Rockin' Wheels
This short-lived series was released in 1992, but is incredibly popular with collectors. It appears there were two seasonal releases for the production sets identified by the presence or removal of collection #10 (A.W.O.L.) from the bottom of the insert. While some of the collections are somewhat common, others are incredibly rare. Each collection is identified below with additional details such as release, rarity, and known variations.
This short-lived series was released in 1992, but is incredibly popular with collectors. It appears there were two seasonal releases for the production sets identified by the presence or removal of collection #10 (A.W.O.L.) from the bottom of the insert. While some of the collections are somewhat common, others are incredibly rare. Each collection is identified below with additional details such as release, rarity, and known variations.
Collection #1: Cinderella
Cinderella was a real band unlike other collections in the series. The "real band" collections are significantly more rare than the imitative bands. Cinderella is extremely rare with only one sealed production set known (see below on Cruisin' Cowboys card) and a semi trailer (found here on m2musuem). The other set shown includes production vehicles on a pre-production approval card using the planned card design. An additional uncut card is shown below as well. The loose vehicles shown are all decos where the semi truck matches the production, but the bus and Cadillac have color variations from earlier in the design phase.
Cinderella was a real band unlike other collections in the series. The "real band" collections are significantly more rare than the imitative bands. Cinderella is extremely rare with only one sealed production set known (see below on Cruisin' Cowboys card) and a semi trailer (found here on m2musuem). The other set shown includes production vehicles on a pre-production approval card using the planned card design. An additional uncut card is shown below as well. The loose vehicles shown are all decos where the semi truck matches the production, but the bus and Cadillac have color variations from earlier in the design phase.
Collection #2: Motley Crue
While more common that Cinderella, this collection is the most difficult of the "attainables" from the series. Only a handful of sealed collections are known with most recent auction sales in excess of $1500! The collections shown below include production vehicles on a pre-production card and a routine production set for comparison. The loose vehicles shown include a deco set (with 2 different color RVs) as well as normal production set for comparison (banding on the semi is present on the production sets). The coloring on the RV shows the stark contrast in comparison of pre-production vehicles compared to the final chosen release color. (Note: A few unusual pairings of a Motley Crue semi cab with URap2 chassis (and Stock Car Superstars Rusty Wallace trailer oddly) were found in China, so this version is shown in comparison to the correct all light purple chassis version on the right.)
While more common that Cinderella, this collection is the most difficult of the "attainables" from the series. Only a handful of sealed collections are known with most recent auction sales in excess of $1500! The collections shown below include production vehicles on a pre-production card and a routine production set for comparison. The loose vehicles shown include a deco set (with 2 different color RVs) as well as normal production set for comparison (banding on the semi is present on the production sets). The coloring on the RV shows the stark contrast in comparison of pre-production vehicles compared to the final chosen release color. (Note: A few unusual pairings of a Motley Crue semi cab with URap2 chassis (and Stock Car Superstars Rusty Wallace trailer oddly) were found in China, so this version is shown in comparison to the correct all light purple chassis version on the right.)
Collection #3: Deep Purple
Somewhat less rare than Motley Crue in comparison, this set is still incredibly difficult. Only a handful of sealed sets exist. A few more loose have surfaced over the years with Australia being a primary location to search. The sealed collections below include production vehicles on a pre-production card and a routine production set for comparison (banding on the semi is present on the production sets). Notice how the pre-production card includes the 1992 cardback, but the production set has a 1991 cardback. The loose vehicles shown below are normal production. When these surface at auction, expect heavy bidder action!
Somewhat less rare than Motley Crue in comparison, this set is still incredibly difficult. Only a handful of sealed sets exist. A few more loose have surfaced over the years with Australia being a primary location to search. The sealed collections below include production vehicles on a pre-production card and a routine production set for comparison (banding on the semi is present on the production sets). Notice how the pre-production card includes the 1992 cardback, but the production set has a 1991 cardback. The loose vehicles shown below are normal production. When these surface at auction, expect heavy bidder action!
Collection #4: AC/DC
The most common of the rare real band Rockin' Wheels collections is AC/DC. A partial case was located in New York a few years ago which is where all the non-Australian sets likely originate. Sadly, the case box was destroyed before I could catch the seller from throwing it out and no pictures exist. The Australian Kidz Biz sets (sticker at the upper right of the card) are the easiest to find comparatively, yet still incredibly tough to acquire commanding very strong value. A variant with the black silhouette of the band members on top of the semi and RV missing is known, but is extremely rare. The partially sealed set below is the only known set still in blister and was obtained in Hong Kong. This variant appears to have only been released in China. The prototype set shown below is not heat sealed and the vehicles are accessible as shown below. The full band member design on the semi truck and RV is included on these prototype pieces, but was removed for production likely due to the intricate nature of the artwork.
