Description[]
The Baja Bug is a Hot Wheels casting based on the Volkswagen Beetle that was designed for Mattel by Larry Wood. The casting debuted in the 1984 Real Riders Series. Why "Baja"? Well, the Baja California Peninsula in northwest Mexico is home to the Mexican 1000 off-road race. The Baja Bugs were developed in the late 1960s as a homemade alternative to the fiberglass-bodied Meyers Manx beach buggies of the era that excelled in the sandy, hilly terrain. To make a Baja Bug, you take a stock VW Beetle, chopped off the front and back portions of the car at an angle, add fill-in panels, oversized trim and fenders, tune the exposed engine and put on a set of wide balloon or paddle-tread tires.
This casting has also gone by the name VW Baja, VW-Käfer Spezial, Baja Beetle, Volkswagen Baja Bug and Volkswagen Baja Beetle. "Blazin' Bug" was featured on the doors from 1985 to 1990 while "Bug'n Taxi" was featured on the doors in 1998.
Versions[]
The Baja Bug has come out in the following 1/64 scale versions:
| Col # | Year | Series | Color | Tampo | Base Color / Type |
Interior Color | Wheel Type | Toy # | Country | Notes | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Real Riders | Yellow | Purple, Yellow & White "Baja Bug" & "Champion" graphics | ZAMAC | Black | Gray RR | 5907 | Hong Kong | 
| ||
| 1984 | Real Riders | Yellow | Purple, Yellow & White "Baja Bug" & "Champion" graphics | Unpainted / Metal |
Black | Gray RR | 5907 | Malaysia |
| ||
| 1984 | Real Riders | Yellow | Purple, Yellow & White "Baja Bug" & "Champion" graphics | Unpainted / Metal |
Black | White RR | 5907 | Malaysia | 
| ||
| 1984 | Mainline | Yellow | Purple, Yellow & White "Baja Bug" & "Champion" graphics | Unpainted / Metal |
Black | BW | Hong Kong | 
| |||
| 1984 | Mainline | Yellow | Purple, Yellow & White "Baja Bug" & "Champion" graphics | Unpainted / Metal |
Black | BW | Malaysia |
| |||
| 1985 | Real Riders | Red | Orange, Yellow & White "Baja Bug" graphics | Unpainted / Metal |
Red | White Hub RR | 9548 | Malaysia | 
| ||
| 1985 | Real Riders | Red | Orange, Yellow & White flames, & “Blazin' Bug” tampo | Unpainted / Metal |
Red | White Hub RR | 9548 | Malaysia | 
| ||
| 1985 | Stamper 3-Pack | Black | Orange, Yellow & White flames & "Blazin' Bug" | Unpainted / Metal |
Tan | RR White | 9328 | Malaysia | Only in Stamper 3-pack | 
| |
| 1987 | Trailbusters | White | "Blazin' Bug", Orange & Red flames | Unpainted / Metal |
Red | BW | 2542 | Malaysia | 
| ||
| 1987 | Trailbusters | White | "Blazin' Bug", Orange & Red flame graphics | Unpainted / Metal |
Red | RR White | 2542 | Malaysia | 
| ||
| 1987 | Real Riders | White | "Blazin' Bug", Orange & Red flame graphics | Unpainted / Metal |
Red | RR White | 2542 | Malaysia |
| ||
| 1988 | Color Racers | Metallic Orange to Yellow | "Blazin' Bug", Yellow & blue flame graphics | Unpainted / Metal |
Red | BW | 1439 | Malaysia | Appears in a Color Racers Single Pack & 3 Pack |  
| |
| 1988 | Color Racers 3-Pack | Purple to Blue | "Blazin' Bug, White & blue flame graphics | Unpainted / Metal |
Red | BW | Malaysia |  
| |||
| 1989 | Automagic | Metalflake Champagne to | Red "Blazin' Bug", Yellow & Blue flames | Unpainted / Metal |
Red | BW | 7268 | 
| |||
| #36 Experimental Card | 1989 | Mainline | White | Blazin' Bug | Unpainted / Metal |
Red | BW | 2542 | Malaysia | 
| |
| 36 | 1990 | Mainline | White | Blazin' Bug | Unpainted / Metal |
Red | BW | 2542 | Malaysia | #36 Blue Card ALW Lrg-Sml |
