Johnny Lightning

Topper toys made the Johnny Lightning brand only for a few years in the late 60's early 70's.  More recently a collector has started back with reproductions and has reclaimed the trademark under the name of Playing Mantis. Read the story here on the "Great Toy Auto Race" by Robert H. Boyle printed Fall 1970, Sports Illustrated. It tells the story of the race between Hot Wheels (Mattel) and Johnny Lightning (Topper Toys).
We buy toy collections from the 70's and back especially those in the original packages..drop us a note if you have something to sell. Contact US

Please click on the Johnny Lightning car above to see other examples on the card and loose

These were to be direct competition for the Hot Wheels redlines cars of the day and a distant cousin to the Matchbox "Superfast".  Redline wheels even came on some of the earlier models of the Johnny Lightning cars. If you want to see some of the cars or some of the information in the catalogs click on the links.