Evel Knievel was a legendary American daredevil and entertainer known for his death-defying motorcycle stunts. He performed these stunts in front of live audiences, often jumping over cars, buses, and even the fountains at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. He also set multiple world records for jumping and was a major influence in the world of action sports.
To honor and capitalize on Knievel’s fame, Ideal Toy Company released a line of Evel Knievel toys in the 1970s. The toy line was a huge success and included a variety of different playsets, accessories, and action figures, all bearing the likeness of the famous daredevil.
One of the most popular items in the Evel Knievel toy line was the “Stunt Cycle.” The toy featured a motorcycle that could be launched down a ramp and jump over obstacles, just like the real Evel Knievel did in his live shows. The motorcycle was made of durable plastic and featured realistic details such as a working headlight and a folding kickstand. The ramp was also made of sturdy plastic and had a locking mechanism that held the motorcycle in place before launch.
Another popular item in the toy line was the “Evel Knievel Action Figure.” The figure featured Evel Knievel’s signature white jumpsuit, red, white and blue helmet, and a realistic-looking motorcycle. The figure was highly detailed and articulated, allowing kids to recreate their favorite stunts and poses from the real Evel Knievel’s shows.
The playsets and accessories that Ideal Toy Company released to complement the toy line were no less impressive. The “Evel Knievel Stunt Set” included a ramp, a van, and a helicopter, allowing kids to create their own stunts and recreate Evel Knievel’s most iconic moments. The “Evel Knievel Danger Zone” was another playset that included a ramp and a variety of obstacles for the toy motorcycle to jump over, such as cars, buses, and even a shark tank.
The Evel Knievel toy line also included a variety of other accessories, such as a “crash helmet” and “stunt cape” for the action figure, as well as miniature versions of Evel Knievel’s most famous motorcycles. These accessories added to the playability and collectability of the toy line and allowed kids to customize their own stunts and performances.
Evel Knievel toys were incredibly popular in the 1970s and were a must-have for any child who was a fan of the daredevil. The toys were well-made, durable and looked just like the real Evel Knievel and his stunts. The playsets and accessories were also designed to be highly realistic and provided endless opportunities for kids to play and create their own stunts.
In conclusion, the Evel Knievel toy line was a huge success in the 1970s and continues to be a highly sought-after collectible today. The toys were a perfect representation of the famous daredevil, capturing his signature style and stunts, and provided kids with endless opportunities for play and imagination. The variety of playsets and accessories also added to the collectability and playability of the toy line.
Evel Knievel toys helped to cement the daredevil’s place in pop culture and the memories of those who grew up playing with them. The toys also helped to inspire a new generation of action sports enthusiasts and daredevils, who looked up to Evel Knievel as a hero and role model.
Today, the Evel Knievel toy line remains highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Many of the original toys and playsets are highly valued and can fetch high prices on the secondary market. But it’s not just their monetary value that makes these toys so special, it’s the memories and sense of nostalgia they evoke for those who grew up with them.
In conclusion, the Evel Knievel toy line was a cultural phenomenon in the 1970s, capturing the spirit of the daredevil and providing endless opportunities for play and imagination. Today, the toys remain highly sought after by collectors and continue to evoke a sense of nostalgia for those who grew up with them.