|
| 1990 | Mainline | Red | "Blazin' Bug" w/Orange, Yellow & White flames | Unpainted / Metal |
Black | BW | Malaysia | International Line Only | 
| ||
| 1990 | Mainline | Purple | "Blazin' Bug" w/Orange, Yellow & White flames | Unpainted / Metal |
Red | BW | Malaysia | International line only | 
| ||
| 1990 | Heroes on Hot Wheels | Metallic Red | "Blazin' Bug" w/Orange & Yellow flames | Unpainted / Metal |
Red | BW | Malaysia | Included in the Zak-Access promotions | 
| ||
| 1990 | California Customs | Pink | Purple, Blue, Yellow, Black | Unpainted / Metal |
Yellow | Yellow RR | 1238 | Malaysia | with plastic medallion and sticker sheet | 
| |
| 1990 | California Customs | Pink | Purple, Blue, Yellow, Black | Unpainted / Metal |
Yellow | BW | 1238 | Malaysia | with plastic medallion and sticker sheet | 
| |
| 223 | 1993 | Mainline | Red with Red Glitter | Unpainted / Metal |
Black | BW | 4325 | Malaysia | 
| ||
| 1993 | Color FX | Pink to white color change | Red & yellow stripes | Painted metal | Yellow | BW | Malaysia | Plastic body |  
| ||
| 1995 | Track System 5-Pack | White | Multi-Colored Checks & Flames | Pink / Metal |
Red | Gold BW | 13366 | Malaysia | Plastic Body | 
| |
| Gold 5SP | 
| ||||||||||
| 393 | 1996 | Race Team II 2/4 |
Metallic Blue | Hot Wheels Race Team Deco | Unpainted / Metal |
White | 5SP | 15234 | Malaysia | 
| |
| 567 | 1997 | Dealer's Choice 3/4 |
Metallic Red | White Black, Ace of Spades | Unpainted / Metal |
White | 5SP | 16940 | Malaysia | Also found in 1998 Toys R Us 10-pack Also with silver painted base |
|
| 567 | 1997 | Dealer's Choice 3/4 |
Metallic Red | Unpainted / Metal |
White | 5SP ASW Small | 16940 | Malaysia |
| ||
| 567 | 1997 | Dealer's Choice 3/4 |
Metallic Red | White Black, Ace of Spades | Unpainted / Metal |
White | 5SP Medium | 16940 | Malaysia | ASW version (actually all medium 5sp) | 
|
| 567 | 1997 | Dealer's Choice 3/4 |
Metallic Red | White Black, Ace of Spades | Unpainted / Metal |
White | 5SP ALW Large | 16940 | Malaysia | ALW Large |
|
| 694 | 1998 | Tropicool 2/4 |
White | "Bug'N Taxi" w/Black, Red, Yellow & Green | Unpainted / Metal |
Red | Regular 5SP in Front, Large 5SP in Rear | 18776 | India | 
| |
| 694 | 1998 | Tropicool 2/4 |
White | "Bug'N Taxi" w/Black, Red, Yellow & Green | Unpainted / Metal |
Red | Regular 5SP in Front, Large 5SP in Rear | 18776 | Malaysia | 
| |
| 694 | 1998 | Tropicool 2/4 |
White | "Bug'N Taxi" w/Black, Red, Yellow & Green | Unpainted / Metal |
Red | Regular 5SP in Front & Rear | 18776 | Malaysia | ASW version (actually all medium 5sp) | 
|
| 835 | 1998 | Mainline | Metallic Blue | Red, Yellow, & White Hot Wheels logo on sides. | Unpainted / Metal |
White | BW | 19713 | India | No top tampo | 
|
| 835 | 1998 | Mainline | Red | Yellow "dakar" Black "RALLY" Red "1" Stripes Black & Yellow on side | Unpainted / Metal |
Tan | BW big rear wheel | 19713 | India | 
| |
| 835 | 1998 | Mainline | Red | Yellow "dakar" Black "RALLY" Red "1" Stripes Black & Yellow on side | Unpainted / Metal |
Tan | BW small rear wheel | 19713 | India | ASW version | 
|
| 1998 | Timeless Toys 4-Pack | Red | Purple, Yellow Whitye "The Original UNO" | Unpainted / Metal |
Purple | 5SP | Malaysia | Toys R Us Exclusive | 
| ||
| 1998 | JC Whitney Promo | Yellow & White | JC Whitney Logo tampo, HW Logo Headlights, CMA R/T on Drivers side only | Unpainted / Metal |
Blue | White Hub RR | 18670 | Malaysia | 
| ||
| 944 | 1999 | Buggin' Out 4/4 |
