1973 Hot Wheels Rumblers Centurion
Casting #: 49352 listed variations
TOOLING
The Centurion is a three-wheeled heavy-duty trike design, first released in the 1971 inaugural RRRumblers line. Designed by Paul Tam, the casting features a streamlined, aerodynamic front fork assembly paired with a wider, dual-rear-wheel base for stability. Unlike the two-wheeled counterparts in the series, the Centurion was engineered for high-velocity track performance on standard Hot Wheels orange tracks, utilizing its tripod configuration to maintain balance through loops and curves. The 'Roar' factor refers to the signature acoustic vibration produced by the hard plastic wheels against the track surface, a hallmark of the RRRumblers brand.
RIDERS
The original rider figure associated with the Centurion is a stylized Roman Legionnaire (Centurion).
- Sculpt: The figure is depicted in a forward-leaning racing crouch, wearing a classic Galea (helmet) with a prominent transverse crest.
- Material: The figure is molded in unpainted plastic.
- Color Variations: The most documented color for the rider is Silver-Grey. Variations in a darker charcoal grey have been observed, though these are often attributed to different plastic batches rather than intentional variants.
COLOR REGISTRY
The Centurion was produced primarily during the transition from Spectraflame to Enamel finishes. Documented body colors include:
- Spectraflame: Aqua, Blue, Green, Lime (Antifreeze), Magenta, Orange, Pink, Red, Rose, and Yellow.
- Enamel: Blue, Green, Orange, and Yellow.
CHASSIS & TIRES
The Centurion features a specific wheel and base configuration:
- Front Wheel: A single, small-diameter hard plastic wheel with a chrome-plated hub.
- Rear Wheels: Two large-diameter hard plastic wheels, typically featuring the "button" style hub common to early 1970s Mattel production.
- Base-Plate Markings: The underside of the casting is embossed with: "CENTURION", "MATTEL, INC. 1970", "HONG KONG", and "U.S. & FOREIGN PAT. PEND.".
CONDITION
Collectors should be aware of several 'Condition Killers' specific to the Centurion:
- Handlebars: The thin plastic handlebars are extremely fragile and are frequently snapped off or missing entirely.
- Rider Peg: The small plastic mounting peg on the seat often shears off, preventing the rider from being secured to the bike.
- Fork Alignment: Due to the heavy-duty nature of the casting, the front fork is prone to bending if stepped on or dropped, leading to "tracking" issues.
- Chrome Loss: The chrome finish on the plastic wheel hubs is highly susceptible to wear from track use and 'play-wear'.
MARKET TRENDS
Values for the Centurion fluctuate based on the presence of the original rider figure:
- Loose (No Rider): $25.00 – $55.00 (Depending on paint condition and handlebar integrity).
- Mint with Rider: $85.00 – $160.00 (Significantly higher for rare Spectraflame colors like Pink or Rose).
- Blister Pack (Unopened): $350.00 – $600.00+ (Based on recent historical auction data and card condition).
