this specific die-cast maker and model was chosen)? Perhaps inventing the Hot Wheels® paradigm?
So what were Mattel R&D department and engineers testing with this matchbox body and Hot Wheels® crude base design? Preliminary testing certainly included the following:
- Establishing size and dimensions of Mattel’s die-cast toy car line
- Types of materials to be used in production such as plastics, die-cast, metal, etc.
- Strength, durability of plastics and alloys (zamac) used for die-cast mass production scale
- Type of base design, materials, and compositions
- Wheel design, style, size, thickness, material, rolling factor (play value)
- Axle wire type, design, gauge thickness
- Suspension and bounce (Mattel needed to make their die-cast unique for trademark purposes)
- Delrin™ bearings, size, uses, etc. (I’m uncertain if Mattel was the first company to deploy this Delrin™ bearing technology, as well as, the redline design type wheels on die-cast cars. There was another toy manufacturer doing this as well, Marx Toys). See pictures provided below:
Marx wheels design with push on Delrin™ bearings
Image courtesy of Ferrari512s
Marx wheels illustrating Delrin™ white bearings
Image courtesy of Ferrari512s
- Type of paint to be used (bright vivid candy colored paints as opposed to the dull enamel finishes found on current die-cast toy lines).
- Track performance testing for new designed wheels and how each die-cast model runs on specially designed track for this. Mattel’s R&D department added track and accessories for the “play value” of any toy developed. All their toys needed to have this goodwill idea of “play value”. Elliott Handler felt this would make their toys successful). Hmmm, more pondering, “what came first, the prototype model or Hot Wheels track?”
This prototype Hong Kong type designed base was never actually used on the finished released product. It was modified quite extensively before the final product was established. See the famous patent below titled “Undercarriage for Toy Cars”.
Image is courtesy of United States Patent Office
This picture definitely appears to be a line drawing of the legendary Custom Camaro base (or could it be firebird, or for that matter, it could representany any car as Harry Bradley mentioned previously). Furthermore, notice this is the undercarriage of Hong Kong produced Hot Wheels®. Interesting, this patent was filed by Harvey W. Labranche and Howard F. Newman, Mattel engineers, who worked at the US Mattel headquarters and yet a different type of base technology was used for US production die-cast cars.
Image is courtesy of United States Patent Office
This image above is closer to the US undercarriage design. It was modified further to hold the axle wire together that allowed the distinctive torsion bar suspension for Hot Wheels® brand of toy cars. See below for Hong Kong type axle wire suspension.
Image is courtesy of United States Patent Office
Basically two differing base and technology designs were used by the US and Hong Kong production plants. Can you spot the various differences?
So where does the abnormal kidney bean Custom Camaro base fit in all this base/undercarriage discussion? (Believe me, it does...all part of the grand scheme of things)
Image is courtesy of Ray, blkv3tt3 at CFR
That one doesn’t quite fit the paradigm at the moment does it! We will shed more light on this subject matter at a later bat time.
Once again, back to our topic of discussion “The Prototype Hybrid Mustang”…and that crude undercarriage design.
This picture is courtesy of Bruce Pascal
(Please note, written permission was granted for the use ofall these images from Bruce Pascal).
Below is a side profile of the modified Matchbox body sitting on a Hot Wheels crude prototype undercarriage/base. The appearance of the Matchbox model was quite pleasing to the eyes, however Elliott Handler, Mattel owner and founder, with the help of Harry Bradley, Hot Wheels® first designer, felt the Mattel die-cast cars needed something else to distinguish them from all the others in the market. He wanted something better with more flash. So Harry added the following features to all 16 models he designed like the rake styling, power bulges, pipes, customized engines and overall the California Custom look. These added features definitely distinguished Mattel’s Hot Wheels® as they indeed stood apart from the competition.However, this wasn`t a gaurantee the new toy line would be a success. (According to Harry Bradley, the project was considered a failure and was going to be shut down after the initial store orders were met).
This image is courtesy of Bruce Pascal
Harry Bradley’s personal comments on this are as follows...
I made this piece in November 2001 to help Mattel & Hallmark understand how my customized 1964 El Camino inspired the original Hot Wheels look – and, subsequently how I translated the El Camino’s unique styling into the Custom Fleetside Pickup. There is no “original” of this print because it’s made up of color prints from other sources:
· Upper half: partial print of my 1998 Convention rendering. The composition or layout was changed somewhat and the number “16” added to identify the actual number of cars I designed for the first (and what many Mattel people believed would be the last) group of Hot Wheels.
· Lower left: print of photo I took of my customized 1964 El Camino. This photo was taken not far from Mattel in late1966, shortly after I began working at Mattel.
· Lower right: copy of the Custom Fleetside Pickup from Mattel’s 1968 product line catalog. It’s very apparent how the distinguishing El Camino features were applied to the Chevy Fleetside Pickup. – Harry Bentley Bradley
There is debate here as to the number Harry Bradley actually designed before he left Mattel in 1967 or was it early 1968. It varies from 11 to all 16 models and is dependant what biblical scroll reference or source guide you are attached to).
Image is courtesy of Bruce Pascal
Harry Bradley’s personal comments on this are as follows...
The 2000 rendering tells three stories: the process by which the cars were done; the first sixteen cars that I designed (I thought I had better set the record straight after the 1998 screw-up!); an enlargement of the Hot Wheels theme car that I designed back in 1967. It’s an “any car” because we felt the car on the blister pack should not be a specific car but rather a generic automobile with Hot Wheels characteristics. So, it had a Dodge Charger front end (that’s Chrysler), a Ford Galaxie/Mustang Coupe roof (that’sFord), and a Buick Riviera bodyside (that’s GM). I merged them all together…The specific car parts were all 1966-67 vintage, of course… and added Hot Wheels features such as the red stripe tires (these days Hot Wheels collectors call them Red Line but in the late ‘60’s on muscle cars we called them red stripe), mag wheels, spoiler dome on the hood, side pipes and a vivid color. – HarryBentley Bradley
When this subject arose in an interview with Harry Bradley in 1998 he believed he was the designer of all 16 Hot Wheels® released in1968. The above comment certainly clarifies this. (I’m fine with this answer as well; perhaps the parchment others have written should be updated to reflect this unequivocal opinion and response)
On page 42 in Randy Leffingwell's book there is a picture of the opposite side of this Matchbox car. Here you will notice a small rectangle groove where Matchbox designers added a steering lever that allow the front wheels to move left or right. (I never heard back from Randy on the use of the picture and so an alternative source was found). Carmelo J. Aresco was generous enough to provide the following picture.
