Quick Value Snapshot

Collector Summary

The 1971 Hot Wheels Redline Snake II is a Larry Wood-designed racing-themed Redline produced during the 1971-1972 period. It is part of the later original Redline era, when Mattel was using more detailed race graphics, specialty wheel combinations, and licensed racing tie-ins.

For collectors, the Snake II is most important when it remains original, correctly decaled, and complete. The supplied database notes indicate that the car came with a sticker sheet that included flame logos for “Plymouth” and “Coca Cola,” while the passenger-side decal was already applied at the factory. Because decals are a major part of the model’s identity, decal originality and placement are central to grading and value.

Known Variations and Details

• Designer: Larry Wood.
• Production run: 1971-1972.
• U.S. version: Standard version without the Hong Kong blue-window difference.
• Hong Kong version: Identified by blue windows.
• Primary noted difference: The supplied database notes state that the only difference between the U.S. and Hong Kong versions is the blue windows on the Hong Kong model.
• Wheels: Two large and two medium redline wheels.
• Decals: Passenger-side decal was already applied. The car also came with a sticker sheet containing flame logos with “Plymouth” and “Coca Cola.”

Color and Desirability Notes

For this model, desirability is strongly tied to originality, decals, clean windows, correct redline wheels, and an undamaged body. Because the supplied data does not list a broad color chart, collectors should be cautious about treating unusual colors as confirmed factory variations without strong supporting evidence.

Hong Kong examples are commonly noted for their blue windows. When comparing U.S. and Hong Kong versions, the blue-window detail is the key documented difference from the supplied data. Do not assume one version is automatically more valuable in all conditions; condition, originality, and decal quality usually matter more than the factory location alone.

Condition Factors That Affect Value

• Original decals: Factory and original sticker-sheet decals are important. Missing, lifted, stained, cracked, replaced, or misapplied decals can reduce collector value.
• Passenger-side decal: Since the passenger-side decal was already applied, its originality and condition deserve close inspection.
• Paint condition: Chips, edge wear, corrosion, repainting, and heavy playwear all affect value.
• Windows: Check for cracks, clouding, scratches, and correct blue windows on Hong Kong examples.
• Wheels: The correct setup is two large and two medium redline wheels. Replaced wheels, wrong wheel sizes, or damaged axles should be disclosed.
• Base condition: Look for corrosion, tool marks, axle damage, or signs that the car has been opened or restored.
• Completeness: A car with original sticker sheet material, correct decals, and clean overall presentation will be more desirable than an incomplete or altered example.

Restorer Notes

The Snake II is a model where restoration can greatly change collector value. Replacement decals, reproduction sticker sheets, wheel swaps, repainted bodies, polished bases, and repaired parts should always be disclosed clearly.

Restorers should document what was changed and avoid presenting reproduction decals or restored paint as original. For display purposes, a restored Snake II can be attractive, but it should not be priced or described as an untouched original Redline.

Buyer Cautions

• Do not rely on asking prices alone: Active listings often reflect seller expectations, not confirmed market value.
• Check the version: Hong Kong examples should have blue windows according to the supplied notes.
• Inspect decals closely: Reproduction decals are common in the Redline hobby and can look clean in photos.
• Confirm wheel setup: The correct wheel arrangement is two large and two medium redline wheels.
• Avoid wrong comparisons: Do not compare an original example to restored cars, customs, repaints, damaged cars, partial lots, or listings with mixed parts.
• Ask for clear photos: Request both sides, base, front, rear, roof, wheels, windows, and close-ups of decals.

Seller Notes

• State U.S. or Hong Kong: Mention the window color and base origin if visible.
• Describe decals accurately: Note whether decals appear original, missing, replaced, damaged, or partially lifted.
• Show the wheel sizes: Clear side photos help confirm the two-large, two-medium redline wheel setup.
• Disclose restoration: If the car has been repainted, re-decaled, wheel-swapped, cleaned aggressively, or repaired, say so plainly.
• Separate accessories: If an original sticker sheet is included, photograph it clearly and describe its condition separately from the car.

