Thirty-three new vehicles were introduced. These included Sky Show Fleetside, which was only available in a race set. This was the first year Mattel produced a model exclusively for a race set. Mattel also introduced Spoilers, Heavyweights, and Club Kit cars. Spoilers were souped-up cars with large exposed engines plus front and rear spoilers. They came in their own special blistercard. Heavyweights were futuristic trucks. They were all designed by Ira Gilford and came with wraparound windshields. Some were issued in a two-part cab and trailer combination, a first for Hot Wheels. The series was issued on three different blistercards: one pictured the Fire Engine, another the Cement Mixer, and the third showed the Tow Truck.
Club Kit models included three different Spoiler cars: Boss Hoss, King ’Kuda, and Heavy Chevy. They were all issued in chrome and only sold as part of the Hot Wheels® Club Kit, never in blisterpack. These kits were originally sold exclusively through the mail, but later they could be found in stores. The Club Kit box measures 11″ by 5-1/2″ by 2-1/4″.
This year Mattel sponsored two race cars, “The Snake,” driven by Don Prudhomme, and “The Mongoose,” driven by Tom McEwen. They were also part of the 1970 line and had their own blistercards picturing both the cars and their drivers. Some 1970 vehicles were again made in both the USA and Hong Kong, although most were made in only one country.
Ambulance – 75mm – 1970–1972 (Heavyweights)
This Hong Kong-made concept model has a cab designed by Ira Gilford, metal base, white plastic body with a raised red cross, clear blue emergency light on top, opening rear door, blue windows, plastic interior (assorted colors), and rsw.
Note: This casting was re-tooled in 2011.
Boss Hoss – 72mm – 1970–1971
This customized Ford Mustang Boss 302 has a metal base, blue windows, louvered rear window, brown plastic interior, two black stripes on top, rsw, and was made in Hong Kong. This was one of three models given away with the Hot Wheels Club Kit.
Note: The complete Club Kit is very tough to find and is getting quite expensive. The Kit has to be opened to see which car it contains. Unlike other Club Kit cars, Boss Hoss was issued a year earlier than the regular line car.
Note: This is one of three models given away with the Hot Wheels Club Kit with a chrome finish, two black stripes on top with assorted plastic interior.
Similar castings: Mustang Stocker (1975)
Carabo – 72mm – 1970–1971
This “gull wing” sports car is based on the Carabo show car. It has a black metal base, “gull wing” opening doors, plastic interior (assorted colors), and rsw. The Hong Kong version has blue windows and the rear panel is shinier, has deeper embossing and is larger than the USA version which has clear windows.
Similar casting: Carabo (1974, enamel colors)
Cement Mixer – 85mm – 1970–1972 (Heavyweights)
This concept model was designed by Ira Gilford. It has a metal base, brown or orange plastic truck bed, rotating orange plastic barrel with red Hot Wheels logo decal and “Cement Co.” in black on the barrel, blue windows, plastic interior (assorted colors), rsw, and was made in Hong Kong.
Note: This casting was re-tooled in 2010.
Classic Nomad – 70mm – 1970-1971
This 1955 Chevrolet Nomad station wagon has a metal base, lift-up hood with a metal engine, clear windows and sun roof, white plastic interior, and rsw. Made in the USA.
Similar castings: Alive ’55 (1973), Classic Nomad (1993), ’55 Nomad (1991)
Demon, The – 75mm – 1970–1971
Based on the “Lil’ Coffin” show car, this model has a metal base, black roof, blue windows, plastic interior (black or white), rsw, and was made in Hong Kong.
Note: The Demon with a white interior is difficult to find and worth about twice as much as the dark interior version.
Similar castings: Prowler (1973), The Demon (1993)
Dump Truck – 98mm – 1970–1972 (Heavyweights)
This concept model was designed by Ira Gilford. It has a metal base, brown or orange plastic truck bed with an orange or yellow lift-up plastic dumper, blue windows, plastic interior (assorted colors), rsw and was made in Hong Kong.
