G.I. Joe Cobra Ferret A.T.V. (1985)

 

Overview

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The Cobra Ferret A.T.V. was released in 1985 as part of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. Designed as Cobra's answer to the Joe team's R.A.M. motorcycle, the Ferret was a compact four-wheel all-terrain attack vehicle built for reconnaissance, security patrols, and rapid assault missions.

Unlike many Cobra vehicles that relied on overwhelming firepower, the Ferret emphasized speed, mobility, and versatility. Its compact size allowed Cobra troopers to traverse rough terrain while carrying a surprising amount of weaponry. It became one of the most recognizable small Cobra vehicles of the 1980s.

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Key Features

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1. Four-Wheel All-Terrain Design

The Ferret featured:

• four-wheel-drive configuration

• off-road tires

• high ground clearance

• excellent terrain mobility

It could travel through environments where larger Cobra vehicles struggled to operate.

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2. Twin .50 Caliber Machine Guns

Mounted at the front were dual machine guns that provided:

• suppressive fire

• convoy protection

• infantry support

This made the Ferret surprisingly powerful for such a small vehicle.

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3. Grenade Launcher System

The vehicle carried a side-mounted CMF-1 grenade launcher that added extra firepower against enemy troops and light vehicles.

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4. Com-Bat Rocket Missiles

The Ferret was equipped with two laser-seeking Com-Bat rockets, giving Cobra troops anti-vehicle and anti-aircraft capabilities.

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5. Compact Recon Vehicle

The Ferret was intended for:

• scouting operations

• perimeter security

• rapid response missions

• infantry support

Its size made it one of Cobra's most practical battlefield vehicles.

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Fun Facts

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Cobra's Answer to the R.A.M.

The Ferret was specifically created to compete with the Joe team's R.A.M. motorcycle, trading speed for superior off-road capability and heavier weapons.

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Originally Started as a Three-Wheeler

Early Cobra ATV concepts featured three-wheel designs that proved unstable during development. Engineers eventually switched to the four-wheel configuration that became the Ferret.

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Storm Shadow Appeared on the Box

The original box artwork showed Storm Shadow riding the Ferret, but the figure was not included with the vehicle.

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Later Became the Tiger Paw

Hasbro later reused the Ferret mold for the Tiger Paw vehicle released as part of Tiger Force in 1988.

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A Favorite Among Cobra Army Builders

Collectors often purchase multiple Ferrets to create:

• Cobra patrol units

• recon squads

• base security teams

• convoy escorts

Recent collector communities still showcase large Ferret formations in Cobra dioramas.

 

Value Drivers

The most important factors affecting value are:

• complete missiles

• grenade launcher

• intact handlebars

• original stickers

• unbroken wheel mounts

• box condition

Because the Ferret was frequently played with outdoors, complete examples with all accessories are much less common than many collectors expect.

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Why Collectors Love It

The Cobra Ferret A.T.V. perfectly captures what made vintage Cobra vehicles special:

• realistic military inspiration

• compact but powerful design

• excellent playability

• army-building potential

• classic Cobra styling

While it lacks the size of the H.I.S.S. Tank or the spectacle of the Moray Hydrofoil, the Ferret remains one of the most beloved small vehicles in the entire vintage G.I. Joe line. For many collectors, it's the ultimate Cobra reconnaissance vehicle and an essential addition to any 1985 Cobra display.