One of the most beloved pieces of iconography of the classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon was their famous Party Wagon, a.k.a. the “Turtle Van.” First arriving in toy form over 30 years ago, this trusty van was the mobile HQ for Donatello, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo on the classic cartoon. It later reappeared in several future incarnations of the series as well. Now get ready to yell out “Cowabunga dude!” all over again, as Mattel’s Hot Wheels brand is recreating the TMNT Party Wagon from the classic original series just in time for Comic-Con!
This die-cast van pops out of a downtown sewer armed to the half shell with missiles, machine guns, and more. You can also raise and lower the twin missile launchers, and open the side door to check out your favorite band of heroes getting ready for battle—or just have the most awesome pizza party ever! This 2019 Convention Exclusive will come in at $25, and be available for pre-order starting on June 17. It can also be purchased in person at Mattel’s San Diego Comic-Con retail booth on July 17. Limited quantities will be available. You can check out images of this mash-up between two classic brands in our gallery below.
Although not originally part of the comic books, The Party Wagon made its first appearance on the 1987 animated series, and later turned up in the 2012 reboot on Nickelodeon. It most recently showed up in the animated Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover movie which came out just this year. In the early ’90s, there was even almost a toy of the Party Wagon that turned into a giant robot, but that sadly never came to pass. But who knows what the future holds? I wouldn’t be surprised if this legendary unmade toy finds a way to become a convention exclusive itself one day.
You can pre-order the Hot Wheels/TMNT Party Wagon at shop.mattel.com starting on June 17.
Images: Mattel / Mirage Studios