Ferrari 312P – 70mm – 1970–1971 (Grand Prix)
This race car model has a metal base, exposed metal engine, lift-up back, black rear panel, red taillights, windshield, plastic interior (assorted colors), and rsw. The Hong Kong version has a blue windshield, protruding outlines of doors, lights, etc. and a shiny black rear panel. The USA version has a clear windshield, recessed outlines of doors, lights, etc., and a dull black rear panel.
Note: A metallic red Ferrari 312P has been found and is believed to be a prototype.
Similar casting: Ferrari 312P (1973)
Fire Chief Cruiser – 77mm – 1970–71
This USA made Plymouth Fury fire chief car has a metal base, “Chief” and a shield on the sides, blue transparent light on top, clear windows, white plastic interior, and rsw.
Similar casting: Custom Police Cruiser (1969)
Fire Engine – 100mm – 1970–1972 (Heavyweights)
Designed by Ira Gilford, this Hong Kong-made concept model comes with a cab, detachable trailer, and rsw. The cab has a metal base, blue windshield and plastic interior (white or black). The trailer is red plastic with white hoses and has “Fire Dept.” and a shield in white on the side and a removable black ladder.
Heavy Chevy – 70mm – 1970–71 (Spoilers)
Based on the Chevrolet Camaro, this Hong Kong-made model has a metal base, exposed metal engine, stickers with numbers on the sides, two white stripes on top, blue windows, plastic interior (assorted colors), and rsw.
Similar castings: Heavy Chevy (1974)
Note: This is one of three models given away with the Hot Wheels Club Kit with a chrome finish, two black stripes on top with assorted plastic interior.
Jack “Rabbit” Special – 65mm – 1970–71
This convertible concept car has a metal base, opening trunk, light blue stripe down the middle, clear windshield, plastic interior (black or white), and rsw. Hong Kong has a blue windshield.
Note: This model was “Bunny Car” in the cartoon series. Also, the Jack-in-the-Box decal sheet has been reproduced.
Similar casting: Sand Witch (1973)
King ’Kuda – 75mm – 1970–71 (Spoilers)
Based on a Plymouth Barracuda as customized and re-proportioned by Ira Gilford, this model has a metal base, exposed metal engine, stickers with numbers on the sides, a sticker with two white stripes on the back, blue windows, plastic interior (assorted colors), rsw, and was made in Hong Kong. Gold and yellow versions of this car have been found as prototypes only.
Note: This is one of three models given away with the Hot Wheels Club Kit with a chrome finish, two black stripes on top and a brown or white plastic interior.
Light My Firebird – 75mm – 1970–1971 (Spoilers)
This Hong Kong made model is based on a Pontiac Firebird convertible as customized and re-proportioned by Ira Gilford. It has a metal base, exposed metal engine, stickers with numbers on the sides, blue windshield, plastic interior (assorted colors), and rsw.
Mantis – 75mm – 1970–1971
This concept car was designed by Ira Gilford and Howard Rees. It has a metal base, exposed metal engine, two plastic opening canopies, plastic interior (assorted colors), and rsw. The Hong Kong version has a smaller nose wrapping down the sides of the base and a shorter steering rod. The USA version’s body doesn’t extend over the sides but stops at the base.
Similar castings: Double Vision (1973), Speed Seeker (1984)
Mighty Maverick – 70mm – 1970–71
This model is based on the Ford Maverick as customized and re-proportioned by Howard Rees. It has a metal base, lift-up hood to reveal a metal engine, black plastic rear spoiler, a white or black stripe on the roof, windows, plastic interior (assorted colors), and rsw. The Hong Kong version has a thin stripe on the roof, unpainted headlights, and the top rear sides of the base by the taillights extend upward. The USA version has a thick stripe on the roof, black headlights, and the top of the rear base is straight. This casting was re-tooled in 2003 for re-issue in 2004.
Note: The black-striped version is much tougher to find and worth about twice as much as the white-striped version.
