Stick’s Redline Garage: The Tri Baby
In 2009, Larry Wood officially announced his retirement after 40 years with Mattel and what better way to pay tribute to a designer that has brought us so many cool casting then to feature the Tri Baby. The Tri Baby was the first “concept car” Larry produced for Mattel.
This casting was released in 1970 in both a USA and Hong Kong version. It has a swing-up hinged rear opening engine cover that reveals 3 detailed turbine engines. It also features a wrap-around windshield in clear and blue glass, a plastic interior in assorted colors and redline tires. As with all early redlines, the base and body are cast in metal. The finish was available in 10 spectra-flame colors with the hardest to find being metallic hot pink.
This casting is very desirable among collectors. C9 sell in the range of $40-$90.
Casting Comparison
| USA | Hong Kong |
| • Clear windows | • Blue windows |
| • Lift up rear engine cover | • Lift up rear engine cover |
| • Flat black painted louvers | • Flat black painted louvers |
| • Interior in white only | • Interior in dark brown |
| • Engine cover hangs over roof | • Engine cover flush with roof |
Credits: Images from the RK Stickels collection. Tomarts guide #6, and Spectraflame – The Essential Guide.
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