Playmates TMNT Party Wagon

One of the most remarkable vehicular action figures hailing from an iconic 1980s Playmates TMNT toy line holds a special place in my affections – the TMNT Party Wagon.

Now, it is worth acknowledging that this creation made its debut in 1989, skirting the precipice of the 80s; however, the TMNT Playmates line, in my humble opinion, epitomized the perfect transition from one decade to the next. This line not only astounded enthusiasts upon its initial release but steadfastly maintained its allure even amidst the tumultuous sea of subsequent toy releases. The Party Wagon, a steadfast companion throughout this journey, deserves particular recognition.

The Party Wagon arrived replete with distinctive features, including turtle shell hubcaps and racing radial tires, an impervious armored windshield visor, dual CB antenna machine guns, a spring-loaded foot tenderizer equipped to hold one of the beloved turtle figures, and a street-level bomb slide with a stink bomb and laughing gas bomb – all meticulously mirroring the arsenal showcased in the 1987 TV series. With a capacity to accommodate approximately 5-6 figures, including two on the front bench, it served as the quintessential mode of transport for our beloved turtle team while also doubling as an ingenious storage solution for figures.

Of notable ingenuity, the wagon's roof cleverly hinged upward, activating the spring-loaded door and bomb launcher with a single fluid motion. I recently acquired one of these relics at a reasonable cost, albeit not in pristine condition. The only missing components are the radar guns, the laughing gas bomb, and the windshield visor, all of which I am actively scouring the web to procure. I am elated to report that the stickers, plastic elements, and door springs remain impeccably intact, a testament to Playmates' commitment to durability.

All in all, I unequivocally bestow a perfect rating of 10 out of 10 pizza slices upon this vehicle. Its return to my collection, alongside a plethora of other cherished figures, has rekindled my delight.

While originally launched in 1989, it is noteworthy that the Party Wagon experienced reissues in 2009 as part of the 25th Anniversary toy line and once more in 2013 as a cherished piece within the Classic Collection.