Last year, California Creations rolled into Toy Fair New York and ASTRA Marketplace & Academy to build buzz for its faithful reproduction and update of Ideal Toys’ Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle.
Originally released in 1973, the toy featured the legendary stuntman in his signature red, white, and blue jumpsuit riding atop a chrome-accented motorcycle. Using a bright red “energizer,” kids would power-up Knievel’s Stunt Cycle to race at high speeds and perform stunts and jumps on homemade ramps. In a bit of lucky timing, last year’s release of Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 4 reignited interest in the classic toy thanks to Duke Caboom, a Canadian character that was no doubt inspired by American icon.
Returning to Toy Fair New York this past February, California Creations officially re-launched the Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle under a new licensing agreement with Kelly Knievel, Evel’s oldest son.
“We wanted to duplicate the toy’s original performance, but protect the long-term collectors who have been loyal to the brand for over 45 years,” says Kelly Knievel.
In order to accomplish that, California Creations used Ideal Toys’ original molds from the 1970s wherever possible, but they worked with engineers at American Classic Toys to improve the flywheel gyro mechanism that powered the original toy’s stunts. The Stunt Cycle has been updated with new date and origin markings in accordance with current safety regulations and to avoid confusion on the collector market. Additionally, the toy comes in a box inspired by the original with subtle updates.
Upon release this spring, the nostalgia factor fueled interest in the Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle, and California Creations sold through its initial shipment of 10,000 pieces in less than 60 days.
According to the company, a fresh shipment is expected to arrive at the Port of Los Angeles on June 17.
