Cobra IMP (1988)

 

Overview

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The Cobra IMP was released in 1988 as part of the vintage G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero line. The IMP is a compact, highly mobile missile-launching vehicle designed to trap and contain enemy forces.

Its most distinctive feature is its three large missiles. Each missile can break apart and release eight removable landmines, giving the vehicle a total of 24 landmines.

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Key Features

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Three Removable Missiles

The Cobra IMP carries three large Ambush surface-to-surface missiles. These missiles are mounted on an elevating rack and can be removed individually.

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24 Removable Landmines

This is the IMP's most unusual feature. Each missile contains eight removable mines, giving the complete vehicle a total of 24 mines. These small parts are commonly missing today, making a truly complete IMP much harder to find.

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Elevating Missile Rack

The missile rack can be raised into a firing position, transforming the compact vehicle into a mobile battlefield missile launcher.

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Highly Mobile Design

The IMP features rolling wheels and a compact design, allowing Cobra forces to quickly reposition the vehicle during battle.

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No Figure Included

The Cobra IMP was sold without an action figure, meaning collectors can assign any Cobra driver or specialist to operate it.

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Fun Facts

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One of Cobra's Most Unusual Weapons

The IMP combines a missile launcher with a mine-dispersal system, making it very different from most other Cobra vehicles.

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Completeness Is a Major Challenge

A fully complete IMP requires:

• 3 missiles

• 24 individual landmines

• Missile rack

• Gun

• Wheels and track components

Because of the 24 tiny mines, many loose examples are incomplete.

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Released in 1988 and 1989

The Cobra IMP was available during both 1988 and 1989 and did not receive any major variations between those releases.

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Affordable but Difficult to Complete

The IMP itself is relatively affordable, but a genuinely 100% complete example with all 24 mines can command a significant premium.

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What Makes a Cobra IMP Complete?

A complete example should include:

• Cobra IMP upper and lower hull

• 3 original missiles

• Missile rack

• Gun

• 2 dumbbell wheels

• Left and right track treads

• 24 removable landmines

• Original decals

The 24 landmines are the biggest value factor. An IMP with all missiles but only a few mines should not be considered 100% complete.

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Recommended GIJoeForSale.com Price

For a 100% complete loose Cobra IMP in very good or excellent condition, I would recommend approximately:

€49.95–€59.95

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For a particularly clean example with all 24 original landmines, excellent decals and no broken parts:

€69.95+

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The Cobra IMP is a fantastic late-1980s Cobra vehicle because of its unique concept, compact design and huge number of removable accessories. For collectors, finding one with all 24 mines makes the hunt especially rewarding.