This picture used with the permission of Carmelo J.Aresco / GranToros.com
Sid Belzberg who currently owns this Hybrid Matchbox/HotWheels® prototype also chimed in and allowed me to show the following picture(s).
Image is courtesy of Sid Belzberg
So what secrets of Mattel engineering lie on the inside of this prototype Hot Wheels® makeshift designed base?
How is the axle wire being held?
-What type of post engineering technology is holding the pressure of the musical wires in place?
-What does the axle wire design look like?
-What is the secret behind this radical torsion bar suspension?
-Why do these Mattel redline wheels roll so well?
-Why does the Custom Camaro have a kidney bean base design?
-What’s the meaning of Stonehenge? (Sorry, different discussion group).
As the advanced technological Flathead screw was painstakingly removed from the base it revealed the following answers we have been anxiously anticipating for decades...
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and waiting
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still waiting...
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Behold!
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Image is courtesy of Sid Belzberg
:(Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
Oh cheese whiz!!!
(I had more meatier choice words than this to describe my utter disappointment).
It still remains an unsolved mystery!!!
Ander Rising...
This hybrid prototype undercarriage is being held together with some other unknown highly sophisticated cohesive unified material that will not allow it to be unsealed. (In all probability, using on hand supplies, these engineers probably applied carpenter’s glue or possibly cement model glue)? What a shame and a real disappointment for us all!
I've also included a picture of the Matchbox base so you can appreciate the ingenuity of Matchbox engineers. They really pulled out all the stops to piece this die-cast model together.
This picture used with the permission of Carmelo J.Aresco / GranToros.com
I would to express my sincerest thanks to Carmelo J. Aresco for allowing permission for the use of these images.
Sid Belzberg was kind enough to provide us with even more research material with respect to this first Hybrid Mustang/Hot Wheels® prototype.Below is a picture of the Matchbox Mustang body painted in that pale color white (Ah yes, a prototypical test paint Mattel fondly cherished) that the Mattel R&D engineer eventually used to craft this first prototype.
Image is courtesy of Sid Belzberg
Notice all the car lines and the depth of detailing that went into this Matchbox die-cast frame body. This is quite impressive to say the least. I should be crediting the Matchbox designer for the workmanship that they put into this model. Sadly, the name of the designer is unknown. Anyone can chime in here and lend a hand with this information...really...
Below are another two pictures of this Matchbox die-cast body. A side profile showing the cut rectangular groove where the steering mechanism resides. (What's this, a steering mechanism? Will technological marvels never cease!).
Here is yet another side profile of the white Matchbox Mustang frame body. (I need to acquire one of these to examine how fine the detailing is on it). Notice the clear distinctive door lines, hood lines, trunk lines, raised metal to accentuate the back lights detailing, the impeccable side vents, front cowl venting. (I’m actually impressed by all intricate detailing).
Images are courtesy of Sid Belzberg
(Please note, written permission was granted for the use of all these images from Sid Belzberg. A huge thank you).
It appears the glass doesn't fit properly on this Matchbox frame. As I mentioned above there is great attention to the detailing on this Matchbox frame. Now who was that person at Mattel who said these die-cast cars were all drab? (No comment here, Harry).
Did anyone else happen to notice the notch on the door? (Hey, didn’t I just mention this? Work with me here, I’m going someplace with this thought progression). This is where the manual Matchbox steering technology was housed. Mattel later tried this prototype idea on their die-cast cars too. What a disaster, what maroons....
Bruce Pascal was kind enough to allow me to use these pictures of various sacrificial test subjects below.
The Lincoln Continental with steering: A real work of art and what beauty!
Image courtesy of Bruce Pascal
(Oh, yuck,....what a friggin work of a wreck! Still a rather unique prototype to say the least. I actually feel sympathy for this redline).
All I want to mention here is on how crude the Mattel R&D department designed this prototype steering model. Something’s are obviously, besides run a muck, missing on this Lincoln Continental. Can you spot them all? Really there's a lot of things missing here... I wonder what the base design looks like on this Lincoln steering prototype?
Oh how fortunate for us, Bruce Pascal just happens to have a photo of this as well. Nice work Bruce….
Image courtesy of Bruce Pascal
Oh come on
...., is this ever (delete remark) …what the heck did these Mattel engineers use as a base material? It appears or looks like a cut out circuit board with some welding material attached to it. This is definitely a very frugal "crude" design. And did I happen to mention, UGLY!
Steering Design: Take II
Mattel tried this steering concept a few years later once again. Below is a real nice Mercedes-Benz C111 prototype with the steering mechanism. Ingenious and brilliant I must say, a redline wheel as the steering mechanism. I love it! Quite an improvement in design, don’t you think?
Image courtesy of Bruce Pascal
I notice sizzler type wheels on the front end of this Mercedes-Benz C111 with the rubber tread. Ah yes, these are the first undocumented, as well as, unofficial real rider tires.
It came out of Redline technology!
Steering Design: Take III
And, why not try it again a few years later…like what do we have to lose during our lunchtime breaks.
Image courtesy of Bruce Pascal
Getting back to our subject….
So what should Mattel die-cast cars look like?
Elliott and Harry agreed on the look of Mattel’s die-cast cars and surprisingly this inspiration or the "look" came from Harry Bradley's personal car, the Chevrolet El Camino.
Image and information is courtesy of Bruce Pascal
All cars would contain the following characteristics...
- A "customized" look, large wheels in the back and small wheels in the front of the cars
- 5-spoke magnesium race rims with a red stripe encircling the wheels.
- Power bulges in the front as an expression of power.
- Exposed chromed side exhaust pipes
- Very bright vivid colors
The final Mattel product known as the Custom Mustang turned out as follows:
This picture used with the permission of Carmelo J.Aresco / GranToros.com
How about a Custom Mustang Rainbow!
Image is courtesy of Redline Gary
The Custom Mustang in a primary pure gold or is it a yellow hue...
Image is courtesy of Justin TCB1020
This following image is a front view of the Matchbox painted red body that sits on an unfinished Hot Wheels base.
If you look closely at the next picture below you will notice the windshield glass doesn’t sit properly on the body. (So the Mattel engineers can cast shut this prototype clam together real good but couldn’t care less about the windshield rattling on the prototype! Ha!
