Swingin' Wing (1970)
 


The Swingin' Wing was one of several concept cars that Ira Gilford designed for Mattel.  The 1971 International Collector's catalog calls them a "one-of-a-kind SHOW & GO special"!

Although the Swingin' Wing was not based upon a real car, the large wing mounted behind the twin cockpit is reminiscent of the late '60s racing scene when large rear stabilizers or "spoilers" were popular
on racing cars. The spoilers were adjustable and provided downforce that helped keep the car on the pavement at high speed.  Consistent with the real deal, the center portion of the wing on this concept car was moveable and could be fixed in any position.  Accordingly, the German Hot Wheels catalogues referred to the Swingin' Wing as the "Air Foil"!

Besides the plastic wing and twin cockpits, another interesting feature of the Swingin' Wing is the retractable engine and exhaust pipes.  As can be seen in the photograph below, pulling on the exhaust pipes allows the engine to be viewed.




As with many of the 1970 cars, the Swingin´ Wing was manufactured in both the US and HK. There are only slight differences between the two versions.  All US cars have clear glass and a white interior; HK cars have blue-tinted glass and dark interiors.  HK cars are somewhat less common.


A rainbow of Swingin' Wings!  HK cars are in the front row, US cars are in the rear.

Swingin' Wings were produced in various Spectraflame colors. All cars came with capped wheels, large on the rear, axle and mediums on front. The front axle is not as wide as the rear axle.

Swingin' Wings all came with a metal collector's button which was made in HK.




The Swingin' Wing was in the product line in 1970 and 1971.  The casting reappeared in 1973 as part of a special promotion for the Shell Oil Company with significant casting differences.

'73 Swingin´ Wing Shell promo


Color chart

US COLORS:
COMMENTS:
blue
common
light green
common
magenta common
red common
yellow common
rose uncommon
hot pink
hard to find
salmon
hard to find
aqua
very hard to find
green
very hard to find
purple
rare
HK COLORS:
COMMENTS:
magenta
common
aqua
uncommon
green
uncommon
light green
uncommon
red
hard to find
yellow
hard to find
blue
rare



A brass prototype Swingin' Wing!  (Courtesy of Bob Rosas)


A green US Swingin' Wing in the blister pack.


A light green HK Swingin' Wing in a German Heisse Raeder blister pack!





Photo & info credits: Werner Heidecke





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.