Hardcastle and McCormick is a small toy line based on the 1980s television show of the same name. It is not a widely known toy line, but the few who do know of the dynamic duo are not soon to forget. Fans of the toy line can better appreciate it when they have a historical context around its inception. When did the first Hardcastle and McCormick toys come to be?
The First Hardcastle and McCormick Toys
ERTL made the first Hardcastle and McCormick toys in 1983, the same year ABC aired the show. The first line consisted of three different versions of the Coyote X car. There is a regular Coyote car, a Pow-R-Pull Coyote car, and a 1/16th scale Coyote Car. ERTL made all three of the cars out of die-cast metal. The vehicles perfectly represented the titular car from the series – much to the pleasure of fans.
The Hardcastle and McCormick Television Show
Hardcastle and McCormick is an American television series from Stephen J. Cannell Productions that aired on ABC from 1983 to 1986. The premise of the show centers around two main characters with different backgrounds and lifestyles. Judge Milton C. “Hardcase” Hardcastle (Brian Keith): Hardcastle is a retired judge with a reputation for being tough on criminals. Disillusioned by the number of offenders who managed to evade punishment due to legal technicalities, he brings them to justice after retirement. Mark “Skid” McCormick (Daniel Hugh Kelly): McCormick is a former race car driver with a criminal record. On the brink of being wrongly convicted for another crime, Hardcastle recruits him to assist in his quest for justice. In return, Hardcastle promises to keep McCormick out of prison.
The pair often find themselves in action-packed, hazardous situations, taking on criminals who had previously escaped the legal system. Their dynamic is crucial to the show’s appeal, with Hardcastle playing the hard-nosed, law-abiding figure and McCormick the more rebellious, mischievous character. Another significant element of the show was the car – a red Manta Montage (referred to as the “Coyote X” in the series), which McCormick drove during their adventures. This car was as much a star of the show as the two leads, and many viewers remember it fondly. Over its three seasons and 67 episodes, Hardcastle and McCormick earned a dedicated fanbase and left a memorable mark on 1980s TV. Despite its relatively short run, it’s remembered as a fun, action-packed series with an appealing buddy-cop dynamic.
Conclusion
While the toy line was short-lived and not widely known, the Hardcastle and McCormick franchise left an indelible mark on the people who grew up with the characters. This toy line is yet another representation of the successful marketing tactic of partnering entertainment industries with manufacturers.
Hardcastle and McCormick Toy Checklist
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About the Author
Author: Chris Ingledue
Contact: email
Bio: I am the founder and owner of Wheeljack’s Lab pop Culture and Toy Shop. My vision has always been to reunite customers with their favorite childhood toys and pop culture, triggering fond memories, and reigniting their imaginations. Every day, I work in the “lab” where it’s Christmas 365 days a year. I scour the internet, like when we had the Sears Catalog of yesteryear, for the next great treasure. Then, I await the arrival of the postman as if he were Santa Claus himself and helping collectors worldwide with their versions of Christmas. Every day as a vintage toy buyer is an absolute joy!