At the time when the Kenner toyline was released, it was still uncommon to see film characters as action figures. Kenner did a big effort releasing a lot of characters, even though some of them were only visible during a few seconds on the screen.
Of course, Kenner also manufactured vehicles, many which can be seen on the movies, and which had a considerable size. Apparently, there was a lack of smaller size vehicles, so Kenner had to invent them. We have commented several times, how important is for an action figure line to have references in every price level, so people who want to spend a certain amount of money can find an appropriate figure/vehicle/playset for that price. Another reason was the rising price of oil, that made very big vehicles and playsets very expensive, so in order to keep selling "cheap" vehicles (or vehicles in the lower range of prices) it was necessary to create this new series of small cute vehicles.
This trend started in the Empire Strikes Back toyline, and continued with the Return of the Jedi.
This trend started in the Empire Strikes Back toyline, and continued with the Return of the Jedi.
This vehicle is one of the invented vehicles. The MTV-7 (Multi Terrain Vehicle) has a small size and carries one figure. It was launched in 1981 as part of the Empire Strikes Back movie series and it is a light armoured exploration vehicle for icy planet Hoth.
I think it looks great, and it could be very practical in a ice planet, supposing that it does not sink in snow.
I do not collect vehicles from this row, maybe the only one I would like to have is the speedster bike, I got this one cheap only to see how they are built, observe it and write this entry.
FACTS and FIGURES:
- Name: MTV-7
- Toy Line: Star Wars (The Empire Strikes Back)
- Year: 1981 (to 1983)
- Company: Kenner (U.S.A.)
- Size of the figures: 9,5 cm (3 3/4'')
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