Baja Bruiser

Baja Bruiser
Debut series	Flying Colors
Produced	1974 - 1982 (Original) 2009 - 2015 (Retool)
Designer	Larry Wood
Number	8258

Description

Based on a '56 Ford pickup, the Baja Bruiser originally debuted in the 1974 Flying Colors line. In 1974 Mattel continued with Enamel paints but introduced them with Tampo's . Creating the Flying Colors. 

The blister pack for 1974 was changed to a white back ground with cars Baja Bruiser, Heavy Chevy  &  P-917) Flying off the card. The Card itself was 7" x 4.5" .

Versions

The Baja Bruiser has come out in the following versions:

Year	Series	Color	Tampo	Base Color / Type	Interior Color	Wheel Type	Toy #	Country	Notes / Variations	Photo
1974	Flying Colors	Enamel Orange	Blue, White, Red "5"	ZAMAC	Black	RL	8258	Hong Kong
1974	Flying Colors	Enamel Yellow	Blue, White, Red "5"	ZAMAC	Black	RL	8258	Hong Kong
1974	Flying Colors	Enamel Yellow	Magenta, White, Red "5"	ZAMAC	Black	RL	8258	Hong Kong
1975	Flying Colors	Light Enamel Green	Blue, White, Red "5"	Chrome / Plastic	Black	RL	8258	Hong Kong
1975	Flying Colors	Enamel Orange	Blue, White, Red "5"	Chrome / Plastic	Black	RL	8258	Hong Kong
1977	Flying Colors	Dark Enamel Blue	Yellow, White, Red "BAJA BRUISER" "711"	Chrome / Plastic	Black	RL	8258	Hong Kong
1977	Flying Colors	Dark Enamel Blue	Yellow, White, Red "BAJA BRUISER" "711"	Chrome / Plastic	Black	BW	8258	Hong Kong
1982	Mainline	Enamel White	Yellow, White, Red "6"	Chrome / Plastic	Black	BW	8258	Hong Kong
1982	Mainline	Enamel White	Yellow, White, Light Red "6"	Chrome / Plastic	Black	BW	8258	Malaysia

Retooled Versions

The Baja Bruiser was retooled for 2009 and has been released in the following 1/64 scale versions:

Year	Series	Color	Tampo	Base Color / Type	Interior Color	Wheel Type	Toy #	Country	Notes / Variations	Photo
2009	HWC.com Series 8 - Real Riders 4/6	Spectraflame Race Team Blue	White, orange, & red stripes becoming flames, "41", & various sponsor logos on sides; white, orange, & red stripes on hood; Hot Wheels logo on front; "BAJA BRUISER", "41", & Hot Wheels logo on tailgate; painted headlights, roll bar light, & taillights	Chrome / Metal	Black	Red-Rim, Chrome ORRR	P2138	China	10,000 produced
2011	HWC.com Series 10 - Neo-Classics 1/6	Spectraflame Bright Orange	Two-tone blue & light blue stripe on sides wrapping over hood; RLC logo on sides; "BRUISER" on front; painted headlights, roll bar light, & taillights	Chrome / Metal	Black	NCRL	V0476	Thailand	4,000 produced Base code(s): D13
2015	29th Annual Hot Wheels Collectors Convention	Spectraflame Pink	White Stripes	Chrome / Metal	White	ORRR	DJX39	Thailand	RLC Party

Gallery

Grid Prototype

According to a 1997 June/August Newsletter article, the Baja Bruiser was suppose to be used in the California Custom Series with some retooling

Based on a color image of the same prototype, it's evident that this car was replaced by Path Beater in the California Custom Series (1990 Mattel Catalog)

Hand Painted prototype (Randy Leffingwell)

Flying Colors 1977

Mainline 1982

RLC 2009

RLC 2011