By Jim Brennan
Aurora Plastics was known for their model kits of aircraft, cars, and action figures, while offering a very successful line of H.O Scale Slot Car Racing Sets. However, in 1971 or 1972 they introduced a group of toys called the Imposters (Sp). Thanks to a tip to Hoooniverse Central, anyone who grew up in the late 60’s or early 70’s can relive their childhood.
We received the lead image from Brian (Thanks Man!) which looks like an ad from a vintage magazine. In Brian’s own words:
Thought this might interest you. It’s an ad from the early 70’s for a pre-transformers car. It transforms from a regular car to a speedy hot rod….apparently by growing longer and exposing the engine. Didn’t realize that’s all you needed to make your car go super fast. Notice the “more than meets the eye” tagline too. I’m glad I was an 80’s kid.
Knowing about this piece of childhood history made us look a little deeper into the darkest depths of the web, trying to find out more – well, not really, but it makes for a good story, even if it is bullsh*t – and look what Tom (turb0dizzle) found lurking within You Tube:
The question is this: Would you have wanted one when you were young? Do you want one of these now? Am I just asking the wrong questions? Discuss now.
Kamil Kaluski
Whoah cool! I had forgotten all about those! I had the bug as a kid. Seems goofy now, but at the time they were a pretty awesome. Soon after came die-casts with actual license plates and the ever-cool Stompers. Transformers were cool at changing, but they made lousy cars and mediocre robots.
Toys sure have come a long way. And yet at the same time, they seem to have lost a certain something…
The original Optimus Prime was a nice enough truck, and a decent robot. And easy to transform. On the other hand the one they brought out for the movie is a plasticy truck and over styled robot, which is impossible to transform in under 10 minutes.
As cool as the toys were, I think the commercials were even cooler! For example, check out these two young Giants fans:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlLDTtxCeGg
"Lookit da box!"
I have the rice boy versions of these. They went from rice, to super rice with weapons.
I definitely want one now. I am in the process of renovating my house, and am putting down hardwood in place of most of the carpet so that I… er my kids… have more room to play cars.
Not that it requires any justification, but now I have a clearer understanding of this DKW: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnL_0DF2-Uo
I want one posing as a Cavalier.
The blue '40 Willys in the bottom of the final shot. I want that one.
Pass. I mean, I only need my Hot Wheels to look fast on my desk. If they transform, my coworkers would just break them. Goddamn coworkers.
I have the yellow Beetle on my desk at work.http://twitpic.com/1ix94i
Do you normally post pictures of hair care products on the internet? Is that part of your job description at Automobile and The Guy Who's Behind the Wheel or something?
I have one for sale 1972 aurora volkswagon imposter minus the driver //offers
100.00 if it works. Let me know.
John
I have 2 in working order a yellow vw and a blue pinto with purple winding keys but 300.00 for both–call me 703-470-0004
I had one when i was a kid, Took it to school and the teacher took it away and I never got it back.
I'd love to have it back.