Pricing Analysis

No verified sold-price dataset was supplied for this page, so pricing confidence is limited. A reliable value range should be based on recent actual sold prices for original, correctly identified 1971-1972 Snake II examples in comparable condition.

Active asking prices: Asking prices can be useful for seeing what sellers hope to receive, but they are not proof of market value. High asking prices for clean examples, cars with accessories, or visually impressive restored cars should be treated as asking data only.

Actual sold prices: Actual sold prices are more useful, but only when the listing is a correct Snake II, appears original, has clear photos, and is not part of a mixed lot. Sales involving restored, repainted, custom, damaged, incomplete, or wrong-casting examples should be excluded from normal price estimates.

Outliers: Strong outliers may occur when a car includes unusually complete original materials, exceptional decals, unusually clean condition, or strong buyer competition. Outliers may also occur in the opposite direction when the car is damaged, missing decals, restored, or poorly photographed. These should be explained separately rather than used as the standard value.

Listings to Exclude or Treat Carefully

• Repainted cars.
• Restored cars presented without clear disclosure.
• Custom builds or fantasy decal versions.
• Cars with reproduction decals treated as original.
• Examples with wheel swaps or incorrect wheel sizes.
• Damaged cars with cracked windows, broken parts, heavy corrosion, or bent axles.
• Mixed lots where the individual Snake II value cannot be separated.
• Wrong-casting listings or listings using the Snake II name incorrectly.
• Poorly photographed listings where originality cannot be confirmed.

New Collector Advice

If you are new to Redlines, focus first on originality and condition rather than chasing the highest asking price. For the Snake II, learn to identify the U.S. and Hong Kong window difference, check the two-large and two-medium wheel setup, and study the decal placement carefully.

A slightly worn but honest original car is often more collectible than a shiny restored car being sold as original. When in doubt, compare multiple examples, ask for better photos, and avoid listings that do not clearly show the base, windows, wheels, and decals.

Advanced Collector Notes

Advanced collectors should pay close attention to decal authenticity, factory application traits, sticker-sheet remnants, wheel correctness, and base condition. Because the supplied notes identify blue windows as the only U.S. versus Hong Kong difference, claims of additional major variations should be verified carefully before being accepted.

For research and price tracking, separate examples by originality, country/window type, decal condition, accessory completeness, and restoration status. This model can be misleading in price comparisons if restored or re-decaled examples are mixed with original cars.

Short Page Blurb

The 1971 Hot Wheels Redline Snake II is a Larry Wood-designed Redline produced from 1971-1972. Key collector details include the U.S. and Hong Kong window difference, the two-large and two-medium redline wheel setup, and the important factory and sticker-sheet decals featuring “Plymouth” and “Coca Cola” flame logos.

Disclaimer

Values for the 1971 Hot Wheels Redline Snake II can vary widely based on originality, decals, condition, version, completeness, and buyer demand. This guide does not guarantee exact values. Active asking prices should not be treated as market value, and restored, repainted, custom, damaged, incomplete, lot-based, or incorrect listings should not be used as normal price examples.

Quick Value Snapshot

The 1971 Snake II remains a highly sought-after piece due to its crossover appeal between Hot Wheels enthusiasts and drag racing fans. Values fluctuate based on the presence and quality of original decals.

• Poor/Played With: $20 - $50 (Significant decal loss, paint chips, or bent axles)
• Good/Very Good: $60 - $125 (Moderate decal wear, original paint, some play wear)
• Excellent/Near Mint: $150 - $350 (Intact decals, shiny paint, bright chrome)
• Mint/In Original Blister: $500 - $1,000+ (Extreme premium for unapplied sticker sheets and crisp packaging)

Collector Summary

Designed by Larry Wood and produced between 1971 and 1972, the Snake II is the second iteration of Don "The Snake" Prudhomme’s famous Plymouth Barracuda funny car. This model followed the original 1970 white "Snake" and features an updated livery. It is defined by its lift-up body, detailed engine, and internal roll cage. Collectors prize this casting for its historical significance in the "Snake vs. Mongoose" drag racing rivalry.

