The Dinky SHADO 2 Mobile is one of the best representations of Gerry Anderson vehicles, ever made. Tough, rugged and surprisingly accurate, it was high on my Xmas list back in 1971. Equipped with the neat flip top missile hidden away in the roof, it was an immediate hit with fans of UFO.
As popular as it was, the Shado 2 naturally spawned imitators and one of my favourites was the 1975 Matchbox Battlekings Striker vehicle, which took the hidden missile feature a stage further, by opening the whole of the rear into a launcher and warhead bay.
Another fine Matchbox Battlekings vehicle is the Hawk Missile Launcher, based on an actual US Army vehicle, again with firing missiles. The more eagle eyed may spot that mine is missing a tread on the far side - I was more concerned with finding the missiles in the attic and didn't notice the track had come off!
Coming back to more direct knock offs is the Atlantic kit based Laser Command Vehicle. A modified Shado 2 equipped with crew bay on the roof, riot shield, radar and searchlight. Badly painted by my good self back in the mid 1980's, it hails from a range of military vehicles with more than a touch of science fiction about them.
Lastly we have my most recent addition, the Shark brand 'Emergency Squad' vehicle. The red one I got a few years ago and painted up and the purple version is the second colour variation available. Sporting an opening rear hatch and a small speeder inside, its a large toy at about 8 inches long with powerful friction motor.
Great post Bill. That's a superb collection you have and the photography is fab. I like your new Emergency Squad knockoff. I'm sure I've seen one with a small TB4 vehicle in the back. I could be dreaming though.
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