Casting : What 4
Years of Production:
1971 & 1972
Country of Origin:
Hong Kong Only
Casting Variations:
No known variations
Interior Colors:
Interiors - Champagne (Most common), Black and Cream White
Glass - Blue Glass on most but some variation
Paint Colors and Variations:
| Color | Rarity |
| Blue | Common |
| Aqua |
Less Common |
| Green | Common |
| Yellow | Common |
| Magenta |
Uncommon |
| Purple |
Uncommon |
| Light Green |
Uncommon |
| Red |
Uncommon |
| Rose |
Uncommon |
Comments:
The What 4, designed by Bob Lovejoy was originally named the Flat 8.
What 4
With its twin side-mounted quad-engines and sleek aerodynamic styling, the What 4 looks considerably faster than many of Mattel's other concept designs.
What 4, Fin in Lowered Position
The What-4 boasts a white plastic tail fin that can be raised or lowered by hand but it tends to slide back down most of the time.
Top and Base Views
What 4 in Red and an unfortunate Crumbler
What-4's are very prone to spidery toning due to impurities in the zamac; especially noticeable on the lighter-colored cars.
The What 4 is also known to be susceptible to crumbling
8 Colors of the What 4
What-4's are very prone to spidery toning due to impurities in the zamac; especially noticeable on the lighter-colored cars.
The What 4 is also known to be susceptible to crumbling
Uncommon Yellow What 4 in an uncommon Drivin' Gear BP
There are three interior colors: black, brown and white. Brown interiors are most common, probably found on about 70%
of all cars, with white and the occasional black making up the rest. The What 4 can occasionally be found with clear glass
(usually on green cars), rather than the typical HK blue tinted plastic. These occur frequently enough that it doesnt make the car all that rare,
but it is curious - was this a late or early run change, or did Mattel just run out of blue-tinted plastic?
Similar clear glass can be found on other 71 HK castings, notably the Rocket-Bye-Baby and Six Shooter.
The original "4 up" pantograph pattern is known to have survived.
1971 What 4 Pantograph Pattern
Photos and info credits: Ken Niles and Ted Gray
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