This image is courtesy of Bruce Pascal
By the way, Indiana Bruce Pascal has released an amazing book on Hot Wheels® prototypes.This is available at Amazon for purchase...
www.amazon.ca/Hot-Wheels-Prototypes-Bruce-Pascal/dp/0982500572
Currently there is a youtube video promoting it that is quite impressive.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=a33wKKtJleY
Just wanted to add a picture of Indiana Bruce the Redline Relic Hunter. He is the one who made this article possible with his historic archeological prototype discoveries.
I just wanted to thank Bruce Pascal and Sid Belzberg for allowing me to share, as well as, post pictures on their rare exceptional Matchbox/Hot Wheels® Hybrid prototype.
By the way, Bruce Pascal also uncovered another rare modified Matchbox/Hot Wheels Hybrid project. (How does he do this?) This one is known as the code name green Repco. Read about this on page 8 in his book titled "HotWheels Prototypes".
So you want to see this too? Fine....let me get the images.
Notice the crude hand painted decal design and the“prototype” or unfinished Redline wheels. These are cool looking Blackwalls!
This image is courtesy of Bruce Pascal
What about an image of this prototype Brabham Repco base? Oh come on, buy the book!
Demands never cease! Well here you go...
This image is courtesy of Bruce Pascal
That Flathead screw concept to hold a prototype together was quite a popular technique with Mattel engineers... so it appears.
More research and details will be added to this topic later on.
Concluding Remarks…
(You mean to say I have some?) Since when?
I still have this burning unanswered question, “What was Mattel’s first complete prototype”? We’re talking the whole enchilada here not just the undercarriage, a.k.a. base design…
Anyone care to elaborate on this?
Glossary...
I have one of these too? Like since when...
Alexandra Laird was Mattel’s in house “namesmith” from the marketing division who coined the titles for various toy lines, as well as,most of the early Hot Wheels car names). Elliott Handler never liked the code name “Big Wheels”. He wanted something “hot” and so legends were told, songs were sung…and the title “Hot Wheels” became to be Mattel’s die-cast toy brand name.
Elliott Handler, Mattel co-founder who like to play with die-cast cars any time of the day that were only made by his company.
Harry Bradley, boy could he ever talk your ears off! Tiger shark this, dream rod that, my Deora design, love of my life Custom Fleetside… it went on and on and on. (All kidding aside, a wonderful person to talk with, quite facinating too. And, man, this guy can draw, design, probably plays a mean piano and collects cool stuff like die-cast cars, Elliott Handler ones only. What else did he do... Oh I wish I had anOscar Myer Weiner – Yep, his design, not his limerick though).
Fred Adickes, a man who real passion was to go shopping for die-cast toy cars all day long.
Harvey W. Labranche, someone who loves to make prototypes by dissembling Matchbox die-cast toy cars.
Howard F. Newman, a buddy of Harvey W. Labranche who also likes to tinker with little toy cars and register patents on them.
Bruce Pascal, redline archeologist who uncovers some really cool prototypes. (I’d love to see what other material and documentation he has lying around).
Sid Belzberg, a rival buddy of Bruce Pascal who also has a real passion for redline prototypes and happens to have quite a blazing collection of unbelievable stuff!!!
Jack "Rabbit" Wheeler, a radical cartoon character who drove a really cool 1962 Ford Mustang prototype concept car and had a real hot chick by his side.
Mattel decided to add this model that Jack drive to their Hot Wheels® line-up and called it Jack Rabbit™ Special. See the animated car below from the beloved cartoon show called Hot Wheels®. Available at your local retail store now! (At least it was in 1970).
Janet Cartoon Actress, a really hot animated chick which I was quite fond of in my childhood. She starred in this Saturday cartoon show called Hot Wheels®. Sadly I have not been able to watch her since. Sort of miss her. Does anyone have these episodes recorded? Would love to acquire them.
What about a Redline Quiz!
Oh what fun!
Like I need to know who was really paying attention in class here. And awaywe gooooooooooooooo...
