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First-Ever Prototype?---This resin model is an example of how the VW Bus might have been issued...had it not been totally revamped! Notice the Star Pro Circuit wheels that were being utilized at the time. | |||
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Original VW Bus Mold---In a rare shot of a raw bus, you can see how the process begins. The present owner advises that he received these from an employee in the Malaysia plant. This is where it all begins! | |||
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Prototype Bus---Stage 2! This is a pic of a possible prototype or pre-production VW Bus. The present owner has assured me of its authenticity. Without the paint on the metal, you can see quite a few more details (and casting flaws!) then you would with the finished product. Now, it's ready for painting. | |||
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1996 First Editions---Collectors were scouring the pegs to find this one. Estimated run is rumored to be around 100K. It was immediately selling for $10.00 and up upon release, and was one of the catalysts that re-ignited the Hot Wheels phenomenon in 1996! Reissued in this paint scheme in the 30th Anniversary Series in 1998 (look for the 30th logo tampo), and the Hill's 1996 Year in Review set. | 30th Ann. |
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1996 Mattel Employee Christmas Bus---Given only to Mattel Employees in December of 1996, this one is rumored to be very limited at around 1,500. Other than the Santa tampos, there are no other details. There is a major concern with this issue, in that it was very easy to duplicate. One small way to authenticate it is by looking for a green roll cage. | |||
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All Tune & Lube (1997)---The first promotional release of the VW Bus! The sporty flames on the sides made this one a big hit, since there were many collectors who never attained the '96 FE Bus. Oddly, the AT&L name does not appear anywhere on the blister card, or the bus itself. Great details on the front end, with painted lights and VW Symbol. Tail lights are in red. (This is technically a Liberty Promotions issued-bus) | |||
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J.C. Whitney (1997)---This bus had a limited run of 10K. For the longest time, it was the most limited Bus available to collectors, but has since been surpassed by several HotWheelsCollectors.com releases, with runs of 10K or less. Still difficult to find one today. | |||
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Custom Car Designer Bus (1997)---This one created quite a stir when it was issued! It marked the first time the bus was again available at a retail level! The run number is undetermined, but this one is definitely NOT considered rare. Issued with no tampos, with the concept that you could use the software to print up your own decals. Ironically, this one could be hard to find someday, since many thousands of them likely met their demise to customizers everywhere! You never know. | |||
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Internet I Bus (1997)---The first offering by Mattel via online exclusive. Rumored to be limited to a run of 10K, but this has been difficult to confirm. It is comparable in value to the J.C. Whitney bus, and can be fairly difficult to obtain. Great details, with all lights painted. Issued in a baggie, and not a blister card. | |||
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Jiffy Lube Bus (1998)---Sharp bus with racing tampos. The bus does not have the Jiffy Lube name on it anywhere, but there is a JL sticker on the blister card. The lights are all detailed on this model, which makes them stand out very well on the yellow paint. Limited to a run of 50K. Take a close look at the black Hot Wheels emblem on the side of this bus; curiously, it says "Hot Whee" instead. It appears that this went uncorrected for the entire run. (This is technically a Liberty Promotions issued-bus) | |||
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Van de Kamps Bus (1998)---It took me awhile to actually like this one, with its daring bright green paint scheme, but it's turned into one of my favorites. This one was a mail-in offer by VDK. It was limited to a run of 50K. You had to eat a TON of fish sticks to get this one! All lights are detailed, except for the signal lights on the front. The VW symbol was left unpainted. | |||
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Blue Angels Bus (1998)---This bus was the first of what was to be 4 military-themed buses marketed by M&D Toys. The blister card is one of my favorites, with a vibrant color photo of F-18 Hornets. Limited to a run of 20K, this issue was a tribute to the outstanding Navy flight team. The signal and headlights are painted silver, while the tail lights are in red. The VW symbol was left unpainted. | |||
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Thunderbirds Bus (1998)---The second military-based theme to be issued. Marketed by M&D toys, this bus is limited to a run of 30K. Tampos are based on the Air Force's Thunderbirds flight team. Another very attractive blister card, with 4 F-16 Falcons on the front. Headlights and signal lights are painted silver, while the VW symbol was left unpainted. | |||
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Navy SEALs Bus (1999)---The third military-based theme to be issued. Marketed by M&D Toys, this bus is limited to a run of 30K. Tampos are based on the Navy's elite SEAL team. Great aquamarine color makes this one stand out. The headlights and signal lights are painted silver, while the VW symbol was left unpainted. | |||
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Golden Knights Bus (1999)---The fourth and final military-based theme to be issued. Marketed by M&D Toys, this bus is limited to a run of 30K. Nicely detailed, with all lights painted. Curiously, this issue marked 3 of 4 branches of the military being honored, however, the Marine Corps was never recognized for whatever reason. | |||
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Internet II Bus (1999)---The second online exclusive offered at Mattel's website. Rumored to be even more limited than the first issue, at around 7K, but this has yet to be confirmed. Same details as the Internet I bus, but in a blue paint scheme. Issued in a baggie, along with a set of Revealers. | |||
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Internet III Bus (1999)---The third Internet exclusive from Mattel, but with a completely different look. Limited to a run of 25K. This one took the longest to sell, finally being depleted in 2002 in a factory clearance. This one was accompanied by a very cool gold Sojourner Mars Rover. All lights were detailed. Issued in a baggie, and not a blister card. | |||
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Malleco Tower Cranes Bus (1999)---Also referred to as the "High Rise Express." Issued with some controversy on the actual run numbers. It was first rumored that only 8K were issued to the public, but many more have since surfaced, making it difficult to accurately annotate the true number. This one is a great one to have, though, with the deep burgundy paint, and good detailing throughout. First bus to use gold 5-spoke wheels, and not the traditional silver wheels. | |||
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Collectors Guide Bus (1999)---The second VW Bus to be offered with Mattel software. Issued in celebration of the 30th Anniversary, this CD-ROM fared much better than the first one, with its vast collector resources and pictures. The paint job is a reproduction Spectraflame Magenta. The bus itself is very attractive, and it was the first to use any kind of Redline tires. Unknown run number, but this one is not considered rare in any way. | |||
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Mattel Vendors Operations Asia Bus (1999)---One of the rarer VW Buses ever made. This one is rumored to be limited to around 100, worldwide. It was issued in an acrylic plastic case with a green felt bottom. The MVOA bus displays incredibly well, and is the envy of Bus collectors everywhere. There are no tampos on this model; all emblems are actually water slide decals. These rarely appear on Ebay, so it will be a truly difficult addition to your collection. |