Metallic Blue | Yellow, Orange, Black Bug | Unpainted Metal | Orange | 5SP | 21103 | Malaysia | 
| |
| 174/240 | 2001 | Mainline | Metallic Silver | Yellow, Black & Red | Unpainted / Metal |
Black | ORSB | 53717 | Malaysia | Unpainted Base | 
|
| Metallic Silver / Metal |
Painted Base | 
| |||||||||
| 207/240 | 2002 | Mainline | Black | Orange, Yellow flaming on side. "22" Number on side | Unpainted / Metal |
Red | Red 5SP | 55092 | Malaysia | 
| |
| 2002 | Midwest Air‑cooled Enthusiasts Special Edition | Yellow, Black & White | "MACE" On side | Unpainted / Metal |
Grey | White GY RR | 56989 | Malaysia | 
| ||
| 2002 | Midwest Air‑cooled Enthusiasts Special Edition | Yellow, Red & White | "MACE" On side | Unpainted / Metal |
Grey | White GY RR | 56989 | Malaysia | 
| ||
| 2003 | 17th Annual Hot Wheels Collectors Convention | White & Blue | Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA | Unpainted / Metal |
Black | Chrome RR | Malaysia | 
| |||
| 2003 | 100% Preferred: Volkswagen 1/4 |
Silver & Blue | Yellow number 6 & logos | Painted / Metal |
Black | Chrome RR | Malaysia | 
| |||
| 2003 | 100% Preferred: Volkswagen 1/4 |
Pearl white & Orange | Yellow number 6 & logos | Painted / Metal |
Black | Chrome RR | Malaysia | 
| |||
| 2004 | Auto Affinity Down & Dirty | Metalflake Silver & Orange | Black circle with 8 on doors & hood | Painted Black | Light Orange | Chrome RR | G7773 | Malaysia | 
| ||
| 2004 | Auto Affinity Down & Dirty | Metalflake White & Black | 13 on doors & hood | Unpainted / Metal |
Red | Chrome RR | G3766 | Malaysia | 
| ||
| 161/187 | 2005 | Mainline 28/50 |
Metallic Light Blue | Orange, White & Black. "77" + Baja bug On side | Unpainted / Metal |
Grey | OR5SP | H9069 | Malaysia | 
| |
| 161/187 | 2005 | Mainline | Flat Gray | Orange, White & Black. "77" + Baja bug On side | Unpainted / Metal |
Blue | OR5SP | H9069 | Malaysia | 
| |
| 185/187 | 2005 | Mystery Cars | Fluorescent Green | "MC" & "5" graphics on sides | Unpainted / Metal |
Black | 5SP | J0414 | Thailand | Kar Keepers | 
|
| 185/187 | 2005 | Mystery Cars | Fluorescent Orange | "MC" & "5" graphics on sides | Unpainted / Metal |
Black | 5SP | J0414 | Thailand | Kar Keepers | 
|
| 185 | 2005 | Mystery Cars 2/4 |
Yellow | "MC" & "5" graphics on sides | Unpainted / Metal |
Black | RR | J4014 | Voucher 2/4 for 10yr TH | 
| |
| 099 | 2006 | Red Line 4/5 |
Metallic Red-Orange | Silver & Black with wheel by rear side window | Unpainted / Metal |
Black | Redline 5SP | J3425 | Malaysia | Also released on Walmart exclusive Red Card | 
|
| 131/196 | 2008 | Team: Volkswagen 3/4 |
Metallic Red | Black & Silver graphics with number 310 on sides | Unpainted / Metal |
White | 5SP | M6905 | Malaysia | Base code(s): A28, A29, A32, A34, A44, | 
|
| 2008 | Classics (Series 4) 2/15 |
Spectraflame Antifreeze | Black & Silver graphics with VW logo on sides | Unpainted / Metal |
Gray | 5SP | M3656 | Thailand | Vintage Series with Button Base code(s): |
| |
| 2008 | Classics (Series 4) 2/15 |
Spectraflame Pink | Black & Silver graphics with VW logo on sides | Unpainted / Metal |
Gray | 5SP | M1859 | Thailand | Base code(s): | 
| |
| 2008 | Classics (Series 4) 2/15 |
Spectraflame Blue | Black & Silver graphics with VW logo on sides | Unpainted / Metal |
Gray | 5SP | M1859 | Thailand | Base code(s): NBD, A33. A34 | 
| |
| 2008 | Classics (Series 4) 2/15 |
Spectraflame Copper | Black & Silver graphics with VW logo on sides | Unpainted / Metal |