The most common of the rare real band Rockin' Wheels collections is AC/DC. A partial case was located in New York a few years ago which is where all the non-Australian sets likely originate. Sadly, the case box was destroyed before I could catch the seller from throwing it out and no pictures exist. The Australian Kidz Biz sets (sticker at the upper right of the card) are the easiest to find comparatively, yet still incredibly tough to acquire commanding very strong value. A variant with the black silhouette of the band members on top of the semi and RV missing is known, but is extremely rare. The partially sealed set below is the only known set still in blister and was obtained in Hong Kong. This variant appears to have only been released in China. The prototype set shown below is not heat sealed and the vehicles are accessible as shown below. The full band member design on the semi truck and RV is included on these prototype pieces, but was removed for production likely due to the intricate nature of the artwork.
Collection #5: URap2
URap2 is one of the four non-real band designs released for the Rockin' Wheels series. The people used in the card designs were all paid actors and Galoob decided to primarily focus on selling these sets for the series likely to avoid paying royalties to the real bands making them far more common. USA, Italian, Spanish, and Canadian sets are shown below for this release. An uncut card is also shown which includes the planned fall '92/spring '93 Bonus Racer Eraser program that was never implemented. Loose production and deco pieces are shown below for comparison. Decos are hand-painted and include exceptional brightness and detail.
URap2 is one of the four non-real band designs released for the Rockin' Wheels series. The people used in the card designs were all paid actors and Galoob decided to primarily focus on selling these sets for the series likely to avoid paying royalties to the real bands making them far more common. USA, Italian, Spanish, and Canadian sets are shown below for this release. An uncut card is also shown which includes the planned fall '92/spring '93 Bonus Racer Eraser program that was never implemented. Loose production and deco pieces are shown below for comparison. Decos are hand-painted and include exceptional brightness and detail.
Collection #6: Cruisin' Cowboys
Cruisin' Cowboys is one of the four non-real band designs released for the Rockin' Wheels series. The people used in the card designs were all paid actors and Galoob decided to primarily focus on selling these sets for the series likely to avoid paying royalties to the real bands making them far more common. USA, Italian, Spanish, and German sets are shown below for this release. An incredible error set is shown including Cinderella #1 production pieces on a Cruisin' Cowboys card as well as a pre-production set on an Adventures card. An uncut card is also shown which includes the planned fall '92/spring '93 Bonus Racer Eraser program that was never implemented. Loose production and deco pieces are shown below for comparison. Decos are hand-painted and include exceptional brightness and detail. The original set name for this release was "Cadillac Cowboys", but was scrapped for royalties presumably. The decos include this original name along with some color variations in the design.
Cruisin' Cowboys is one of the four non-real band designs released for the Rockin' Wheels series. The people used in the card designs were all paid actors and Galoob decided to primarily focus on selling these sets for the series likely to avoid paying royalties to the real bands making them far more common. USA, Italian, Spanish, and German sets are shown below for this release. An incredible error set is shown including Cinderella #1 production pieces on a Cruisin' Cowboys card as well as a pre-production set on an Adventures card. An uncut card is also shown which includes the planned fall '92/spring '93 Bonus Racer Eraser program that was never implemented. Loose production and deco pieces are shown below for comparison. Decos are hand-painted and include exceptional brightness and detail. The original set name for this release was "Cadillac Cowboys", but was scrapped for royalties presumably. The decos include this original name along with some color variations in the design.
Collection #7: Big Fist
Big Fist is one of the four non-real band designs released for the Rockin' Wheels series. The people used in the card designs were all paid actors and Galoob decided to primarily focus on selling these sets for the series likely to avoid paying royalties to the real bands. USA, Italian, Spanish, and German sets are shown below for this release. An interesting error set is shown including the Big Fist vehicles on a URap2 card as well as a pre-production set on an Adventures card. An uncut card is also shown which includes the planned fall '92/spring '93 Bonus Racer Eraser program that was never implemented. Loose production and deco pieces are shown below for comparison. Decos are hand-painted and include exceptional brightness and detail. Notice how the "S" in Fist is incomplete on the deco design and the fist is an added design element added after the background.
Big Fist is one of the four non-real band designs released for the Rockin' Wheels series. The people used in the card designs were all paid actors and Galoob decided to primarily focus on selling these sets for the series likely to avoid paying royalties to the real bands. USA, Italian, Spanish, and German sets are shown below for this release. An interesting error set is shown including the Big Fist vehicles on a URap2 card as well as a pre-production set on an Adventures card. An uncut card is also shown which includes the planned fall '92/spring '93 Bonus Racer Eraser program that was never implemented. Loose production and deco pieces are shown below for comparison. Decos are hand-painted and include exceptional brightness and detail. Notice how the "S" in Fist is incomplete on the deco design and the fist is an added design element added after the background.
