Johnny Lightning
Brand
In 1969, Topper Toys introduced Johnny Lightning cars and track sets in response to the growing 1/64th-scale diecast market. Topper closed in 1971 and production of Johnny Lightning cars ceased for 23 years.
In 1993 Thomas Lowe secured the trademark rights to the Johnny Lightning name for his Playing Mantis company. Playing Mantis produced recreations of the original toy cars under the Johnny Lightning brand name from 1994 to June 2004.
Subject ID: 1581
MoreIn 1969, Topper Toys introduced Johnny Lightning cars and track sets in response to the growing 1/64th-scale diecast market. Topper closed in 1971 and production of Johnny Lightning cars ceased for 23 years.
In 1993 Thomas Lowe secured the trademark rights to the Johnny Lightning name for his Playing Mantis company. Playing Mantis produced recreations of the original toy cars under the Johnny Lightning brand name from 1994 to June 2004.
At that time Playing Mantis (including the Johnny Lightning brand) was bought by RC2 Corp. which in turn was bought by the Japanese toy company TOMY in 2011. TOMY discontinued the Johnny Lightning line of diecast cars in 2013.
The brand continued to maintain a following by a loyal group of collectors. In early 2016 Round 2 LLC, a toy company owned by Thomas Lowe (who also owned Playing Mantis), revived and reintroduced Johnny Lightning vehicles to the toy market for a second time along with new sister brands Auto World and Racing Champions.
Subject ID: 1581
External Links
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1970s TV Ad
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Wikipedia
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Hemmings on the Tomica purchase
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Background Article (in Portuguese)
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HobbyTalk
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Johnny Lightning
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Subject ID: 1581
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