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Hot Wheels Astro Funk

Today I opened a Mattel Hot Wheels Astro Funk.  Clearly inspired by show rods of the 60s and Ed "Big Daddy" Roth's Beatnik Bandit and Mysterion in particular.

1960 Beatnik Bandit

Mattel produced a Hot Wheels version in the late '60s.  I've read that Ed Roth was unhappy with the many colors the car came in, none of which were the real car's pearl white.

1968 Hot Wheels Beatnik Bandit

1963 Mysterion

The granddaddy of all bubble tops is considered to be Darryl Starbird's Predicta '56 Thunderbird.

1960 Predicta

It is interesting to note that the designer's rendering of the Astro Funk (below) rides much lower than the production version which reminds me of Johnny Lightning's awkward take of the Mysterion with its too high rear end stance.

Astro Funk artist's rendering

Johnny Lightning Mysterion

Contemporary cars paying homage to the same influences as the Astro Funk include Aaron Grote's Atomic Punk

2008 Atomic Punk

And Dave Shuten's AstroSled

AstroSled

 And the Roswell Rod by Fritz

For some cool reading you must get Ed 'Big Daddy' Roth: His Life, Times and Art (Cartech)

The Joy of Buying Collections

I recently purchased a childhood collection.

Although many people buy collections from other collectors I prefer buying from their original owners.  Knowing that these cars are all original and may have been sealed in their carrying cases for 30 plus years is very appealing.

As a fellow collector shared with me, "Having the privilege of being the second owner of a collection of Redlines is really exciting!"  Yes, indeed.

If you have a collection for sale please contact me htbomb@aol.com.

If you want to read up on the early years of Hot Wheels I suggest Hot Wheels Classic Redline Era as a starting point.

LEGO DC Super Heroes

LEGO has announced that they will bring LEGO SUPER HEROES featuring DC Comic characters to their 2012 lineup. 

I've been wanting the Batman figure released a number of years ago but now a hard to find collectible to display with my Hot Wheels Batmobiles.  Looks like I'll get my chance in January 2012!

If you prefer action figures you don't have to wait and I might suggest the DC Direct Batman: Arkham Asylum Series 1: Batman Action Figure.

Today I Opened My First Treasure Hunt

Today I did it:  I opened my first Treasure Hunt.  I've been collecting Hot Wheels and the limited edition Treasure Hunt series for over ten years but had yet to open one.

Well, today I did it.  I had two '71 Mustang Funny Cars and decided to open one.  It's a great looking casting and has a heavy diecast chassis, too.  Not to mention deep metallic green paint and cool retro graphics.  In true flopper fashion the body hinges up from the back just like real funny cars.  Tamp printed Goodyear graphics are a nice touch but the rear tires should have been bigger.

Until I get a chance to take my own pics here's a nice one borrowed from the web.

This blog is about a funny car and it's summertime so it must be time for Funny Car Summer a classic video for your entertainment pleasure.  Check it out.