Sand Crab
Years of Production:
1970 - 1971
Country of Origin:
US and Hong Kong
Casting Variations:
Hybrids of US and HK Parts
Interior Colors:
US
* Black Interior
* Clear Glass
HK
* White Interior
* Blue Glass
Paint Colors and Variations:
| Color | US | HK |
| Aqua | Rare |
Uncommon |
| Blue |
Common |
Hard to Find |
| Green |
Common |
Hardest |
| Light Green |
Common |
Uncommon |
| Lime |
Common |
- |
| Magenta |
Uncommon |
Hard to Find |
| Orange |
Rare |
- |
| Hot Pink |
Hard to Find | - |
| Salmon Pink |
Hard to Find | - |
| Red |
Common | - |
| Rose Red |
Uncommon | - |
| Yellow |
Common | - |
Other versions of same Casting:
* 1973 Dune Daddy *
* 1975 Flying Colors Dune Daddy *
Discussion:
The Sand Crab, designed by Tom Daniels, was released in 1970, one of two Tom Daniels designs made into Hot Wheels cars that year.
Tom Daniels Sand Crab Monogram Model Kit
Sand Crab
The two seater, rear engine, Sand Crab features a open cockpit with a clear plastic canopy over the seating.
All Sand Crab are shoed with medium-size cap-style wheels front and large capped wheels in the rear.
Although the Sand Crab was made in the USA and Hong Kong, the two versions of the body casting are indistinguishable.
US vs. HK Bases
The bases of the two versions differ only in the text.
Sand Crab : Front and Rear
The only detail paint on the Sand Crab is the tail lights. It is not uncommon for the plastic canopy to be missing either due to play wear or a factory error.
Sand Crab in Blue
The US version of the Sand Crab features clear windscreen glass and a black interior. The Hong Kong versions have blue-tinted windscreens and white interior.
Hybrids with US bases with Hong Kong bodies, glass and interiors are known but only in a few colors and they are quite rare.
All white interior Sand Crabs draw a premium price.
Sand Crab in Red
Sand Crab in Blister Pack
2009 Tom Daniels Autograph Sheet
Mattel owned Monogram Model Kits at the time. Capitalizing off of the connection six of Tom's designs were made into Hot Wheels cars.
Prototypes:
TBA
Reproductions
The Sand Crab was reproduced in 2007 by the Mattel "Redline Club". These are easily identified by the "China" country of origin on the base.
2007 Redline Club Sand Crab
| All |
1968 |
1969 |
1970 |
1971 |
1972 |
1973 |
1974 |
1975 |
1976 |
1977 |
| Customs | |
Gran Prix | |
Heavyweights | |
Spoilers | |
Super Chromes | |
Alternate Colors | |
CIPSA | |
Home |
* DISCLAIMER *
Private use of original images is allowed.
Non-profit, non-commercial publication of original images is allowed only with prior expressed written consent from Graymatters.
For other commercial, for-profit or redistribution needs, please contact the site owner. This site is not affiliated with Mattel, Inc.
Questions? ... Send me an e-mail: tngray@nautiloid.net
© 2012 by Graymatters. All Rights Reserved.