In 1994, Hot Wheels released a series of eight cars, known as the Vintage Series. Each of these cars was a retooling of a popular car previously released in the company’s early years, and served as a continuation of Hot Wheels’ 25 anniversary celebration.
Today, we look at the Red Baron:
The Red Baron was originally part of the 1970 Hot Wheels releases. However, its history can be traced back two years early to 1968, and to a couple of slightly unlikely (and possibly unconfirmed) sources.
This famous Hot Wheels casting can trace its roots back to a 1968 Monogram model kit, also called the Red Baron. Likely starting out as a T-bucket, the car was modified with a WWI motif complete with a WWI German infantry helmet, an Iron Cross grille, and dual machine guns. Mattel purchased Monogram 1968, making them a potential idea source for the then newly introduced Hot Wheels line. However, Monogram had to get the idea for the Red Baron from somewhere, and that’s where things get a little fuzzy.
Peanuts was a comic strip that was started during the early 1950s. Though it had a great long run, the 1960s are often considered the famous comic strip’s golden years. Several famous characters and themes made their debut. The most relevant to this discussion, however, was the introduction of Snoopy as the “World War One Flying Ace”.
Snoopy would often get into imaginary “dog fights” with an always unseen Red Baron. As I remember, quite often Snoopy was not too successful. However, I cannot recall a single person who did not root for the brave beagle and his doghouse. However, now we may know why he wasn’t that successful. A doghouse versus a souped up T-bucket...hmm...
It’s hard to say whether this truly is the origin of this famous Hot Wheels casting...
...but, it makes for an interesting story regardless.
