Mantis
Years of Production:
1970 - 1971
Country of Origin:
US and Hong Kong
Casting Variations:
US vs. Hong Kong Differences
Interior and Glass Colors:
US
* White Interior
* Clear Glass
HK
Brown or White Interior
Blue Glass
Paint Colors and Variations:
| Color | US | HK |
| Aqua | Uncommon |
Uncommon |
| Blue |
- |
Common |
| Copper |
- |
Hard to Find |
| Green |
Common |
Common |
| Light Green |
Common |
Common |
| Lime |
Common |
- |
| Magenta |
Uncommon |
- |
| Olive |
- |
Uncommon |
| Orange |
- |
Uncommon |
| Hot Pink |
Hard to Find | Hard to Find |
| Salmon Pink |
Hard to Find | - |
| Purple |
Hard to Find | Hard to Find |
| Red |
Common | Common |
| Rose Red |
Common | - |
| Yellow |
Uncommon | Uncommon |
Other versions of same Casting:
1972 CIPSA Mantis
1973 Double Vision
Discussion:
The Mantis, designed by Ira Gilford and Howard Rees, was released in 1970 continuing the tradition of "in-house" designed concept cars started in 1969.
Mantis
The rear engine, two seater Mantis features a bubbly opening cockpit cover in front of the massive exhaust pipes protruding
through the rear of the car. All Mantis' are shoed with medium-size cap-style wheels front and large capped wheels in the rear.
Mantis : US(R) vs. Hong Kong(L)
Although quite similar, there are notable body casting differences between the US and Hong Kong versions of the Mantis, in particular around the nose of the car. On the
US model, the base and body are split up to the nose. Whereas, the Hong Kong version has the body casting extending downward, meeting the base at the bottom of the car.
Mantis : Front and Rear
Neither the US or Hong Kong versions have any detail paint on the front or rear of the car.
Mantis : US vs. Hong Kong Interiors
The US-made Mantis feature clear windscreen glass and an off white interior. HK Mantis have blue-tinted windscreens and brown or, the less
common white interiors. The steering mechanism and other fine details of the interior differ from the US vs. the Hong Kong versions.
US vs. HK Base
Along with the obvious text differences, the bases also differ where the body meets base, forward of the front wheels.
US Mantis in Green
HK Mantis in Olive with Metal Button
US Mantis in Blister Pack
Mantis Rainbow
Photo Courtesy of Scott Colao
Greedo's favorite Hot Wheels casting is the Mantis
Photos and info credits: Ted Gray
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1969 |
1970 |
1971 |
1972 |
1973 |
1974 |
1975 |
1976 |
1977 |
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