Quick Value Snapshot

Due to the legendary status of the Prudhomme vs. McEwen rivalry, values for the 1970 Snake remain consistently high compared to standard mainlines. Prices typically range from $40 - $125 for "played-with" examples with significant decal wear, $150 - $400 for clean loose examples with intact factory decals, and $800+ for high-grade unpunched blister pack examples.

Collector Summary

Designed by Larry Wood and released in 1970, the "Snake" is a 1/64 scale tribute to Don "The Snake" Prudhomme’s Plymouth funny car. Produced between 1970 and 1971, this casting is a cornerstone of the "Mongoose vs. Snake" drag race sets. It features a flip-up body that reveals a detailed engine and roll cage. Unlike many other Redlines of the era that featured a variety of Spectraflame colors, the Snake is predominantly recognized in its iconic bright yellow finish with racing decals.

Known Variations and Details

• Manufacturing Origins: Produced in both United States and Hong Kong factories.
• Interior/Roll Cage: Both U.S. and Hong Kong versions are equipped with a black interior and an integrated black roll cage.
• Wheel Configuration: Standard dragster setup with 2 Medium Redline wheels in the front and 2 Large Redline wheels in the rear.
• Decal Application: This model featured a sticker sheet containing Coca-Cola and Plymouth logos. Per factory standards, the right side (passenger side) decals were applied at the factory for display in the blister pack, while the left side decals were left on a sheet for the owner to apply.

Color and Desirability Notes

The Snake is almost exclusively found in yellow. While minor shade variations exist between the U.S. (Spectraflame-adjacent) and Hong Kong (Enamel) paint processes, collectors primarily focus on the "whiteness" of the paint and the lack of "toning" (dark spots under the paint). Bright, vibrant yellow examples with minimal "foxing" or darkening are the most sought after.

Condition Factors That Affect Value

• Decal Integrity: Because the right-side decals were factory-applied, their presence and condition are critical. Peeling, curling, or missing Coca-Cola logos significantly reduce value.
• Hinge Function: The plastic hinge that allows the body to flip up is a common failure point. Bodies that do not stay up or have cracked hinges are considered "damaged."
• Roll Cage Completeness: The thin plastic of the roll cage is prone to snapping. Ensure all bars of the cage are intact.
• Chrome Loss: Wear on the silver-painted engine components or the chrome plating on the Redline wheels.

Restorer Notes

The Snake is a popular candidate for restoration due to the availability of high-quality reproduction decal sheets. However, collectors can usually distinguish original factory decals from modern water-slide or vinyl replacements by the thickness and the aging of the adhesive. When replacing a broken hinge, original "donor" chassis parts are preferred over 3D-printed or glue-repaired components.

Buyer Cautions

Be wary of "Mint" listings where the left-side decals are perfectly aligned; these are often reproduction stickers. Always check the rear hinge for stress marks (white discoloration in the plastic) which indicate imminent failure. Verify that the roll cage is the original black plastic and hasn't been painted or replaced with a Mongoose (white) equivalent.

Seller Notes

When listing a Snake, clearly state whether the left-side decals are present and if they are original or reproduction. High-resolution photos of the underside of the body (to show the hinge) and the interior (to show the roll cage) are essential for achieving top market prices. If the car includes the original unused portion of the sticker sheet, this should be highlighted as a significant premium feature.

Pricing Analysis

The market for the Snake is mature, but confidence is high due to the volume of public sales. Note that pricing is highly bifurcated between "survivor" cars and "collector-grade" examples.

Listings to Exclude or Treat Carefully

• Restored/Repainted: These should be priced as "customs" and do not represent the market value of original Redlines.
• Missing Roll Cages: These are considered incomplete and should be valued significantly lower.
• "Mongoose" chassis swaps: The Snake must have the correct chassis; avoid listings with incorrect wheel sizes or mismatched interiors.
• Reproduction Sticker Cars: Values are lower than cars with original factory-applied stickers.

New Collector Advice

If you are just starting, look for a "clean survivor" with the right-side factory decals intact. Don't worry if the left-side stickers are missing, as many children never applied them. Focus on the structural integrity of the flip-up body and the roll cage first, as these parts are harder to fix than simply finding a cleaner loose car later.

Advanced Collector Notes

Advanced collectors often seek out the rare "Sticker Sheet" variations or specific U.S. vs. Hong Kong glass tints. While the database notes black interiors for both, some U.S. versions may exhibit slight variations in the clarity of the windshield (clear vs. smoke) compared to the typically blue-tinted Hong Kong glass. Unpunched blister packs with the original price stickers remain the ultimate "Snake" trophy.

Short Page Blurb

The 1970 Hot Wheels Redline Snake is more than just a toy car; it is a piece of drag racing history. Designed by Larry Wood, this yellow Plymouth funny car features a flip-up body, a black roll cage, and iconic Coca-Cola branding. Whether you are hunting for a mint-on-card example or a clean loose survivor, the Snake remains one of the most recognizable and desirable castings in the entire Redline era.

Disclaimer

Historical pricing data is based on past public auction results and collector trends. Market values fluctuate based on demand and economic conditions. This guide does not guarantee exact values for specific items. Listing prices (asking prices) do not represent actual market value. RedlinePriceGuide.com is not responsible for financial decisions made based on this data.