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| Five previously-released models and the new Vantom made up the Sizzlers II line for 1976. The cars came in chrome and gold chrome. There were slight internal changes to the battery compartment, and the front wheels were changed to the standard "axle through" fare of the current Hot Wheels. 1976 Models included: Anteater II Camaro II Livewire II Mustang II Sideburn II Vantom The Vantom and Mustang are the most common 1976 models. Most likely because they were the main cars included in the Sizzlers II Silver Circuit Set. When I bought the set at Target in 1976, EVERY set I saw included those two models. The Gold Chrome cars are EXTREMELY rare. They were almost impossible to find in 1976. I know, I looked EVERYWHERE and couldn't find them then. "Also released was a Limited Edition, Gold-chromed Camaro T/A that was sold together with a gold colored goose Pump in a sealed blister showpak." 2 If you find one of these, put it in a safe deposit box! 1976 Track Sets included: Silver Circuit Set 1976 Accessories included: Silver Metal Stopwatch Silver Goose Pump The Sizzlers line was now eight years old. There was basically no difference in the design and performance since 1970. Mattel needed something different. The slot car scene was starting to be dominated by the A/FX Magnatraction Flamethrower and TYCO Nite-Glow lighted cars. Mattel was losing sales and ground to this phenomenon. As a last run in 1978, Mattel created an entire new, ground-up design for the Sizzlers line called Night Ridin' Sizzlers. Night Ridin' Sizzlers contained six new models for 1978 which had working headlights. These models were made in molded colors and included: Moonghost Dark Shadow Longcount Lamborghini Short Fuse Corvette 4 Rotor The chassis was redesigned externally (larger switch, hexagonal battery compartment) and internally (light connections), but retained the basic shape and size. Track Sets for 1978 included: Day-Night Challenge Race Set Nightmare Alley Race Set Moonlight Challenge Set After 1978, popularity waned and Mattel discontinued the Sizzlers line for good. These cars have regained popularity in the last few years. However, values are still well below Hot Wheels of the same time period, comparatively speaking. This makes it a good buy for collectors or racers wanting to get in the market for some of these cars. If you don't have any Sizzlers, I would recommend buying a few and racing them. The excitement can't be beat! REFERENCES: 1. Sizzlers Collector's Guide by Joseph Stitzel, 1995, Fast Tracks Publishing, Page 1. 2. Ibid, Page 16. DISCLAIMER: Hot Wheels and Sizzlers are registered trademarks of Mattel, Inc. This website is not affiliated with them. |