Gray | 5SP | M1859 | Thailand | Base code(s): | 
| |
| 2008 | Classics (Series 4) 2/15 |
Spectraflame Black | Black & Silver graphics with VW logo on sides | Unpainted / Metal |
Gray | 5SP | M1859 | Thailand | Base code(s): NBD, A36 , A40 | 
| |
| 2009 | 3 Kings Day 3-Pack |
Gold | Green, White, Red, Black. Black 09 On Side & hood | Unpainted / Metal |
Black | White 5SP | P4380 | Malaysia | Base code(s): A41 | 
| |
| 2009 | Volkswagen 5-pack | Metallic Blue | Orange White & Black "09" racing deco on sides only | Chrome / Plastic |
Red | Orange 5SP | N4077 | Thailand | Base Code: B24, B25, B26 | 
| |
| 2009 | Holiday Rods 5/6 |
Pearl White & Metallic Silver | Red Strip & White Snowflake on hood | Unpainted / Metal |
White | "Happy Holiday 2009" Tampo, RR5SP | R4222 | Thailand | Base code(s): B35 | 
| |
| 2009 | Holiday Rods 5/6 |
Satin Pearl Silver & Metallic Light Olive | Red Strip & White Snowflake on hood | Unpainted / Metal |
Pearl White | "Happy Holiday 2009" Tampo, RR5SP | R4222 | Thailand | Base code(s): B37 | 
| |
| 055/240 | 2010 | Treasure Hunt 11/12 |
Flat Black & Pearl Yellow | Black, Teal & Silver Stripes on Sides & Hood; HW & TH Logos on Sides | Unpainted / Metal |
Yellow | OR5SP | R7444 | Malaysia | Issued as "Baja Beetle" Base code(s): C22, C23, C24, C25 |
|
| 063/214 | 2010 | ||||||||||
| 055/240 | 2010 | Super Treasure Hunt 11/12 |
Flat Black & Spectraflame Yellow | HW Logo & TH on side, detailing | Unpainted / Metal |
Yellow | ORRR | R7456 | Malaysia | Issued as "Baja Beetle" Base code(s): C19, C20 |
|
| 063/214 | 2010 | ||||||||||
| 214/241 | 2011 | Thrill Racers Jungle 4/6 |
Metallic Teal Blue | Jungle Rally racing deco, "822" Brown mud splashes | Unpainted / Metal |
Light Brown | Rust Colored Tires, Bronze OR5SP | T9921 | Malaysia | Base code(s): C30, C31, C32, C45, C49 | 
|
| 214/241 | 2011 | Thrill Racers Jungle 4/6 |
Red | Jungle Rally racing deco, "822" Brown mud splashes | Unpainted / Metal |
Dark Grey | Rust Colored Tires, Bronze OR5SP | T9964 | Malaysia | Base code(s): D02, D03, D04, D08, D11 | 
|
| 2011 | Racing Kit: Baja 4/12 2-Pack |
Red | Orange, yellow & dark blue graphics, "88", race decos, flames | Unpainted / Metal |
Blue | Yellow 5SP | V0105 | Malaysia | Base code(s): C41, C47 | 
| |
| 2012 | The Hot Ones | Metallic Purple | '3' on sides & hood, White stripes on sides, hood, & roof | Unpainted / Metal |
Red | CT | W3782 | Thailand | Base code(s): D48, D50 | 
| |
| 2012 | HW Racing Offroad | Spectraflame Pink & White | '82' Logos on side | Unpainted / Metal |
Orange | ORRR & "BF Goodrich" RRPrf | W8321 | Thailand | Base code(s): E09 | 
| |
| 2013 | Flying Customs | Yellow | Pink red & blue graphics on sides & hood. Baja Beetle on sides w/ smiley faces | Unpainted / Metal |
Red | CT | X8200 | Thailand | Base code(s): F02, F06 | 
| |
| 2014 | Pop Culture: Grateful Dead | Yellow & Orange | Grateful Dead (Terrapin Station Turtles) | Unpainted / Metal |
Black | ORRRS | BDR72 | Thailand | Base code(s): G13 , G16 | 
| |
| 2015 | Stunt Devil 5-Pack | White | Blue flames & red stripes "Stunt Team" on side graphics | Unpainted / Metal |
Blue | Chrome red maroon OR5SP | CDT25 | Malaysia | Named Volkswagen Baja Beetle Base code(s): H34, H38, H39 |
| |
| 2016 | HW Retro Style | Red | white & gold graphics number 30 & logo on doors | Unpainted / Metal |
Black | Chrome Golden Black | Malaysia | Base code(s): J17 | 
|
2006 card[]
From the back of the 2006 card:
FUN FACTS!