1. What was the name of the first hybrid prototype model Mattel designed?
A. Cheetah
B. Mad Maverick
C. Deora
D. Custom Mustang
2. Why was this Prototype considered a Hybrid?
A. Genetically modified zamac die-cast material was used
B. Unknown materials were synthesized that are not indigenous to this sphere
C. Made from various insect silks and webs
D. Parts of a Matchbox/Hot Wheels® car working in a symbiotic relationship when assembled
3. What were the first three HotWheels® Mattel decided on?
A. Custom Cougar
B. Custom Mustang
C. Custom Camaro
D. All of the above
4 Who is Harry Bradley?
A. Mattel’s first engineer
B. Mattel’s first namesmith
C. Mattel’s first officer
D. Matel’s first Hot Wheels® designer
5 Who is Elliott Handler?
A. Someone who loved to play with die-cast cars
B. Someone who didn’t care what Ruth Handler thought about his toy car line
C. Someone who owed Mattel
D. All of the above
6. The Ford Mustang Prototype Concept car was released in what year?
A. 1950
B. 1955
C. 1960
D. None of the above
7. How Many Hot Wheels® did Harry Bradley Design?
A. 11 as in written in most of the Biblical scriptures
B. All of them except the Custom Volkswagen
C. Does the Oscar Myer Weiner count?
D. 16
8. What’s in a name?
A. Bruce Pascal
B. Fred Adickes
C. Jack "Rabbit" Wheeler
D. Alexandra Laird
9. Who was the hottest character in the cartoon show called Hot Wheels®?
A. Ruth Handler
B. Wilma Flintstone
C. Alexandra Lair
D. Janet, Jack “Rabbit” Wheeler’s spicy girly friend.
10. What year did Mattel release the Jack Rabbit Special?
A. 1962
B. 1968
C. 1969
D. 1970
11. Which automobile company did Harry Bradley work for before he joined Mattel?
A. GM
B. Ford
C. Hot Wheels
D. Chrysler
12. The Relic Hunter For Redline Prototypes is known as...
A. Indiana Harry
B. Indiana Jack
C. Indiana Jones
D. Indiana Bruce
13. What is the meaning of Stonehenge?
A. A place where many prehistoric Redline artifacts were discovered!
B. A social gathering 4000 years ago equivalent to todays' Starbucks!
C. A place where the electric current was discovered!
D. What does this have to do with this subject matter?
14. The Jack Rabbit Special was released in how many colors?
A. 16
B. 8
C. 4
D. 1
15. What redline featured in the Hot Wheels cartoon was released in 1971?
A. The Demon
B. Sand Crab
C. Jack Rabbit Special
D. Classic Cord
16. What is the meaning of this quiz?
A. I have no idea
B. To boldly go where no man has gone before
C. A course on how to make a proper espresso
D. To see who was paying attention in class
17. The Python was properly referred to as the __________ when it was released in 1962.
A. Cheetah
B. Tiger Shark
C. Harry Bradley Concept Car
D. Dream Rod
18. What was the secret code hidden on the Hybrid Mustang Prototype base?
A.IM
B.WI
C.IW
D. MI
19. What type of cutting-edgetechnologically advanced device did Mattel use to seal their Hybrid Prototype?
A. Vacuum sealed mechanism
B. NASA sealing apparatus invented by Jack Ryan
C. A prototype device that can’t be named
D. An ordinary flat head screw found at your local hardwarestore
20. The 1968 Hot Wheels® blistercard features a concept car designed by Harry Bradley. What did he call it?
A. The Otto (Because another Mattel artist known as Otto drew most of the early artwork graphics on packaging. Hence he was given credit for this as well).
B. The Harry (Harry Bradley`s first name to signify ownership of this concept automobile).
C. The Bentley (Harry Bradley`s middle name since he created this artwork).
D. Any Car (Since it had a Dodge Chargerfront end (that’s Chrysler), a Ford Galaxie/Mustang Coupe roof (that’s Ford),and a Buick Riviera bodyside (that’s GM)).
A brief segue into another topic...
Hot Wheels Trivia...
Does anyone here recall who wrote the lyrics to this song?
Name the artist who wrote the music?
What is the name of the band who performed this song?
What TV show did this song appear on?
Chorus
Hot Wheels, Hot Wheels,
Always racing, always chasing.
Hot Wheels, Hot Wheels,
Keep a-turning now, keep a-burning now, keep a-turnin' Hot Wheels!
Verse
Daytona, Indianapolis and Bonneville!
Dune buggies, keep a-climbin', up the sandy hill!
Chorus & End
Hot Wheels, Hot Wheels,
Keep a-turning now, keep a-burning now, keep a-turnin' Hot Wheels!
Anyone have the music to this catchy tune?
There were many Hot Wheels featured in this show. This one took me by surprise...
This appears to be a rendition of the Hot Heap. It's not exact but close enough to warrant my attention.
Does anyone here own this puzzle?
The real important question is... who's that hottie in the drivers seat?
Redlines!Fastest Metal Cars In The World!
Oh boy, I received an answer!
Yes, someone here owns the puzzle...
Image is courtesy of Matt hw68thru77
Sub Title: The Prototype Hybrid Matchbox/Hot Wheels® Mustang
By Ferrari512s (a.k.a. Michael Basile)
Introduction
Have you ever wondered or even surmised what die-cast model Mattel engineers initially created for their new line of toy cars code named “Big Wheels” by Alexandra Laird? (Alexandra is Mattel's Namesmith, it was her job to give the toys and each Hot Wheels car catchy titles). Now what could possibly be that first prototype Redline ever developed or conceived? Well, through much deliberation and quite a bit of intense struggles, hardships and debates, we have narrowed this examination down to three Hot Wheels® castings or shall we say models.
6205 Custom Cougar
6206 Custom Mustang
6208 Custom Camaro
These three well illustrated animated images below are from the 1968 Mattel Hot Wheels® catalog.
6205 Custom Cougar
6206 Custom Mustang
6208 Custom Camaro
Images above are all courtesy of Ferrari512s
These were initially the first drawings Harry Bradley, Hot Wheels® initial designer, decided on, drafted and pencil sketched. They are also the first three castings to have various patents, trademarks, copyrights completed. Mattel’s product catalog also lists these as the first three; hold on a moment, a slight rectification and adjustment here, not important... As I was saying, these stock numbers are in the first four, yes, four from the Mattel inventory catalog. The 6207 Custom T-Bird appears to have accidentally slithered between the Mustang and Camaro. Who knew!
(How awkward and annoying, for me 
). As I stated above, this selection was heavily argued and discussed. Take note here, this will be deliberated further with Mike Otte (Mymo) and others so naturally more comprehensive material will follow.Since it was mentioned, I might as well display the 1968 catalog picture of the Custom T-Bird at this point. It is definitely impressive...
6207 Custom T-Bird
Well what a surprise, the International Collector's Catalog by Mattel referenced here also has a product stock number, 6200. Like, who knew...
I sure do like the Hot Wheels flaming logo and motto "fastest metal cars in the world!"
Image is courtesy of Ferrari512s
So getting back to our discussion on Harry Bentley Bradley’s pencil sketches…
The Custom Cougar Pencil Drawing...
Image is courtesy of Bruce Pascal
The Custom Mustang Pencil Drawing...
(Insert picture here)
What the fox! I seem to have misplaced this image. Darn it, I really hate when this happens)
What should I do in my stricken panic!
Would you settle for the Mustang prototype concept car released in 1962 instead? Sure why not...
Image courtesy of Henry Ford Museum
Hey, something strangely familiar here. Like, hold on a minute! Hey, isn’t this a striking resemblance to the "Jack Rabbit Special" Hot Wheels® model released in 1970? The look and appearance is so uncanny, obvious and quite accurate! Mattel never told us this in 1970! Look for yourself!
The fleet of Jack Rabbit Specials. Nice, real nice.
Image courtesy of a private collector
By the way, the Jack Rabbit Special was also part of the Hot Wheels® cartoon show that ran from September 1969 - September 1971, ABC Pantomime Productions, Ken Snyder Production. I actually watched this show which introduced many new Hot Wheels® designs that were released the following two years. Want me to elaborate on the synopsis? Ok sure…
The cartoon show and the comic book series was about a group of young racers, their mentor Mike Wheeler and their devious opponents. One of them known as Dexter who drove a cool car called “Dexter's Demon”. This cartoon contained the voices of upcoming filmmaker Albert Brooks and radio legend Casey Kasem (his voice was featured on many other cartoon shows and later on the weekly music "Top 40" countdown).
Image courtesy of herinst.org
Even more fun stuff on this….
The best driver at Metro City High, Jack "Rabbit" Wheeler was the son of former racing champ Mike Wheeler. Mike, who had retired after an auto accident, was worried about his son’s enthusiasm for the hobby. But Jack was unstoppable; a hot wheeling’ hot surfin diggity dune racing dog whose love of cars was matched only by his love for his girlfriend, Janet Martin. (Boy was she ever hot! Eek, can’t believe I just wrote this).
