Buddy L Turbine Transport and Racer (1960s)

Digital image download of a Buddy L Turbine Transport and Racer (1960s).

2628 pixels wide, 300dpi. Image copyright Jim Bunte LLC.

Pressed-steel toys from all the major brands – Tonka, Buddy L and Nylint – got more “mod” in the late 1960s due to the influence of Mattel’s Hot Wheels line. Stylized interpretations of actual designs – in this case, the “forward control” look of Dodge, Ford Econoline and Jeep trucks of the period – were reflected in the updated looks. Everything began to get less realistic and more wildly accentuated, presaging the awful industrial design of the imminent 1970s. Even the graphics on this toy have the cringe-worthy “Laugh In” look.