The Lunik 2000 post started a real train of thought for me and has resulted in a mega blog fest of related articles. Seeing the latest variation of the vehicle, I was reminded of a couple of toys I have. First one is the red Aerocar - this was a friction driven toy bought around 1970 from a toy shop in Prestatyn, North Wales. I remember this quite distinctly as it was given to me as a much cheaper alternative to the Project Sword Probe Force 2! I had my eye on the sword vehicle, but my dad thought it was way too expensive and I was placated with this little beauty instead.Originally it had a whirling propellor as it rolled along and opening canopy. Two small soft plastic wings fitted on the rear (one is photoshopped in for effect). Over the years my dad repaired it as best he could and a couple of years ago I came across the original kit on which the toy must have been based - the Scalecraft Aerocar. I have seen this advertised in a catalogue alongside Billy Blastoff toys, so it can be dated to the mid sixties.
This arrived minus the propellor and partially made, albeit suffering from a common problem with scalecraft kits - poor moulding and fit. The prop was originally fitted at the rear for thrust and the colour scheme is reversed, but other than that it is the inspiration for the unbranded Hong kong toy. The kit is also motorised and has a small control stem. The resemblance to the Lunik 2000 is too close to call too, but its difficult to say for sure, which toy predates which.
Scalecraft marketed Billy Blastoff in the UK didn't they? Funny though, I remember it as Eldon, the US brand, when I got it as a kid. Billy would love the AeroCar!
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