For those of us who, in early 1967, could do no better than push our diecast cars along the floor…the thought of running a loop was inconceivable. But the release of the 1968 Hot Wheels lineup changed everything. When Hot Wheels arrived on the scene, our days of “pushing” were over.
The Daredevil Loop was mind blowing.
Box art – front.
It was hard to imagine that this was possible.
Box art – front. Close-up.
We would stare at the back of the box in disbelief. But there it was, a picture of a kid setting off a car that would run the track…including the loop…all by itself. Simply amazing!
Box art – back.
Right off the bat, the loops came in sets. 1968 saw the Stunt Action Set. A single lane track with one loop.
Box art – side. Courtesy eBay.
The following year brought the 1969 Double-Dare Race Action Set. A dual-lane track with one loop in each lane.
A complete Double-Dare Race Action Set. Courtesy eBay.
Over the years loops have become a staple in Hot Wheels’ offerings.
Single-lane Loop & Chute set. Courtesy eBay.
Snake Mountain Challenge. Courtesy eBay.
Loop & Launch Mega Pak. Courtesy eBay.
Mongoose & Snake Drag Race Set.
Loop & Splash Set. Courtesy eBay.
But it did not stop there. Ultimately, we saw the Double Loop Launch Set with 2 loops, back to back, in a single lane.
And then there was the Thrill Drivers Corkskrew Set. A dual-lane drag set with 2 loops in each lane.
Without question, Mattel’s Hot Wheels is king of the loops. At least that’s what I thought until I saw this on eBay recently.
A single lane triple loop track from 1970 by Johnny Lightning. The Ricochet series involves tracks where the cars are launched in one direction and then returned in the opposite direction by a second launcher at the other end.
The other thing that caught my eye is the caption, “Beats them all”! Can a Hot Wheels car do a triple loop? Time to find out.
So there you have it. The 1968 Hot Wheels Daredevil Loop accessory. The beginning of fast moving diecast cars that could do anything.
And it’s still fast. Still fun.
Box art – end
Box art – side.
Accessory Paks from the 1969 Hot Wheels Collectors’ Catalogue.
Wallpaper from the Hot Wheels collectors.com website. Copyright Mattel, Inc.
Poster for Thrill Drivers Corkscrew Set. Courtesy eBay.
Box art – side. Thrill Drivers Corkscrew Race Set. Courtesy eBay.
Box art – back. Thrill Drivers Corkscrew Set. Courtesy eBay.
