G.I. Joe Tank Car – 1988

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Overview

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The G.I. Joe Tank Car is a 1988 Motorized Vehicle Pack from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero line. It is one of the smallest and most unusual G.I. Joe vehicles ever released: essentially a compact, armed go-kart-style vehicle designed for one figure.

The Tank Car features a wind-up motor and could be packed up into a backpack-style configuration. It was one of five Motorized Vehicle Packs released in 1988.

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Key Features

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• Released in 1988

• G.I. Joe Motorized Vehicle Pack

• Part of Wave 7

• One-man vehicle

• Wind-up motorized action

• Compact go-kart/tank design

• Front-mounted gun unit

• Can be packed up and worn like a backpack

• Original decals

• Original instructions

• No figure included

• Original retail price: $3.49

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Fun Facts

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• The package artwork shows Spearhead operating the Tank Car, but Spearhead was not included.

• The Tank Car was one of only five Motorized Vehicle Packs released in 1988: ATV, Gyrocopter, Rocket Sled, Scuba Pack and Tank Car.

• Collectors sometimes describe it as a G.I. Joe go-kart, and that description is actually quite fitting.

• The five Motorized Vehicle Packs were relatively unusual releases and appear to have been produced in smaller quantities than many of the regular vehicles.

• The European release was known as Tankwagen and appeared in the European range in 1990.

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What Makes It Complete?

A complete loose Tank Car should include:

• Main Tank Car body

• Original gun unit

• Wind-up motor mechanism

• Original decals

• Original attachment/mounting components

• Original instructions

No figure was included. The collector guide specifically lists the set contents as Gun Unit, Decals and Instructions.

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Recommended GIJoeForSale.com Price

For a clean, complete loose example:

€19.95–22.95

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For a complete example with a tested working motor:

€24.95–29.95

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For a sealed/card-backed example:

€49.95–64.95

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Collector Appeal 8/10

The Tank Car is one of the more charming oddities from the 1988 G.I. Joe line. Its tiny size, motorized action and unusual go-kart design make it stand out from conventional G.I. Joe vehicles. It is particularly desirable for collectors completing the five-piece 1988 Motorized Vehicle Pack collection.