Hot Wheels Redline Sweet 16 Magenta Beatnik Bandit w/ Button Spectraflame White Interior US 6217

US Spectraflame Magenta version with the white interior and clear glass.

Please see photos for condition.

#6217

Needs to be taken to an alignment shop as all 4 wheels are toed in.

Unrestored original car.

Years of Production  1968-1970

Country of Origin  US and HK
Interior Colors: 
Interior Colors: White, Tan, Brown, Grey and Black
US - Clear Glass Dome
HK - Blue Glass Dome

The Beatnik Bandit is a Hot Wheels casting which debuted in 1968 as part of the first sixteen Hot Wheels ever, sometimes known as the 'Sweet Sixteen'. It is based on the custom car built by Ed Roth in 1960.

The real-life Beatnik Bandit was built on a shortened 1950 Oldsmobile chassis and featured a fiberglass custom body, complete with a bubble-top which doubled as both the roof and door. It also featured a unique 'control stick' which operated the acceleration, brakes, steering and gear changes. The car still exists today and is on permanent display at the National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada.

The original 'Redline Era' version of the Beatnik Bandit was manufactured from 1968 to 1971 in both the USA and Hong Kong factories. There are several differences between USA and 'HK' manufactured cars. USA cars have a clear glass dome and the 'control stick' interior while HK produced vehicles have blue tinted glass and a black steering wheel. USA cars have engines with dual injectors while HK engines have a blower on top. Hong Kong cars have four square openings in the base which show the Bent Axle Suspension, these holes are absent from USA vehicles. Also Hong Kong cars have a slightly larger grille and headlights.

They were painted in various 'Spectraflame' colors, some of which are very hard to find. They could also be found with either a White, Gray or Dark Brown interior. They were packaged with a metal 'Collector's Button'.