The Immortal A-Team Van 1/12th Collectible

The Quintessential 80s Toy Trove

If you haven’t caught on by now, I’m a diehard fan of all things sparkly and nostalgic from the 80s. There’s something about that era that just screams ‘collectible’! I’ve amassed a treasure trove of nostalgia, from the Caped Crusader’s gadgets to the Force-fueled action of Star Wars, the wrestling superstars of WWF, the spectral Ghostbusters, and the turbo-charged excitement of Knight Rider. Topping this list of retro radness? The A-Team, of course!

Did the Man Make the Van or Vice Versa?

Who could forget the legendary B.A. (Bad Attitude) Baracus? In the pantheon of 80s heroes, he stood out not just for his mohawk and gold chains but for his epic ride as well. The A-Team van wasn’t just a set of wheels – it was a fortress on rubber, a veritable Swiss Army knife of gadgetry, complete with a mini printing press and enough hidden gizmos to make James Bond green with envy.

2010: The A-Team’s Big Screen Toy Tribute

In 2010, nostalgia got a high-octane reboot with the A-Team’s cinematic resurgence. As if answering the call to action, Jazwares unleashed a battalion of toys that had us reliving the movie’s bravado. With 3 ¾-inch figures, we could command our own silver-screen escapades at an easy $6.99. For the more discerning fans, 12-inch collector figures of B.A. Baracus and Hannibal Smith, equipped with voices from the film, made for commanding desk companions. But the real showstopper was the 12-inch electronic van, a rolling embodiment of the movie’s spirit, dishing out iconic lines and revving sound effects for an immersive trip down the movie’s memory lane.

From Greenlight to Playmobil: The Legacy Continued

Greenlight’s Diecast Delight

The A-Team’s van is not just any old vehicle; it’s a symbol of 80s cool, a beacon of nostalgia that beckons collectors and fans alike. Greenlight Collectibles understands this allure all too well, having revived the 1983 GMC Vandura in diecast form. With a metal exterior and functional doors, this model is a treasure for those who appreciate the heft and authenticity of diecast metal. Available in various scales, including the classic 1:43, Greenlight’s rendition is a testament to the enduring legacy of the A-Team’s iconic van—a budget-friendly gem for the discerning collector.

Available below for $38.06 (At the time of writing).

Playmobil’s Plastic Panache

Then there’s Playmobil, taking a detour from its child-centric roots to court the adult collector market with its rendition of the A-Team van. This isn’t just a toy; it’s a nostalgia machine on wheels. The Playmobil version is a marvel of design, capturing the essence of the A-Team’s ride right down to the red stripe and the spoiler. It’s built solidly, with a keen attention to detail, such as the sliding side door and the removable roof for interior access, ensuring it doesn’t just look good on a shelf but also withstands the hands-on play that we all secretly (or not so secretly) crave​²​.

Playmobil’s A-Team van even features an equipment rack complete with walkie-talkies a flashlight, and a reel-to-reel recorder to really bring that 80s vibe home. The set goes the extra mile with delightful easter eggs like the tiger design on Murdock’s jacket and BA Baracus’ newly sculpted muscular arms. It’s clear that Playmobil poured a lot of love into creating this set, signaling a commitment to their expanding universe of adult collectibles.

However, in a nod to modern sensibilities, Playmobil’s set omits firearms, a staple in the original series. Instead, they’ve opted for less controversial accessories, such as a stick of dynamite and an arc welder—although the inclusion of two half-gallons of milk for Mr. T adds a whimsical touch, reminding us of the playful spirit of the brand.

Available below for half-price $58.00 (At the time of writing)!

Ramen Toy’s Rollout: A Breadbox of Delight

And now for the drumroll-worthy news that’s sparked this walk down memory lane. Ramen Toy has teased us via Facebook with a glimpse of what’s to come: a Top Middle & Bottom Bread Car for 1/12 scale figures, set to hit the shelves in 2024! This early prototype has us at ‘hello’, and with a pre-order price that’s a steal, our wallets are breathing a sigh of relief. Mr. T himself would approve.

Stay tuned, and I’ll bring you all the pre-order deets faster than you can say, “I pity the fool!” In the meantime, treat your eyes to the prototype images on Ramen Toy’s Facebook page – because seeing is believing, and in this case, drooling is inevitable.

Check out Ramen Toy’s Facebook page for a peek into the future of collectible cool.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go make some space on my shelves – because something tells me they’re about to get a whole lot more crowded.