Similar castings: Street Snorter (1973), Mighty Maverick (1975)
Mod Quad – 80mm – 1970–1971
Designed by Howard Rees, this concept model has a metal base, four exposed unpainted metal engines (two in front and two in back), a hinged opening plastic canopy, plastic interior (assorted colors), and rsw. The Hong Kong version has a blue-tinted canopy. The USA version has a clear canopy with a molded circle.
Mongoose – 80mm – 1970
Based on Tom (The Mongoose) McEwen’s Plymouth Duster funny car, this model has a metal base, black plastic interior, blue window, rsw, and white stickers with red, blue, yellow, and orange colors. The side stickers have the Hot Wheels logo, a mongoose, and “Tom (The Mongoose) McEwen.” The top has a blue stripe with yellow stars, “Plymouth” twice and “Enjoy Coca Cola” twice. There is no major difference between the Hong Kong and USA versions.
Note: The Mongoose had its own blistercard.
Similar castings: Mongoose 2 (1971), Snake (1973), Mongoose (1994)
Moving Van – 95mm – 1970–1972 (Heavyweights)
A concept model with a detachable cab, designed by Ira Gilford. It has a metal base, gray or white plastic trailer with the Hot Wheels logo and “Van Lines” in turquoise on a gold rectangle on the sides, opening gold plastic rear trailer doors, no tampo on the cab, plastic interior (assorted colors), rsw, and was made in Hong Kong.
Nitty Gritty Kitty™ – 73mm – 1970–1971 (Spoilers)
Based on a Mercury Cougar as customized and reproportioned by Ira Gilford, this Hong Kong-made model has a metal base, exposed metal engine, blue windows, two white stripes on top, plastic interior (assorted colors), and rsw.
Paddy Wagon – 64mm – 1970–1979
This model is based on the show car designed by Tom Daniel for Monogram. It has a metal base, exposed metal engine, clear windows, dark blue plastic top with “3” and “Police” imprinted on the sides of the top, brown metal interior, rsw, and was made in the USA.
Similar castings: Paddy Wagon (1973), Paddy Wagon (1993)
Peepin’ Bomb – 75mm – 1970–1971
This convertible concept car was designed by Howard Rees. It has a metal base, exposed metal engine, clear windshield, plastic interior (assorted colors) with a lever that raises and lowers the headlight covers, rsw, and was made in the USA. It has been found with a Hong Kong base which is worth about twice the value of USA models.
Similar casting: Peeping Bomb (1973 Shell Promo)
Porsche 917 – 68mm – 1970–1971 (Grand Prix)
This race-car model has a metal base, opening rear-engine cowling with window showing a metal engine, windows, plastic interior (assorted colors), and rsw. The Hong Kong version has blue windows, a thinner rectangle on the front fenders, larger headlights, shorter side pipes, and a shorter rear engine cover. The USA version has clear windows.
Similar casting: Porsche 917 (1973)
Power Pad – 73mm – 1970–1971
This USA-made model is based on a customized pickup truck with a white plastic camper shell. Designed by Ira Gilford, it also has a metal base, exposed metal engine, clear windows, black plastic interior, and rsw.
Note: Originally called Dream Camper, the name was changed before production began.
Red Baron – 55mm – 1970–1979
This concept model was originally designed by Tom Daniel for Monogram. It has a metal base, exposed metal engine, unpainted metal helmet with a black iron cross on the side and sharp point on top, plastic interior, rsw, and was made in Hong Kong.
Similar castings: Red Baron (1973), Red Baron (1993)
Note: The white interior version is very rare and has not been seen in blisterpack. Tom Daniels worked for Monogram plastic models which was owned by Mattel at the time. Later a full-size, working show-car version was built.
Sand Crab – 60mm – 1970–1971
This concept model was originally designed by Tom Daniel for Monogram. It has a metal base, clear windshield, and sun roof, plastic interior, rsw and was made in the USA. It also came with a US base but is believed to have been produced in Hong Kong. This comes with white interior and blue tinted windshield and sunroof. Most of these models have been found in Canada.This casting was re-tooled in 2007.
