Volkswagen Beach Bomb (1969)
The Volkswagen Beach Bomb was one of the most popular redline era Hot Wheels cars. It continues to be a prized collectible, and even the relatively common colors of this casting typically carry a high price when found in excellent condition.
The Beach Bomb was based on the second generation ("T2") of the Volkswagen "Type 2" vehicle (the VW Beetle was Volkswagen's "Type 1"), also known as the "Transporter", "Kleinbus" or more commonly as simply the "VW Bus". The Type 2 was first introduced in 1950, and production of the T2 version was initiated in 1968. Whereas the first generation T1 vehicle was characterized by a V-shaped front end with a large "VW" symbol, the T2 version had a more squared front end with twin vertical louvered vents. The 1968 version of the T2 featured a rear-mounted 1.6 liter air-cooled four-cyclinder engine that produced 48 HP. Produced in Germany until 1979 (and later in Mexico and Brazil), the VW Bus was wildly popular and is generally considered to be the forerunner of modern cargo and passenger vans.
Besides being a popular casting, the Beach Bomb boasts a unique and fascinating history! The first iteration of the Beach Bomb featured a small central "sunroof" and a pair of plastic surfboards (ala the Deora) that extended out through the rear window. A small number of these "rear-loading" models were produced, however it was quickly discovered by kids and engineers alike that the Beach Bomb was too narrow to work with the battery-powered Super Charger track accessory. So it was back to the drawing board for the Hot Wheels engineers with the end result being a new, wider version of the Beach Bomb with side pockets for the surfboards. The re-designed "side-loading" Beach Bomb went into production for the 1969 model year.
Three very rare rear-loading Beach Bombs! (Courtesy of B. Rosas)
The exact number of rear-loading Beach Bombs that were produced before the casting was re-designed is speculative. However, they are very rare and often carry a value of thousands of dollars. Two of the most famous "RLBBs" are the spectraflame pink Bombs that were found by Bruce Pascal. Click on the photo below to learn more and see additional photos.
Click on the photo to read the story of the pink RLBBs!
The production version of the Beach Bomb features a large "sunroof" with blue-tinted "glass" and either a light or dark interior. Two surfboards - one orange, one yellow - are tucked into "pods" on each side. The boards are the same as were used on the HK version of the Deora.
A purple Beach Bomb with dark interior.
Most Beach Bombs have bearing type wheels, although later production cars have cap-style wheels. The Beach Bomb was produced exclusively at the Hong Kong plant.
A red Beach Bomb with white interior.
Since the Volkswagen bus was a stalwart of the hippie generation, Mattel included in each blister pack a decal sheet with flowers!
A pair of Beach Bombs including one with flower decals.
Color chart
| HK COLORS: |
COMMENTS: |
| aqua |
common |
| green | common |
| blue | common |
| red | uncommon |
| olive | uncommon |
| purple | uncommon |
| copper | uncommon |
| light green |
uncommon |
| brown |
hard to find |
| orange |
hard to find |
| rose |
very hard to find |
| yellow |
rare |
An impressive rainbow of Beach Bombs!
A rose Beach Bomb with dark interior.
Another nice group of Beach Bombs!
A killer brown Beach Bomb!
A very nice olive Beach Bomb with dark interior.
A light green Beach Bomb with dark interior.
Page authored by Rick Wilson
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