Image courtesy of Ferrari 512s and his DC 1969 comic collection
Let me try real hard and segue back to the topic of discussion, where was I? Oh yeah, Harry Bradley’s pencil drawings…
The Custom Camaro Pencil Drawing...
Image is courtesy of Bruce Pascal
The Redline Archeological Discovery by Indiana Bruce!
When Bruce Pascal uncovered this redline artifact the answer became clear and yet somewhat even more confounding. Would you believe the first model Mattel developed for various testing was actually a hybrid Matchbox/Hot Wheels® prototype conception? Seriously, this crossbreed Mustang is not quite the awe inspiring answer I was searching for or expecting to uncover. Nonetheless, here is the make shift prototype those R&D Mattel engineers smacked together to produce this timeless wonder.
Image is courtesy of Bruce Pascal
Below are some images attained from Bruce Pascal’s Hot Wheels® redline archives of the very first hybrid Matchbox/Redline archetype, as well as, the first Hot Wheels model conceived. This hybrid die-cast model would eventually develop into and become the 1967 Custom Mustang (product stock number 6206, I might add) that many of us collectors fondly appreciate. Take notice of the prototype chassis deprived of any discernible markings, embellishments, trademarks, copyrights, details (how about no text) or for that matter proper post riveting.
Much to my surprise, upon further visual analysis I did happen to notice there is some light lettering stamped or is it etched on this rudimentary base. This roman type font could be the following: MI, IW or possibly IM and WI.
Look closely, real close, there is some type of text letting there. I`m not imagining this. (Yes this threw me for a loop as well).
This well embellished adjusted image by me is courtesy of Bruce Pascal
Now what could this actually represent?
- Possibly these roman numerals epitomize the number of changes or augmentations that went into testing this base modeldesign? (Not really possible, this is too crude to have revisions of that magnitude).
- Could this conceivably be the initials of the Mattel designer or engineer who worked on this archeological relic? Indeed these designers and engineers have been known in the past and present to surreptitiously sneak in their mark or credentials unknowingly on the bases, decals and tampos. (Hmmm, there is definitely some merit to this theory).
- A prank by a Mattel engineer. Well, why not! Could be a remote possibility since they've done this before. Harry Bradley sure does have stories about some pranks they pulled on that poor El Camino! That's another topic for another discussion.
It took me sometime to ascertain and resolve this conundrum. These deciphered code initials represent the letters “MI” which is acknowledged as an acronym for “Mattel Inc.” So Mattel as a company placed their seal of corporate ownership on this prototype base as the first order of operations. Basically one of the two R&D departments working on this new line of die-cast cars stamped this on the base immediately after it was crafted.
The Matchbox modified body is being held to the Hot Wheels® chassis with one Flathead screw. Notice how Mattel engineers only use the finest vintage and most high tech crafted equipment they can find lying around to bring their designs to life!
This modified image by me is actually courtesy of Bruce Pascal
We do know from discussions held with Harry Bradley that he and another Mattel associate, Fred Adickes, went shopping for days and purchased several hundreds (Harry mentioned thousands, now that can't be right) of die-cast toy cars back in late September 1966. Fred’s exact words were “We’re going to go to the store and buy every die-cast car we can find”. This transpired when Harry first came on board to work as Hot Wheels® first toy car designer. (Not that he really knew what this work assignment was all about). These die-cast cars were all mounted on bristleboards and studied intensely. (I should mention these large bristle boards we’re getting in the way and becoming quite obtrusive at the Mattel headquarters). Harry needed to establish what the look and design would be of this line of Mattel die-cast toy cars. These toy die-cast cars were purchased from every company that was producing them during that time. They consisted of Lesney’s Matchbox, Marx, Corgi, Husky, Ideal, Aurora, Tootsietoys and several other brands. Since these die-cast cars were simply lying around, through necessity this could be the reason why the Matchbox Mustang die-cast was selected or chosen, as well as, used for various testing purposes.
(Anyone know the real answer as to why this specific die-cast maker and model was chosen)? Perhaps inventing the Hot Wheels® paradigm?
So what were Mattel R&D department and engineers testing with this matchbox body and Hot Wheels® crude base design? Preliminary testing certainly included the following:
- Establishing size and dimensions of Mattel’s die-cast toy car line
- Types of materials to be used in production such as plastics, die-cast, metal, etc.
- Strength, durability of plastics and alloys (zamac) used for die-cast mass production scale
- Type of base design, materials, and compositions
- Wheel design, style, size, thickness, material, rolling factor (play value)
- Axle wire type, design, gauge thickness
- Suspension and bounce (Mattel needed to make their die-cast unique for trademark purposes)
- Delrin™ bearings, size, uses, etc. (I’m uncertain if Mattel was the first company to deploy this Delrin™ bearing technology, as well as, the redline design type wheels on die-cast cars. There was another toy manufacturer doing this as well, Marx Toys). See pictures provided below:
Marx wheels design with push on Delrin™ bearings
Image courtesy of Ferrari512s
Marx wheels illustrating Delrin™ white bearings
Image courtesy of Ferrari512s
- Type of paint to be used (bright vivid candy colored paints as opposed to the dull enamel finishes found on current die-cast toy lines).
- Track performance testing for new designed wheels and how each die-cast model runs on specially designed track for this. Mattel’s R&D department added track and accessories for the “play value” of any toy developed. All their toys needed to have this goodwill idea of “play value”. Elliott Handler felt this would make their toys successful). Hmmm, more pondering, “what came first, the prototype model or Hot Wheels track?”
This prototype Hong Kong type designed base was never actually used on the finished released product. It was modified quite extensively before the final product was established. See the famous patent below titled “Undercarriage for Toy Cars”.
Image is courtesy of United States Patent Office
This picture definitely appears to be a line drawing of the legendary Custom Camaro base (or could it be firebird, or for that matter, it could representany any car as Harry Bradley mentioned previously). Furthermore, notice this is the undercarriage of Hong Kong produced Hot Wheels®. Interesting, this patent was filed by Harvey W. Labranche and Howard F. Newman, Mattel engineers, who worked at the US Mattel headquarters and yet a different type of base technology was used for US production die-cast cars.
Image is courtesy of United States Patent Office
This image above is closer to the US undercarriage design. It was modified further to hold the axle wire together that allowed the distinctive torsion bar suspension for Hot Wheels® brand of toy cars. See below for Hong Kong type axle wire suspension.