Collection #8: Cycle
Cycle is one of the four non-real band designs released for the Rockin' Wheels series. The people used in the card designs were all paid actors and Galoob decided to primarily focus on selling these sets for the series likely to avoid paying royalties to the real bands. In addition to the normal USA version, a pre-production set on an Adventures card is also shown. An uncut card is shown which includes the planned fall '92/spring '93 Bonus Racer Eraser program that was never implemented. Loose production and deco pieces are shown below for comparison. Decos are hand-painted and include exceptional brightness and detail. A variation to the chassis color is known for this collection and worth watching for likely related to release and/or region. Two different deco semis are shown below (1 with a Shake and Sniff cab) as well as the RV and bus as well.
Cycle is one of the four non-real band designs released for the Rockin' Wheels series. The people used in the card designs were all paid actors and Galoob decided to primarily focus on selling these sets for the series likely to avoid paying royalties to the real bands. In addition to the normal USA version, a pre-production set on an Adventures card is also shown. An uncut card is shown which includes the planned fall '92/spring '93 Bonus Racer Eraser program that was never implemented. Loose production and deco pieces are shown below for comparison. Decos are hand-painted and include exceptional brightness and detail. A variation to the chassis color is known for this collection and worth watching for likely related to release and/or region. Two different deco semis are shown below (1 with a Shake and Sniff cab) as well as the RV and bus as well.
Collection #9 (Labeled #10 on Prototype card inserts): Whitesnake
Whitesnake is as rare as Cinderella and next to impossible to complete. Luckily a pre-production card with production vehicles was found (shown below) which is the only known card artwork intended for this unreleased set. One other error production set of vehicles was also found in 2002 on a Deep Purple card (image from eBay back then is shown below). Unfortunately, the set was heavily degraded/mostly unsealed and the loose vehicles added to the m2museum and card components thrown out sadly. (Note: The Whitesnake vehicles shown loose below are actually customs that were made on request from a recent trade by me for the originals from the m2museum which are currently held by a private collector in the UK.)
Whitesnake is as rare as Cinderella and next to impossible to complete. Luckily a pre-production card with production vehicles was found (shown below) which is the only known card artwork intended for this unreleased set. One other error production set of vehicles was also found in 2002 on a Deep Purple card (image from eBay back then is shown below). Unfortunately, the set was heavily degraded/mostly unsealed and the loose vehicles added to the m2museum and card components thrown out sadly. (Note: The Whitesnake vehicles shown loose below are actually customs that were made on request from a recent trade by me for the originals from the m2museum which are currently held by a private collector in the UK.)
Collection #10 (Labeled #12 on Prototype card inserts): A.W.O.L.
A.W.O.L. was another non-real band that was indicated on other early production release sets as Collection #10 before being dropped, but was never released. Sadly, no artwork for the intended card design has ever been located and appears lost to time now. Three complete deco sets are known though and this amazing design would have been an incredible addition to the series if it had made it to production.
A.W.O.L. was another non-real band that was indicated on other early production release sets as Collection #10 before being dropped, but was never released. Sadly, no artwork for the intended card design has ever been located and appears lost to time now. Three complete deco sets are known though and this amazing design would have been an incredible addition to the series if it had made it to production.
Collection #11 (Labeled #9 on Prototype card inserts): Billy Idol
Billy Idol only made it to the prototype phase and no production vehicles have ever been located. This incredible collection would have been an amazing set added to the series, but sadly was scrapped early on. Luckily, the vehicles and artwork survived, but only 2 complete sets are known.
Billy Idol only made it to the prototype phase and no production vehicles have ever been located. This incredible collection would have been an amazing set added to the series, but sadly was scrapped early on. Luckily, the vehicles and artwork survived, but only 2 complete sets are known.
Collection #12 (Labeled #11 on Prototype card inserts): Poison
Poison only made it to the prototype phase and no production vehicles have ever been located. This fantastic collection would have been a perfect addition to the series, but was scrapped early on. Luckily, the vehicles and artwork survived, but only 1 complete set is known which is in the ToyStuf collection. The uncut card is in the joescurios collection though shown below. The last 3 images are custom builds for this collection made purely to fill my collector void.
Poison only made it to the prototype phase and no production vehicles have ever been located. This fantastic collection would have been a perfect addition to the series, but was scrapped early on. Luckily, the vehicles and artwork survived, but only 1 complete set is known which is in the ToyStuf collection. The uncut card is in the joescurios collection though shown below. The last 3 images are custom builds for this collection made purely to fill my collector void.
Custom Collections
This series is a fantastic option for making custom collections. Shown below is a Nirvana set as well as Audioslave and Groo the Wanderer which were personal favorites. More coming soon. (To be clear, these were never made by Galoob. In fact Audioslave was from 2003 long after Galoob was sold to Hasbro in 1998.)
This series is a fantastic option for making custom collections. Shown below is a Nirvana set as well as Audioslave and Groo the Wanderer which were personal favorites. More coming soon. (To be clear, these were never made by Galoob. In fact Audioslave was from 2003 long after Galoob was sold to Hasbro in 1998.)