G.I. Joe Dreadnok Ground Assault (Sears Exclusive) (1986)

 

Overview

The Dreadnok Ground Assault was released in 1986 as a Sears Exclusive for G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. The gift set bundled two repainted classic vehicles:

• the Cobra Stinger 4WD Missile Vehicle (originally released in 1984)

• the G.I. Joe RAM (Rapid Fire Motorcycle) (originally released in 1982)

Both vehicles were redecorated in bold Dreadnok-inspired colors, giving Zartan’s gang a rugged and improvised-looking ground assault force. Although the packaging featured several Dreadnok characters, no action figures were included.

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Key Features

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1. Two Vehicles in One Box

The Dreadnok Ground Assault includes:

• one 4WD missile vehicle (based on the Cobra Stinger)

• one motorcycle with side-mounted cannon (based on the RAM)

This made it one of the best-value vehicle sets available in the 1986 Sears catalog.

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2. Exclusive Dreadnok Repaint

Instead of the original military colors, both vehicles received an eye-catching color scheme featuring shades of:

• blue

• red

• green

• black

The result matched the chaotic, scavenger-style personality of the Dreadnoks.

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3. Color-Changing Plastic

One of the most unusual features is the use of photochromic plastic on certain green components.

When exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet light, these parts darken noticeably before returning to their lighter color indoors. This gimmick is unique to the Sears-exclusive versions.

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4. Built from Proven Vehicle Molds

Hasbro reused two of its most successful designs:

• the RAM motorcycle, complete with detachable side cannon

• the Cobra Stinger, equipped with a four-missile launcher

These molds already had excellent play value and durability.

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5. Compatible with Any 3.75-Inch Figure

Although no figures were packaged with the set, collectors often display it with:

• Zartan

• Torch

• Buzzer

• Ripper

• Monkeywrench

• Zarana

to create a complete Dreadnok convoy.

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Fun Facts

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A Sears-Only Exclusive

The Dreadnok Ground Assault was never sold through standard toy retailers and could only be purchased through Sears stores and catalogs, making it much scarcer than most 1986 vehicle releases.

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The Box Art Included Characters You Didn't Get

The packaging illustrated several Dreadnoks operating the vehicles, but buyers received only the vehicles and accessories, with no figures included.

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Three Cannon Variants Exist

Collectors have identified three known variations of the RAM’s side cannon:

• light green

• dark green

• mixed-color version

These differences make variant collecting especially interesting.

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A Popular Repaint Among Fans

Many collectors appreciate the unusual color scheme, while others prefer the original military versions. The set has developed a cult following because of its rarity and unique appearance.

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One of the Most Valuable Sears Gift Sets

Because it combines two vehicles, exclusive colors, and limited distribution, the Dreadnok Ground Assault is now one of the most sought-after Sears-exclusive G.I. Joe releases.

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Value Drivers

The biggest factors affecting value are:

• both vehicles included and complete

• working color-changing plastic

• original missiles and side cannon

• intact decals

• Sears-exclusive box

• instruction sheets

• no broken tabs or mounting points

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Why Collectors Love It

The Dreadnok Ground Assault is prized because it combines:

• two classic G.I. Joe vehicles in one package

• exclusive Dreadnok-themed repainting

• unique UV color-changing parts

• genuine Sears-exclusive rarity

• outstanding display value alongside the Thunder Machine and other Dreadnok vehicles

Today, it stands as one of the most desirable specialty gift sets from the vintage G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero line and is considered a centerpiece for serious Dreadnok collectors.