Image is courtesy of United States Patent Office
Basically two differing base and technology designs were used by the US and Hong Kong production plants. Can you spot the various differences?
So where does the abnormal kidney bean Custom Camaro base fit in all this base/undercarriage discussion? (Believe me, it does...all part of the grand scheme of things)
Image is courtesy of Ray, blkv3tt3 at CFR
That one doesn’t quite fit the paradigm at the moment does it! We will shed more light on this subject matter at a later bat time.
Once again, back to our topic of discussion “The Prototype Hybrid Mustang”…and that crude undercarriage design.
This picture is courtesy of Bruce Pascal
(Please note, written permission was granted for the use ofall these images from Bruce Pascal).
Below is a side profile of the modified Matchbox body sitting on a Hot Wheels crude prototype undercarriage/base. The appearance of the Matchbox model was quite pleasing to the eyes, however Elliott Handler, Mattel owner and founder, with the help of Harry Bradley, Hot Wheels® first designer, felt the Mattel die-cast cars needed something else to distinguish them from all the others in the market. He wanted something better with more flash. So Harry added the following features to all 16 models he designed like the rake styling, power bulges, pipes, customized engines and overall the California Custom look. These added features definitely distinguished Mattel’s Hot Wheels® as they indeed stood apart from the competition.However, this wasn`t a gaurantee the new toy line would be a success. (According to Harry Bradley, the project was considered a failure and was going to be shut down after the initial store orders were met).
This image is courtesy of Bruce Pascal
Harry Bradley’s personal comments on this are as follows...
I made this piece in November 2001 to help Mattel & Hallmark understand how my customized 1964 El Camino inspired the original Hot Wheels look – and, subsequently how I translated the El Camino’s unique styling into the Custom Fleetside Pickup. There is no “original” of this print because it’s made up of color prints from other sources:
· Upper half: partial print of my 1998 Convention rendering. The composition or layout was changed somewhat and the number “16” added to identify the actual number of cars I designed for the first (and what many Mattel people believed would be the last) group of Hot Wheels.
· Lower left: print of photo I took of my customized 1964 El Camino. This photo was taken not far from Mattel in late1966, shortly after I began working at Mattel.
· Lower right: copy of the Custom Fleetside Pickup from Mattel’s 1968 product line catalog. It’s very apparent how the distinguishing El Camino features were applied to the Chevy Fleetside Pickup. – Harry Bentley Bradley
There is debate here as to the number Harry Bradley actually designed before he left Mattel in 1967 or was it early 1968. It varies from 11 to all 16 models and is dependant what biblical scroll reference or source guide you are attached to).
Image is courtesy of Bruce Pascal
Harry Bradley’s personal comments on this are as follows...
The 2000 rendering tells three stories: the process by which the cars were done; the first sixteen cars that I designed (I thought I had better set the record straight after the 1998 screw-up!); an enlargement of the Hot Wheels theme car that I designed back in 1967. It’s an “any car” because we felt the car on the blister pack should not be a specific car but rather a generic automobile with Hot Wheels characteristics. So, it had a Dodge Charger front end (that’s Chrysler), a Ford Galaxie/Mustang Coupe roof (that’sFord), and a Buick Riviera bodyside (that’s GM). I merged them all together…The specific car parts were all 1966-67 vintage, of course… and added Hot Wheels features such as the red stripe tires (these days Hot Wheels collectors call them Red Line but in the late ‘60’s on muscle cars we called them red stripe), mag wheels, spoiler dome on the hood, side pipes and a vivid color. – HarryBentley Bradley
When this subject arose in an interview with Harry Bradley in 1998 he believed he was the designer of all 16 Hot Wheels® released in1968. The above comment certainly clarifies this. (I’m fine with this answer as well; perhaps the parchment others have written should be updated to reflect this unequivocal opinion and response)
On page 42 in Randy Leffingwell's book there is a picture of the opposite side of this Matchbox car. Here you will notice a small rectangle groove where Matchbox designers added a steering lever that allow the front wheels to move left or right. (I never heard back from Randy on the use of the picture and so an alternative source was found). Carmelo J. Aresco was generous enough to provide the following picture.
This picture used with the permission of Carmelo J.Aresco / GranToros.com
Sid Belzberg who currently owns this Hybrid Matchbox/HotWheels® prototype also chimed in and allowed me to show the following picture(s).
Image is courtesy of Sid Belzberg
So what secrets of Mattel engineering lie on the inside of this prototype Hot Wheels® makeshift designed base?
How is the axle wire being held?
-What type of post engineering technology is holding the pressure of the musical wires in place?
-What does the axle wire design look like?
-What is the secret behind this radical torsion bar suspension?
-Why do these Mattel redline wheels roll so well?
-Why does the Custom Camaro have a kidney bean base design?
-What’s the meaning of Stonehenge? (Sorry, different discussion group).
As the advanced technological Flathead screw was painstakingly removed from the base it revealed the following answers we have been anxiously anticipating for decades...
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and waiting
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still waiting...
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Behold!
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Image is courtesy of Sid Belzberg
:(Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
Oh cheese whiz!!!
(I had more meatier choice words than this to describe my utter disappointment). It still remains an unsolved mystery!!!
Ander Rising...This hybrid prototype undercarriage is being held together with some other unknown highly sophisticated cohesive unified material that will not allow it to be unsealed. (In all probability, using on hand supplies, these engineers probably applied carpenter’s glue or possibly cement model glue)? What a shame and a real disappointment for us all!
I've also included a picture of the Matchbox base so you can appreciate the ingenuity of Matchbox engineers. They really pulled out all the stops to piece this die-cast model together.
This picture used with the permission of Carmelo J.Aresco / GranToros.com
I would to express my sincerest thanks to Carmelo J. Aresco for allowing permission for the use of these images.
Sid Belzberg was kind enough to provide us with even more research material with respect to this first Hybrid Mustang/Hot Wheels® prototype.Below is a picture of the Matchbox Mustang body painted in that pale color white (Ah yes, a prototypical test paint Mattel fondly cherished) that the Mattel R&D engineer eventually used to craft this first prototype.
Image is courtesy of Sid Belzberg
Notice all the car lines and the depth of detailing that went into this Matchbox die-cast frame body. This is quite impressive to say the least. I should be crediting the Matchbox designer for the workmanship that they put into this model. Sadly, the name of the designer is unknown. Anyone can chime in here and lend a hand with this information...really...
