Quick Value Snapshot

Values for the 1971 Grass Hopper vary significantly based on the presence of the original white top and the rarity of the Spectraflame color. Note: Prices below are estimated market ranges for authentic, original examples.

Collector Summary

Designed by the legendary Larry Wood, the Grass Hopper was released only in 1971. It is a "Show Rod" styled dragster featuring a distinctive dual-engine setup (front and rear). This model was produced exclusively in the United States. Its most defining characteristic—and its greatest weakness for collectors—is the removable white plastic top. Because this part was easily lost during play, finding a truly "complete" example is the primary challenge for enthusiasts.

Known Variations and Details

• Production Year: 1971 only.
• Origin: United States.
• Interior: Black.
• Wheels: Four large Redline wheels.
• Top: Removable white plastic roof/canopy.
• Engines: Exposed chrome-plated engines at both the front and the rear.

Color and Desirability Notes

The Grass Hopper was produced in various Spectraflame colors. Common colors include Green, Aqua, and Blue. Magenta and Lime are frequently seen but remain popular. Rare colors that command significant premiums include Red, Yellow, Orange, and Purple. Examples with "brilliant" paint (lacking the dark "toning" often seen in 1971 releases) are highly sought after by advanced collectors.

Condition Factors That Affect Value

• The White Top: The absence of the original white top reduces the value by approximately 50% to 70%.
• Engine Chrome: The exposed engines are prone to "chrome wear" or oxidation, turning them a dull grey. Bright, reflective chrome is a major value driver.
• Engine Headers: The thin exhaust pipes (headers) on the engines can be bent or snapped off.
• Toning: 1971 U.S. paint often undergoes an oxidation process called toning, where the paint darkens. Light, vibrant examples are worth more than heavily toned ones.

Restorer Notes

Because original tops are so rare, many Grass Hoppers found in the wild are fitted with reproduction white tops. While these help the car's shelf appeal, they do not carry the same value as an original factory part. Restorers should also be careful when cleaning the engines, as the thin chrome plating can easily be rubbed off, exposing the grey plastic or zinc underneath.

Buyer Cautions

• Reproduction Tops: Buyers should inspect the underside of the white top for mold marks and plastic aging. If the top looks "too white" and brand new while the car is worn, it is likely a reproduction.
• Fake Engines: Ensure the engines are original to the casting and not swapped from lesser-quality donor cars.
• Bent Axles: Like all Redlines with large wheels, the Grass Hopper is prone to bent axles which can affect how the car sits or "rolls."

Seller Notes

When listing a Grass Hopper, you must state explicitly whether the white top is original or a reproduction. If the top is missing, the car is technically "incomplete" by collector standards. High-resolution photos of the front and rear engine chrome are essential for achieving the best market price.

Pricing Analysis

Confidence in the market for the Grass Hopper is high for complete, high-grade examples. However, the market is flooded with "roofless" cars, which sell for significantly lower prices and should not be used as benchmarks for complete models. Outliers include "un-toned" rare colors (like Red or Purple), which can occasionally exceed $1,000 in auctions if they are in true mint condition.

Listings to Exclude or Treat Carefully

• "Casting Only" listings: Cars missing the top are not representative of the "complete" model value.
• Customs/Repaints: Non-original paint schemes significantly deviate from the Redline market.
• Polished Castings: Examples where the paint has been stripped and the metal polished to look like chrome are not original.

New Collector Advice

For a new collector, it is often better to wait for a mid-grade example that includes the original white top than to buy a "naked" car and try to find an original top later. Original tops are rarely sold separately and can be nearly as expensive as a low-grade car when they do appear.

Advanced Collector Notes

Advanced collectors focus on "color runs" and "toning-free" examples. Because 1971 production was lower than the 1968-1970 peak, finding specific colors like Spectraflame Yellow or Red in a "high-shine" state is a significant achievement for a Redline collection. Collectors also look for "transition" wheels or specific base lusters found only on U.S. 1971 models.

Short Page Blurb

The 1971 Grass Hopper is a quintessential Larry Wood "Show Rod" featuring dual engines and a removable white top. Produced only for one year in the U.S., it remains a high-priority target for collectors seeking to complete their 1971 Redline sets.

Disclaimer

Historical pricing and condition descriptions are for educational purposes only. RedlinePriceGuide.com does not guarantee that any specific car will sell for the prices listed. The Hot Wheels market is subject to fluctuations in demand and availability.