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 showcased the Powered Action subset of their iconic trucks, demonstrating their versatility for play. These battery-powered toy vehicles were designed to conquer any terrain, from the comfort of your living room to the rugged outdoors, providing endless possibilities for play.
Turn Your Tonka Toy Fair Catalogs and Toys into Cash Today
This 1985 Tonka Toy Fair Catalog page described various Battery-Powered toys from the Powered Action line-up. First was the Mountain Master, No. 4220. This battery-powered heavy-duty Jeep CJ could climb every mountain. Its gearbox had 3 forward and reverse speeds, and the stand-up shifter controlled speed. This vehicle also included a removable airfoil, a working winch, and oversized soft-traction tires.
Then, there was the C.L.A.W., Controlled Land Action Wagon, No. 4221. The C.L.A.W. controlled the land, and the kids controlled the C.L.A.W. It featured a 2-speed power shifter to control its two speeds in forward and one in reverse. It also had steering power to control its direction and powerful, super-fat tires. This vehicle used 3 “C” batteries but could freewheel without batteries.
The final product on this page was the C.R.A.B., Controlled Reving Action Battlecar, No. 4222. With its unique camber-action steering, the C.R.A.B. really leaned into turns. Each axle had independent steering. Moreover, the vehicle featured a power shifter and 4-wheel drive to handle any terrain. It also had soft, super-traction tires. The C.R.A.B. could accommodate two 3 ¾” action figures. While it used 2 “C” cell batteries, it could also freewheel 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.