Cobra S.M.S. (Sentry & Missile System) (1985)

 

Overview

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The Cobra S.M.S. (Sentry & Missile System) was released in 1985 as a Sears Exclusive and is considered one of the rarest Cobra vehicle sets from the vintage G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero era. Rather than being a completely new vehicle, the S.M.S. combined two earlier Cobra designs—the H.I.S.S. Tank and the M.M.S. (Mobile Missile System)—recolored in striking Crimson Guard red and black colors.

The set was designed to support Cobra's elite Crimson Guard forces and quickly became one of the most desirable exclusive releases in the entire vintage line. Today, many collectors consider it a centerpiece of any Cobra collection.

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Key Features

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1. Sears Exclusive Release

The S.M.S. was available exclusively through Sears catalogs and stores in 1985.

This limited distribution makes it significantly rarer than standard retail Cobra vehicles.

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2. Crimson Guard Color Scheme

The most striking feature of the S.M.S. is its color palette:

• crimson red bodywork

• black detailing

• elite Cobra styling

The colors perfectly matched the appearance of the Crimson Guard troops.

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3. Includes a H.I.S.S. Tank Variant

The set included a specially recolored H.I.S.S. Tank, one of Cobra's most iconic vehicles.

Features included:

• tracked mobility

• rotating cannon

• one-man cockpit

• classic Cobra firepower

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4. Includes a Mobile Missile System

The second component was a recolored M.M.S. (Mobile Missile System) featuring:

• twin missile racks

• rotating launcher assembly

• tow capability

• long-range strike role

The combination created a complete armored assault package.

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5. Crimson Guard Support Platform

Unlike standard Cobra equipment, the S.M.S. was intended to reinforce Cobra's elite internal-security forces.

Collectors often display it with:

• Crimson Guards

• Tomax

• Xamot

• Crimson Guard Commanders

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Fun Facts

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One of the Most Famous Sears Exclusives

Among all vintage Sears-exclusive G.I. Joe products, the S.M.S. is frequently considered one of the most desirable. Many collectors rank it alongside other legendary exclusives from the era.

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Essentially a Crimson H.I.S.S. Tank

Many collectors affectionately describe the S.M.S. as the ultimate Crimson Guard H.I.S.S. Tank because of its unique red-and-black color scheme.

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Not Available Through Regular Toy Stores

Kids who didn't shop through Sears often never saw the S.M.S. in person during the 1980s.

This limited exposure helped create its legendary status among collectors today.

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A Crown Jewel for Cobra Collectors

Heritage Auctions described the S.M.S. as one of the "crown jewels" of Cobra's mid-1980s exclusive releases.

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Tomax and Xamot Favorite

Many collectors associate the S.M.S. with Tomax and Xamot, the leaders of the Crimson Guard, because the color scheme matches their faction perfectly.

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Value Drivers

The biggest factors affecting value are:

• complete H.I.S.S. components

• complete missile launcher system

• original red missiles

• sticker condition

• Sears-exclusive packaging

• paperwork and inserts

• fading or discoloration of the red plastic

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Why Collectors Love It

The Cobra S.M.S. combines everything collectors look for in a premium vintage G.I. Joe item:

• Sears-exclusive rarity

• Crimson Guard connection

• iconic H.I.S.S. Tank heritage

• unique color scheme

• strong display presence

• investment-grade collectibility

More than 40 years after its release, the Sentry & Missile System remains one of the most sought-after Cobra exclusives ever produced. For many collectors, it is not just a vehicle set—it is one of the ultimate trophies of vintage Cobra collecting.