1972 Hot Wheels Rumblers Straight Away

Casting #: 5872
6 listed variations

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TOOLING

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The Straight Away is a heavy-duty drag-style motorcycle casting first released in 1971 as part of the initial Hot Wheels RRRumblers lineup. The design features a stretched-out wheelbase, a prominent triple-exhaust system on each side of the engine, and a specialized wheelie bar integrated into the rear frame. Unlike standard 1/64 scale cars, this casting was engineered with a weighted metal body to maintain stability on Hot Wheels orange track. To facilitate track use, the model was equipped with a clear or black plastic "track guide" (skid) that clipped to the underside. The 'Roar' factor refers to the RRRumblers' unique acoustic property: the plastic "Big Belt" rear wheel features internal gear-like teeth that interact with a metal tab in the chassis, producing a mechanical growling sound when the vehicle is in motion.

RIDERS

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The original rider figure designated for the Straight Away is officially known as "The Scorcher". This figure is characterized by a lean-forward racing posture and a full-face helmet with goggles.

• Primary Variation: Blue racing suit with yellow stripes/accents.
• Secondary Variation: Red racing suit with yellow stripes/accents.
• Note: The figure is composed of a flexible plastisol-style material. Figures are often found with paint loss on the helmet and boots due to friction.

COLOR REGISTRY

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The Straight Away was produced in both Spectraflame and Enamel finishes, reflecting the transition periods of Mattel’s production lines between 1971 and 1973.

Spectraflame Colors (1971):

• Aqua
• Blue
• Green
• Magenta
• Orange
• Purple
• Red
• Rose
• Yellow

Enamel Colors (1972-1973):

• Blue
• Orange
• Red
• Yellow

CHASSIS & TIRES

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The chassis is constructed of die-cast zinc alloy (Zamac).

• Front Wheel: Small, thin plastic wheel on a metal axle, often prone to bending.
• Rear Wheel: Large "Big Belt" style tire. This is a thick, black plastic wheel with a serrated inner rim to facilitate the "RRRoar" sound feature.
• Base-Plate Markings: Typically includes "HOT WHEELS", "RRRUMBLERS", "STRAIGHT AWAY", "MATTEL, INC", "HONG KONG", and the copyright date "© 1970".

CONDITION

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The Straight Away is susceptible to several specific "Condition Killers" that significantly impact historical and collector value:

• Handlebars: The thin plastic handlebars are the most common point of failure; they are frequently snapped off or stress-whitened.
• Track Guide: The removable plastic skid used for track racing is missing in the vast majority of loose examples.
• Exhaust Chrome: The chrome plating on the plastic engine/exhaust components is highly susceptible to "chubbing" (wear) and oxidation.
• Rider Integrity: The rider's hands and feet are designed to clip onto the bike; these small protrusions frequently tear or break off.
• Mechanical Sound Tab: The internal metal tab that creates the engine noise can become bent or fatigued, resulting in a "silent" wheel.

MARKET TRENDS

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Note: Values are based on historical auction data and vary by color rarity (e.g., Rose and Magenta typically command premiums).

• Loose (No Rider, No Guide): $25.00 – $60.00 (Condition dependent).
• Loose (With Rider, No Guide): $85.00 – $175.00.
• Loose (Complete with Rider and Track Guide): $150.00 – $275.00.
• Mint on Original Blister Card: $450.00 – $850.00+ (Extremely rare due to the fragility of the blister bubble against the heavy metal casting).