1972 Hot Wheels Rumblers Choppin Chariot

Casting #: 5948
3 listed variations

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TOOLING
The Choppin Chariot (Casting #5935) debuted in 1971 as part of the initial RRRumblers wave. Unlike the two-wheeled motorcycles in the line, the Choppin Chariot is a trike (three-wheeler) design. It features a heavy die-cast metal front fork and handlebar assembly mated to a plastic rear body and engine component. The design is characterized by an oversized, exposed chrome-plated engine and high-set "ape hanger" handlebars. In terms of track performance, the trike configuration provided significantly better stability on Hot Wheels orange track compared to two-wheeled counterparts, which required a clear plastic "track clip" to remain upright. The "Roar" factor refers to the internal plastic "clacker" mechanism that produces a rhythmic clicking sound when the rear wheels rotate, simulating an engine idle.

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RIDERS
The original rider figure associated with the Choppin Chariot is a molded plastic figure wearing a full-face helmet and goggles, often captured in a leaning-forward "steering" posture. These figures were designed with a hole in the seat-area to snap onto a post on the vehicle. Documented color variations for the rider include:

• Green
• Yellow
• Blue
• Red
• Orange

Note: Riders were often mixed and matched at the factory; there is no strictly "exclusive" rider color for specific body colors, though certain pairings are more common in surviving blister packs.

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COLOR REGISTRY
The RRRumblers line transitioned quickly into enamel finishes. The Choppin Chariot is primarily documented in the following Enamel colors:

• Yellow (Common)
• Orange (Common)
• Lime Green (Common)
• Magenta / Purple (Harder to find)
• Blue (Harder to find)

Spectraflame versions of this specific casting are largely restricted to pre-production prototypes or extremely limited early runs; standard retail releases are almost exclusively Enamel.

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CHASSIS & TIRES
The vehicle features a three-wheel configuration:

• Front Wheel: A small, thin black plastic wheel with a chrome hub, held by the die-cast metal fork.
• Rear Wheels: Two large "Deep Dish" wheels with chrome "mag" styling, similar to those found on Sizzlers or heavy-duty Hot Wheels of the era.
• Base-Plate Markings: The underside of the die-cast fork or the plastic chassis plate (depending on the run) typically carries the text: MATTEL, INC. © 1970, HONG KONG, PAT. PEND.

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CONDITION KILLERS
The Choppin Chariot is highly susceptible to several forms of structural degradation:

• Broken Handlebars: The thin plastic handlebars are the most frequent point of failure and are often found snapped or missing.
• Chrome Oxidation: The large plastic engine block and exhaust pipes are chrome-plated; this plating frequently "pales" or rubs off to reveal the grey/white plastic underneath.
• Missing Riders: Because the figures were removable, they are missing in approximately 70% of loose specimens.
• Brittle Plastic: The rear "tongue" or snap-point for the rider can become brittle and snap if the figure is removed and replaced repeatedly.
• Bent Fork: The metal front fork can bend under pressure, causing the trike to "track" poorly.

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MARKET TRENDS
Values fluctuate based on the presence of the original rider and the integrity of the chrome.

• Loose (No Rider, Minor Play Wear): $35.00 – $65.00 USD
• Loose (With Original Rider, Near Mint): $125.00 – $225.00 USD
• Mint on Card (MOC): $350.00 – $600.00+ USD (depending on color rarity and card condition)

Historical Note: Magenta and Blue enamel variants tend to command a 20-30% premium over Yellow or Orange variants in equivalent condition.