The original Red Line™ wheels had torsion bar bent-axle suspension when introduced in 1968! Red Line™ wheels were brought back in online for collectors!
2010 Treasure Hunts card[]
From the back of the 2010 Treasure Hunts card:
Born: 1983
Birthplace: Wolfsburg, Germany
Designer: Volkswagen Group
Specialty: With big rear scoop, race suspension, custom fenders, open roof and exposed rear engine, this Volkswagen was made to "beet" the competition on and off-road.
See also[]
Gallery[]
coldpopcarlsvws
Model Shop Sample
Model Shop Sample
Model Shop Hand Drawn pencil ink
.JPG "35 Years of Speed Randy Leffingwell Pink (2).JPG (1.1 MB)")
Pink Prototype (Randy Leffingwell)
.JPG "1990 Mattel Catalog Cal (17).JPG (1.59 MB)")
Red Hub RR prototype (1990 Mattel Catalog)
.jpg "Baja Buggy Brain Anna (5).jpg (195 KB)")
Color sample prototypes (Brian-Anna.com)
.jpg "Baja Buggy Brain Anna (1).jpg (98 KB)")
.jpg "Baja Buggy Brain Anna (2).jpg (93 KB)")
.jpg "Baja Buggy Brain Anna (3).jpg (102 KB)")
.jpg "Baja Buggy Brain Anna (4).jpg (95 KB)")
1984 Real Riders - Baja Bug RR Gray base Hong Kong by Jairzinh0
1984 Real Riders - Baja Bug RR Gray base Hong Kong back card by Jairzinh0
VW Baja Bug 1987
1987
Color Racers™ Sweepstakes 1988-Jan 1989
Automagic & Color Racers
Automagic & Color Racers
1439 BAJA PURPLE
1439
7268
3876 VW KÄFER SPEZIAL, VW BAJA, Baja Bug international Only
1989 Experimental Card 36 (2542)
2542 1989 #36 Experimental Card Back
VW Baja Bug 1990
1990
one of many Ways this BAJA was acquired promotionals
later Release with M Andretti Sweepstakes 1992
1994 3112PA
1994
1996 many ways over multiple years to acquire BAJA BUG of
1996
1996 with socks
ZAC-ACCESS Inc
1996 card only
1996 socks HW Coupon
.jpg "1995 Track System Baja (2).jpg (269 KB)")
.jpg "1995 Track System Baja (3).jpg (235 KB)")
.jpg "1995 Track System Baja (1).jpg (268 KB)")
Race Team II 1996-393
1998
1998 18670
CMA R/T drivers side only
1998 JC Whitney 18670
1998 Mainline - Baja Bug by Jairzinh0
1998 Mainline - Baja Bug by Jairzinh0
2001-174
2002
2002
Baja Bug - 2002 # 207 Mainline
2002-207
2002 M.A.C.E
.jpg "Hot Wheels 17th Collectors Convention Baja (1).jpg (211 KB)")
2005 Kar Keepers - Baja Bug by Jairzinh0
2005 Kar Keepers - Baja Bug by Jairzinh0
2005 Kar Keepers
2005-161
2005 ?1steditionMan?
Baja Bug by Baffalie
Baja Bug by Baffalie
2006
2006- RL
40Yr Convention Larry Wood models 1st>recent
M3656
M3656
2 of 15 Baja Beetle/Bug Button back
2008
2008-131
2008-131
2009-5pk
2009 #5
2009 #5
Both Colours #5 Volkswagen Beetle
T-Hunt Super
Baja Bug (Trea$ure Hunt$)
2010 Reg TH Short Card
2011 Thrill Racers Jungle - Baja Bug by Jairzinh0
Baja Bug
2012 Racing Offroad
2012
2013 Flying Customs - Baja Bug by Jairzinh0
HW-2013-Baja Beetle rear view
?file named Mystery Baja? Kustom or CLASSICS Classics ("Black is truly Purple
According to this Commercial, the Color Changers had a promotion where if your car revealed to be a Winner, like this "Grand Prize" Baja Bug, you'd win one of many prizes.
1997 Dealer's Choice