Similar casting: Dune Daddy with no sun roof 1973/1974
Seasider – 81mm – 1970–1971
This USA made model is based on a customized Chevrolet Fleetside pickup. Designed by Howard Rees, it has a metal base, exposed metal engine, clear windshield, black plastic interior, detachable plastic boat (either red over white or white over red) in the bed, and rsw.
Note: The plastic boat has been reproduced.
Sky Show Deora – 70mm – 1970
This is the 1968 Deora with a red plastic ramp. It was only available in the Sky Show set.
Sky Show Fleetside – 78mm – 1970–71
This USA-made model is based on a customized Chevy pickup. Designed by Harry Bradley and Howard Rees, it has a metal base, a black and white sticker on the sides with “Sky Show” in blue, clear windows, plastic interior, a red plane ramp in the bed, and rsw. This model was only available in the Sky Show or Flying Circus sets. The second price is for a mint set. There are three planes in the set in blue, yellow and light green, worth $35.00 each in mint condition.
Note: Ramp and stickers have been reproduced.
Note: This casting was re-tooled in ???????????????
Snake – 75mm – 1970
Based on Don “The Snake” Prudhomme’s Plymouth Barracuda funny car, this model has a metal base, black plastic interior, blue windows, rsw, white stickers with red, blue, yellow and orange colors and side stickers with the Hot Wheels logo, a snake and “Don (The Snake) Prudhomme.” The top has a blue stripe with yellow stars, “Plymouth” twice and “Enjoy Coca Cola” twice. The Hong Kong version has blue windows. The USA version has clear windows.
Note: The Snake had its own blistercard.
Similar castings: Snake 2 (1971), Snake (1974), The Mongoose (1974), Top Eliminator (1974), Snake (1993), ’70 Plymouth Barracuda Funny Car (1997)
Swingin’ Wing – 83mm – 1970–1971
Designed by Ira Gilford, this concept car features a metal base, windows, plastic interior (assorted colors), rsw, and large white plastic flexible wing in back. The Hong Kong version has blue windows, a black interior, and slightly larger headlights. The USA version has clear windows and a light interior.
Similar casting: Swingin’ Wing (1973 Shell Promo, no wing)
Note: The Hong Kong black interior version is much harder to find and worth about twice the price of the USA version.
TNT-Bird – 80mm – 1970–71 (Spoilers)
This model is based on a 1968 Ford Thunderbird as customized and reproportioned by Ira Gilford. It has a metal base, exposed metal engine, stickers with numbers on the sides, a black roof with a white stripe, blue windows, plastic interior (assorted colors), rsw, and was made in Hong Kong.
Note: This casting was re-tooled in 2006.
Tow Truck – 74mm – 1970–1972 (Heavyweights)
Designed by Ira Gilford, this Hong Kong made concept model has a metal base with yellow plastic bed and cowling around the bed, white plastic tow bar and metal towing hook, decal with a black Hot Wheels logo and “Tow Service” on the cowling sides, blue windows, plastic interior (assorted colors), and rsw.
Note: This casting was re-tooled in 2004.
Tri Baby – 72mm – 1970–1971
This concept car was designed by Larry Wood, his first for Mattel. It has a metal base, swing-up rear engine cover, windows, plastic interior (assorted colors), and rsw. The Hong Kong version has the rear engine cover sitting directly on the base, blue windows, and a dark interior. The USA version has the rear engine cover sitting on part of the body, clear windows, and a light interior.
Similar casting: Buzz Off (1973, 1974)
Whip Creamer® – 79mm – 1970–1971
This concept car was designed by Paul Tam. It has a metal base, sliding plastic canopy, orange plastic turbine that spins when blown upon, plastic interior (assorted colors), and rsw. The Hong Kong version has a blue-tinted plastic canopy. The USA version has a clear plastic canopy.
Similar casting: Whip Creamer (1994)
Note: The white interior version is extremely hard to find and worth about twice the price of the black interior version.