Beach Bomb bus on Antiques Roadshow
You've probably seen the story before but the old Beach Bomb bus was on Antique Roadshow and valued at $150k...not bad.
I've heard of this legend before but didn't know quite as many details as are talked about in the video. The guy that owns the car is the son of an old Mattel employee that had access to the Beach Bomb prototypes. Very cool to see and hear some of the legend. Sweet Mattel business card too...
And every time I see or read about anything like this, I always go home and dig through my stash with a price guide, just in case...you never know...
https://icdn-2.motor1.com/images/mgl/JQKM4/s3/hot-wheels-beach-bomb.jpg
Discussion
After hearing the story, it was fun to think about the quality control that goes (went) into the cars. I mean, here's a toy car that sells for a $1 or less, and they put all this research into it. Let alone scrapping a batch that was already produced.
If I had to guess, this type of situation birthed the "Some cars not meant for some sets" disclaimer so they could get around some of the expense. I'm sure Mattel still has some great QC on their toys and cars but probably not what it used to be.
- LOL @ great quality control. What is quality control nowdays? Mattel abandoned that idea years ago. — KandORacing
Must be a prototype, as the casting that was mass produced stored the surfboards on the sides of the bus. I get outbid every time I go after one of these.....would go higher....but that would not sit well with The Lady of Speed.