Below are another two pictures of this Matchbox die-cast body. A side profile showing the cut rectangular groove where the steering mechanism resides. (What's this, a steering mechanism? Will technological marvels never cease!).
Here is yet another side profile of the white Matchbox Mustang frame body. (I need to acquire one of these to examine how fine the detailing is on it). Notice the clear distinctive door lines, hood lines, trunk lines, raised metal to accentuate the back lights detailing, the impeccable side vents, front cowl venting. (I’m actually impressed by all intricate detailing).
Images are courtesy of Sid Belzberg
(Please note, written permission was granted for the use of all these images from Sid Belzberg. A huge thank you
).It appears the glass doesn't fit properly on this Matchbox frame. As I mentioned above there is great attention to the detailing on this Matchbox frame. Now who was that person at Mattel who said these die-cast cars were all drab? (No comment here, Harry).
Did anyone else happen to notice the notch on the door? (Hey, didn’t I just mention this? Work with me here, I’m going someplace with this thought progression). This is where the manual Matchbox steering technology was housed. Mattel later tried this prototype idea on their die-cast cars too. What a disaster, what maroons....
Bruce Pascal was kind enough to allow me to use these pictures of various sacrificial test subjects below.
The Lincoln Continental with steering: A real work of art and what beauty!
Image courtesy of Bruce Pascal
(Oh, yuck,....what a friggin work of a wreck! Still a rather unique prototype to say the least. I actually feel sympathy for this redline).
All I want to mention here is on how crude the Mattel R&D department designed this prototype steering model. Something’s are obviously, besides run a muck, missing on this Lincoln Continental. Can you spot them all? Really there's a lot of things missing here... I wonder what the base design looks like on this Lincoln steering prototype?
Oh how fortunate for us, Bruce Pascal just happens to have a photo of this as well. Nice work Bruce….
Image courtesy of Bruce Pascal
Oh come on
...., is this ever (delete remark) …what the heck did these Mattel engineers use as a base material? It appears or looks like a cut out circuit board with some welding material attached to it. This is definitely a very frugal "crude" design. And did I happen to mention, UGLY!Steering Design: Take II
Mattel tried this steering concept a few years later once again. Below is a real nice Mercedes-Benz C111 prototype with the steering mechanism. Ingenious and brilliant I must say, a redline wheel as the steering mechanism. I love it! Quite an improvement in design, don’t you think?
Image courtesy of Bruce Pascal
I notice sizzler type wheels on the front end of this Mercedes-Benz C111 with the rubber tread. Ah yes, these are the first undocumented, as well as, unofficial real rider tires.
It came out of Redline technology!Steering Design: Take III
And, why not try it again a few years later…like what do we have to lose during our lunchtime breaks.
Image courtesy of Bruce Pascal
Getting back to our subject….
So what should Mattel die-cast cars look like?
Elliott and Harry agreed on the look of Mattel’s die-cast cars and surprisingly this inspiration or the "look" came from Harry Bradley's personal car, the Chevrolet El Camino.
Image and information is courtesy of Bruce Pascal
All cars would contain the following characteristics...
- A "customized" look, large wheels in the back and small wheels in the front of the cars
- 5-spoke magnesium race rims with a red stripe encircling the wheels.
- Power bulges in the front as an expression of power.
- Exposed chromed side exhaust pipes
- Very bright vivid colors
The final Mattel product known as the Custom Mustang turned out as follows:
This picture used with the permission of Carmelo J.Aresco / GranToros.com
How about a Custom Mustang Rainbow!
Image is courtesy of Redline Gary
The Custom Mustang in a primary pure gold or is it a yellow hue...
Image is courtesy of Justin TCB1020
This following image is a front view of the Matchbox painted red body that sits on an unfinished Hot Wheels base.
If you look closely at the next picture below you will notice the windshield glass doesn’t sit properly on the body. (So the Mattel engineers can cast shut this prototype clam together real good but couldn’t care less about the windshield rattling on the prototype! Ha!
This image is courtesy of Bruce Pascal
By the way, Indiana Bruce Pascal has released an amazing book on Hot Wheels® prototypes.This is available at Amazon for purchase...
www.amazon.ca/Hot-Wheels-Prototypes-Bruce-Pascal/dp/0982500572
Currently there is a youtube video promoting it that is quite impressive.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=a33wKKtJleY
Just wanted to add a picture of Indiana Bruce the Redline Relic Hunter. He is the one who made this article possible with his historic archeological prototype discoveries.
I just wanted to thank Bruce Pascal and Sid Belzberg for allowing me to share, as well as, post pictures on their rare exceptional Matchbox/Hot Wheels® Hybrid prototype.
By the way, Bruce Pascal also uncovered another rare modified Matchbox/Hot Wheels Hybrid project. (How does he do this?) This one is known as the code name green Repco. Read about this on page 8 in his book titled "HotWheels Prototypes".
So you want to see this too? Fine....let me get the images.
Notice the crude hand painted decal design and the“prototype” or unfinished Redline wheels. These are cool looking Blackwalls!
This image is courtesy of Bruce Pascal
What about an image of this prototype Brabham Repco base? Oh come on, buy the book!
Demands never cease! Well here you go...
This image is courtesy of Bruce Pascal
That Flathead screw concept to hold a prototype together was quite a popular technique with Mattel engineers... so it appears.
More research and details will be added to this topic later on.
Concluding Remarks…
(You mean to say I have some?) Since when?
I still have this burning unanswered question, “What was Mattel’s first complete prototype”? We’re talking the whole enchilada here not just the undercarriage, a.k.a. base design…
Anyone care to elaborate on this?
Glossary...
I have one of these too? Like since when...
Alexandra Laird was Mattel’s in house “namesmith” from the marketing division who coined the titles for various toy lines, as well as,most of the early Hot Wheels car names). Elliott Handler never liked the code name “Big Wheels”. He wanted something “hot” and so legends were told, songs were sung…and the title “Hot Wheels” became to be Mattel’s die-cast toy brand name.
Elliott Handler, Mattel co-founder who like to play with die-cast cars any time of the day that were only made by his company.
Harry Bradley, boy could he ever talk your ears off! Tiger shark this, dream rod that, my Deora design, love of my life Custom Fleetside… it went on and on and on. (All kidding aside, a wonderful person to talk with, quite facinating too. And, man, this guy can draw, design, probably plays a mean piano and collects cool stuff like die-cast cars, Elliott Handler ones only. What else did he do... Oh I wish I had anOscar Myer Weiner – Yep, his design, not his limerick though).