Known Variations and Details

While the Snake II generally features a white base paint with a specific decal package, there are distinct regional variations:

• U.S. Version: Features clear windows.
• Hong Kong Version: Features blue-tinted windows.
• Wheel Configuration: Standard setup consists of two Medium (front) and two Large (rear) capped Redline wheels.
• Decal Application: From the factory, the passenger-side decal was typically pre-applied. The driver-side and additional Plymouth/Coca-Cola flame logos were provided on a separate sticker sheet inside the package.

Color and Desirability Notes

The Snake II is primarily known in its white finish with the blue, yellow, and red "Snake II" graphics. Unlike some Redline models that come in a rainbow of Spectraflame colors, the desirability here is driven by the integrity of the decals and the window color variation. The Hong Kong version with blue windows is often viewed as a specific "get" for variation hunters, though clear-window U.S. versions remain the standard for many collections.

Condition Factors That Affect Value

• Decal Quality: Because these used stickers rather than tampo printing, the edges often peel or "brown" over time. 100% intact, white-background decals command the highest prices.
• Body Hinge: The plastic hinge mechanism that allows the body to lift is a known weak point. Models with a broken or loose hinge lose significant value.
• Chrome Engine/Chassis: The engine and chassis are prone to "dulling" or oxidation. Bright, reflective chrome is preferred.
• Roll Cage: Ensure the internal plastic roll cage is present and not snapped.

Restorer Notes

The Snake II is a popular candidate for restoration due to the availability of high-quality reproduction decals. However, restorers should note that "white" paint matching can be difficult, as original lead-based paint ages differently than modern enamels. When replacing wheels, ensure the 2 Med/2 Lg stagger is maintained to keep the correct funny car stance.

Buyer Cautions

Be wary of "Mint" listings that actually use reproduction decals. Original decals have a specific thickness and age-appropriate patina. If the decals look "too perfect" or lack the slight yellowing common on 50-year-old stickers, ask the seller for clarification. Additionally, check for "body sag," where the plastic body does not sit flush against the chassis due to heat warping or hinge wear.

Seller Notes

When listing a Snake II, clearly state whether it is the U.S. (clear glass) or Hong Kong (blue glass) version. High-resolution photos of both sides of the car are mandatory, as decal condition is the primary price driver. If the car still has its original sticker sheet or part of it, this should be the focal point of the listing.

Pricing Analysis

Market data shows a consistent demand for the Snake II. Actual sold prices for loose, high-quality examples typically settle in the $175-$250 range. Active asking prices on collector sites and auction platforms often reach $400+, but these frequently sit unsold unless the condition is truly exceptional or includes the original packaging. Confidence in current market pricing is high due to the volume of trades for this specific casting.

Listings to Exclude or Treat Carefully

• Customs and Repaints: These do not represent market value for original Redlines and should be priced as art/tribute pieces.
• "Snake I" Conversions: Do not confuse the Snake II with the 1970 Snake; they have different decal patterns and values.
• Restored Cars: Listings with reproduction decals must be disclosed and priced lower than "Original Survivor" cars.
• Mongoose II: Often sold as a pair; ensure you are evaluating the Snake II individually if buying a split lot.

New Collector Advice

If you are just starting, look for a "clean" Snake II with at least 80% decal integrity. Since this was a toy meant for racing on orange tracks, many surviving examples have "nose-bonk" paint loss on the front bumper. Finding one with a clean nose and intact rear parachutes is a great starting goal for a mid-tier collection.

Advanced Collector Notes

Advanced collectors focus on "Unapplied Sticker Sheet" examples. Finding a Snake II where the owner never applied the driver-side stickers is a rarity. Additionally, look for "transition" examples or variations in the base metal casting (US vs HK) that might show different levels of tool-work detail in the engine bay.

Short Page Blurb

The 1971 Snake II is a cornerstone of the Redline era, representing the peak of 1970s drag racing culture. Featuring the iconic Plymouth Barracuda body and the blue-window Hong Kong variation, it remains a "must-have" for any serious Hot Wheels historian.

Disclaimer

While this guide provides market insights based on historical data, it does not guarantee exact values. The Hot Wheels market is subject to fluctuation. Pricing is based on verified sales of authentic, original 1971-1972 Redline Snake II models. Always verify authenticity before completing a high-value purchase.