G.I. Joe C.A.T. (Crimson Attack Tank) (1985)

 

Overview

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The C.A.T. (Crimson Attack Tank) was released in 1985 exclusively through the G.I. Joe Motorized Action Packs series. Unlike standard retail vehicles, the C.A.T. was a special edition Cobra vehicle featuring a distinctive Crimson Guard color scheme and a battery-powered motorized drive system. It was designed as a compact armored assault vehicle used by Cobra's elite Crimson Guard forces.

Because of its limited release and unique appearance, the C.A.T. has become one of the more unusual and collectible Cobra vehicles from the mid-1980s.

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Key Features

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1. Motorized Drive System

The C.A.T.'s defining feature was its battery-powered motor.

The vehicle could:

• drive forward automatically

• traverse flat surfaces

• simulate armored assaults

• provide enhanced action play

Motorized vehicles were relatively uncommon in the vintage G.I. Joe line, making the C.A.T. stand out.

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2. Crimson Guard Color Scheme

Unlike Cobra's traditional blue vehicles, the C.A.T. featured:

• crimson red body panels

• black detailing

• elite Cobra styling

The color scheme tied the vehicle directly to the famous Crimson Guard faction.

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3. Compact Assault Tank Design

The vehicle combined:

• tracked movement

• armored bodywork

• battlefield support capability

• rapid deployment potential

Its size made it ideal for patrol and assault missions.

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4. Rotating Weapon System

The C.A.T. included a rotating cannon assembly that allowed:

• forward attack capability

• defensive coverage

• battlefield flexibility

The turret added realism and play value despite the vehicle's compact dimensions.

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5. Durable Construction

Because the vehicle was intended to be motorized, Hasbro designed it with a relatively sturdy chassis capable of handling repeated operation.

Many surviving examples still function today when properly maintained.

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Fun Facts

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One of the Rarest Cobra Vehicles of the 1980s

The C.A.T. was not part of the standard annual vehicle assortment.

Its limited distribution has made it significantly harder to find than vehicles such as:

• H.I.S.S. Tank

• Ferret

• Water Moccasin

• Flight Pod

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Part of the Motorized Action Packs Line

The C.A.T. belonged to a special experimental product range that attempted to introduce battery-powered movement into the G.I. Joe universe.

Only a handful of vehicles received this treatment.

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Often Confused With the H.I.S.S. Tank

Because of its Cobra affiliation and tracked design, many collectors initially mistake the C.A.T. for a H.I.S.S. variant.

However, it is an entirely separate vehicle with unique tooling and motorized functionality.

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Highly Sought After by Crimson Guard Collectors

Collectors who specialize in:

• Crimson Guard figures

• Crimson vehicles

• Cobra elite forces

often consider the C.A.T. an essential collection centerpiece.

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Working Motors Increase Value Significantly

A functioning motor can dramatically raise collector value.

Vehicles with:

• operational motors

• clean battery compartments

• original wiring

often sell for substantially more than non-working examples.

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Value Drivers

The most important factors affecting value are:

• working motor

• corrosion-free battery compartment

• original treads

• complete weapon system

• original stickers

• box condition

• paperwork and inserts

Because motorized toys often suffered battery damage, clean working examples are considerably rarer than standard Cobra vehicles.

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Why Collectors Love It

The C.A.T. occupies a unique place in vintage G.I. Joe history:

• rare motorized functionality

• elite Crimson Guard association

• distinctive color scheme

• unusual release format

• strong display presence

While it may not be as famous as the H.I.S.S. Tank or the Rattler, the Crimson Attack Tank remains one of the most interesting Cobra collectibles of the 1980s. Its combination of rarity, motorized action, and Crimson Guard heritage makes it a standout piece in any serious vintage G.I. Joe collection.