Fred Adickes, a man who real passion was to go shopping for die-cast toy cars all day long.
Harvey W. Labranche, someone who loves to make prototypes by dissembling Matchbox die-cast toy cars.
Howard F. Newman, a buddy of Harvey W. Labranche who also likes to tinker with little toy cars and register patents on them.
Bruce Pascal, redline archeologist who uncovers some really cool prototypes. (I’d love to see what other material and documentation he has lying around).
Sid Belzberg, a rival buddy of Bruce Pascal who also has a real passion for redline prototypes and happens to have quite a blazing collection of unbelievable stuff!!!
Jack "Rabbit" Wheeler, a radical cartoon character who drove a really cool 1962 Ford Mustang prototype concept car and had a real hot chick by his side.
Mattel decided to add this model that Jack drive to their Hot Wheels® line-up and called it Jack Rabbit™ Special. See the animated car below from the beloved cartoon show called Hot Wheels®. Available at your local retail store now! (At least it was in 1970).
Janet Cartoon Actress, a really hot animated chick which I was quite fond of in my childhood. She starred in this Saturday cartoon show called Hot Wheels®. Sadly I have not been able to watch her since. Sort of miss her. Does anyone have these episodes recorded? Would love to acquire them.
What about a Redline Quiz!
Oh what fun!
Like I need to know who was really paying attention in class here. And awaywe gooooooooooooooo...
1. What was the name of the first hybrid prototype model Mattel designed?
A. Cheetah
B. Mad Maverick
C. Deora
D. Custom Mustang
2. Why was this Prototype considered a Hybrid?
A. Genetically modified zamac die-cast material was used
B. Unknown materials were synthesized that are not indigenous to this sphere
C. Made from various insect silks and webs
D. Parts of a Matchbox/Hot Wheels® car working in a symbiotic relationship when assembled
3. What were the first three HotWheels® Mattel decided on?
A. Custom Cougar
B. Custom Mustang
C. Custom Camaro
D. All of the above
4 Who is Harry Bradley?
A. Mattel’s first engineer
B. Mattel’s first namesmith
C. Mattel’s first officer
D. Matel’s first Hot Wheels® designer
5 Who is Elliott Handler?
A. Someone who loved to play with die-cast cars
B. Someone who didn’t care what Ruth Handler thought about his toy car line
C. Someone who owed Mattel
D. All of the above
6. The Ford Mustang Prototype Concept car was released in what year?
A. 1950
B. 1955
C. 1960
D. None of the above
7. How Many Hot Wheels® did Harry Bradley Design?
A. 11 as in written in most of the Biblical scriptures
B. All of them except the Custom Volkswagen
C. Does the Oscar Myer Weiner count?
D. 16
8. What’s in a name?
A. Bruce Pascal
B. Fred Adickes
C. Jack "Rabbit" Wheeler
D. Alexandra Laird
9. Who was the hottest character in the cartoon show called Hot Wheels®?
A. Ruth Handler
B. Wilma Flintstone
C. Alexandra Lair
D. Janet, Jack “Rabbit” Wheeler’s spicy girly friend.
10. What year did Mattel release the Jack Rabbit Special?
A. 1962
B. 1968
C. 1969
D. 1970
11. Which automobile company did Harry Bradley work for before he joined Mattel?
A. GM
B. Ford
C. Hot Wheels
D. Chrysler
12. The Relic Hunter For Redline Prototypes is known as...
A. Indiana Harry
B. Indiana Jack
C. Indiana Jones
D. Indiana Bruce
13. What is the meaning of Stonehenge?
A. A place where many prehistoric Redline artifacts were discovered!
B. A social gathering 4000 years ago equivalent to todays' Starbucks!
C. A place where the electric current was discovered!
D. What does this have to do with this subject matter?
14. The Jack Rabbit Special was released in how many colors?
A. 16
B. 8
C. 4
D. 1
15. What redline featured in the Hot Wheels cartoon was released in 1971?
A. The Demon
B. Sand Crab
C. Jack Rabbit Special
D. Classic Cord
16. What is the meaning of this quiz?
A. I have no idea
B. To boldly go where no man has gone before
C. A course on how to make a proper espresso
D. To see who was paying attention in class
17. The Python was properly referred to as the __________ when it was released in 1962.
A. Cheetah
B. Tiger Shark
C. Harry Bradley Concept Car
D. Dream Rod
18. What was the secret code hidden on the Hybrid Mustang Prototype base?
A.IM
B.WI
C.IW
D. MI
19. What type of cutting-edgetechnologically advanced device did Mattel use to seal their Hybrid Prototype?
A. Vacuum sealed mechanism
B. NASA sealing apparatus invented by Jack Ryan
C. A prototype device that can’t be named
D. An ordinary flat head screw found at your local hardwarestore
20. The 1968 Hot Wheels® blistercard features a concept car designed by Harry Bradley. What did he call it?
A. The Otto (Because another Mattel artist known as Otto drew most of the early artwork graphics on packaging. Hence he was given credit for this as well).
B. The Harry (Harry Bradley`s first name to signify ownership of this concept automobile).
C. The Bentley (Harry Bradley`s middle name since he created this artwork).
D. Any Car (Since it had a Dodge Chargerfront end (that’s Chrysler), a Ford Galaxie/Mustang Coupe roof (that’s Ford),and a Buick Riviera bodyside (that’s GM)).
A brief segue into another topic...
Hot Wheels Trivia...
Does anyone here recall who wrote the lyrics to this song?
Name the artist who wrote the music?
What is the name of the band who performed this song?
What TV show did this song appear on?
Chorus
Hot Wheels, Hot Wheels,
Always racing, always chasing.
Hot Wheels, Hot Wheels,
Keep a-turning now, keep a-burning now, keep a-turnin' Hot Wheels!
Verse
Daytona, Indianapolis and Bonneville!
Dune buggies, keep a-climbin', up the sandy hill!
Chorus & End
Hot Wheels, Hot Wheels,
Keep a-turning now, keep a-burning now, keep a-turnin' Hot Wheels!
Anyone have the music to this catchy tune?
There were many Hot Wheels featured in this show. This one took me by surprise...
This appears to be a rendition of the Hot Heap. It's not exact but close enough to warrant my attention.
Does anyone here own this puzzle?
The real important question is... who's that hottie in the drivers seat?
Redlines!Fastest Metal Cars In The World!
Oh boy, I received an answer!
Yes, someone here owns the puzzle...
Image is courtesy of Matt hw68thru77