Wheeljack’s Lab invites you to explore the 1985 Tonka Toy Fair Catalog. Since catalogs like this were originally distributed at trade shows, the general public rarely saw them. Thus, few could see glimpses of upcoming toy lines and products. Luckily, our high-definition scans allow you to view the promotional images of Tonka’s GoBots action figures and more.
The 1985 Tonka Toy Fair Catalog informed readers about the transforming GoBots action figures and playsets. Following the catalog’s theme, these action figures were described as GoBot Magic. For, the GoBots were casting a magical spell over the entire industry. The number one new toy in the country, GoBots, was selling off the store shelves faster than one could say, “Mighty Robots. Mighty Vehicles.”
Turn Your Tonka Toy Fair Catalogs and GoBots Toys into Cash Today
This 1985 Tonka Toy Fair Catalog page presented information about the Staks Transport, Friendly Robot Transport, No. 7244. The Staks Super GoBot could turn into a semi-tractor cab that pulled a detachable trailer. Additionally, this trailer could be loaded and unloaded to transport 3 ¾” GoBot vehicles.
Next was the Scales Enemy Monster Race Car, No. 7243. Tonka warned fans to beware since Scales loved to pop out for surprise attacks. This Mighty Race Car could turn into a Mighty Robot Monster and featured a powerful flywheel motor. While this toy required batteries, they were not included.
This page also featured Zod, Enemy Robot Monster, No. 7241. This villain was Cy-Kill’s monster of destruction. The action figure could roar mechanical sounds for Gobot’s fantasy play. It also lurched, rolled forward, reared up, and repeated these actions. Tonka included the 3 “C” batteries that this action figure required.
The final item on this page was the Messenger Vehicles, No. 7246. Mighty Motorized Vehicles turned into Mighty Robots at the touch of a button. Then, fans could make robots shoot message balls at GoBot figures. These vehicles featured all-terrain climbing action and soft, super-traction tires. This assortment included both Enemy and Friendly styles. While these vehicles used 2 “C” cell batteries, their freewheels functioned without batteries.
We are glad to present these exciting, exclusive 1985 Tonka Toy Fair Catalog scans. Check out even more of our scans to see the exciting promotional images from Tonka’s past.
Do you have old and used Tonka toys?
Do you have a collection of old and used Tonka action figures, toy fair catalogs, and other toys sitting around? You can turn those items into cash today. There is no reason to let those vintage catalogs and toys collect dust. Contact us today to start the process.
About Our Tonka Toy Fair Catalog Scans
Tonka handed out catalogs to attendees of toy fairs and other events, such as dealers and retailers, to promote their upcoming slate of products. Each catalog contained information about the company’s newest toys, even ones still in development. Thus, companies often included first looks at action figures, playsets, vehicles, etc. Therefore, they have become valuable and rare collector’s items.
These Tonka Toy Fair Catalogs featured toys from their beloved lines. For instance, Tonka made waves when they released a line of transforming robots, the GoBots. They also embraced the fantasy world of Willow. The company is also fondly remembered for the Spiral Zone action figures.
Tonka used in-production prototypes in their images, as these catalogs were prepared before the lines were released. This meant that the featured toys often differed from the retail releases. Moreover, toys sometimes appeared only on these catalog pages, as they were canceled or never hit retail store shelves.
While Tonka only handed these booklets to trade professionals, we have now made them available to all. You can explore the toys featured in these catalogs with our Tonka Toy Fair Catalog Scans. This is a rare treat since catalogs like these have become increasingly difficult to locate with each passing year.