Johnny Lightning's cars from the James Bond 007 Goldfinger movie in the 1960s. One of the "American Flashbacks in Time" collection. The box states: "It's estimated that half of the world's population has seen a James Bond movie and Goldfinger was one of the greatest!"

This James Bond scene includes: James Bond's '64 Aston Martin, 1955 Chrysler C-300, a scene from the movie "Goldfinger" and in-scale figures. Copyright Playing Mantis, Inc., 2001.

The Johnny Lightning website says, "Topper Toys launched Johnny Lightning in 1969 to join the new craze for "high speed" toy cars. As a calculated reference to the cars' performance on miniature race tracks, Topper printed the slogan "Beats Them All!" on every package. Topper Toys closed in 1971, and Playing Mantis re-introduced the Johnny Lightning brand in 1994. In 2004, RC2 Corp. purchased Playing Mantis and continues to produce Johnny Lightning cars with the same keen eye to quality and authenticity that has been a hallmark since the brand's inception. In 2005, Johnny Lightning greatly expanded its 1:24-scale offerings, while continuing to raise the bar in the 1:64-scale category." Visit the Johnny Lightning site: Johnny Lightning and learn more about the history of Johnny Lightning toy cars.




The Johnny Lightning Starsky & Hutch scene includes: The Starsky & Hutch '74 Ford Torino, 1969 Lincoln Continental Custom, the famous Starsky & Hutch "bust" scene from the opening credits, and in-scale figures. Copyright Playing Mantis, Inc., 2001.

Visit the Johnny Lightning site: Johnny Lightning and learn more about Johnny Lightning toy cars.




The Johnny Lightning "ShowRods" 1941 Phaeyton. Copyright Playing Mantis, Inc., 1999. Johnny Lightning teamed up with George Barris, world- renowned car designer, to bring "ShowRods". There are 8 cars in the series and all eight models are authentic replicas of George's most famous, custom hot rods. All 8 of these cars are brand new castings with real wheels series life-like "rubber" tires and authentic tampo detailing. The eight cars include: Sam Barris Merc, Rowe's Mercury, '41 Phaeyton, Kopper Kart, Wild Kat, Emperor, Fireball 500, and Speed Coupe.

Visit the Johnny Lightning site: Johnny Lightning and learn more about Johnny Lightning toy cars.




The Johnny Lightning "Race Emergency Vehicles" Official Truck. Copyright Playing Mantis, Inc., 2000. This is a Limited Edition 1 of 10,000.

Visit the Johnny Lightning site: Johnny Lightning and learn more about Johnny Lightning toy cars.




1959 Austin-Healey Sprite, one of the Johnny Lightning "British Invasion" collection. Copyright Playing Mantis, Inc., 2000. The six cars in the "British Invasion" collection include: '58-'60 MGA 1500 or 1500 Twin Cam, '62-'69 MGB Roadster, '58-'61 Triumph TR3A, '58-'61 Austin-Healey Sprite, '61-'64 Jaguar E-Type Roadster, and '59-'64 Sunbeam Alpine.

Although the Austin-Healey Sprite came out in 1958 the first year it was marketed in the United States was 1959.


Photographs of Lyn's 1959 Austin-Healey Sprite and his 1965 MGB.







Kay's doll collection | Kay's and Lyn's home page | texaswatertowers | Contact Kay

Copyright 2000-2007, Texas Water Towers Dot Com. All Rights Reserved.