VAMP
MULTI-PURPOSE ATTACK VEHICLE
Series: One (1982)
The VAMP [Multi-Purpose Attack Vehicle] was first released boxed in U.S. toy stores in 1982. The box included the straight-arm version of the driver, Clutch.
In 1983, the action figures were re-tooled with swivel-arm battle grip. The VAMP included the swivel-arm version of Clutch and the text on the front of the box reflected this change. The VAMP was discontinued in 1984.
In 1984, the VAMP was repackaged in a special boxed set with the HAL Artillery Laser and sold at Sears.
With Movable Twin .50 Machine Guns
Driver/Pilot: CLUTCH (v1)
Clutch was one of the first figures released in the first series (1982). He came packaged exclusively with the G.I.Joe Attack Vehicle (VAMP). Like all of the original sixteen figures, Clutch was released with "straight arms."
Driver/Pilot: CLUTCH (v1.5)
This swivel-arm version was available with the G.I.Joe Attack Vehicle (VAMP) as part of the second series (1983). This version of Clutch was discontinued domestically in 1984.
At some point - possibly in 1984 - Clutch was also available through Hasbro Direct.
Images
Easily Broken/Lost Pieces
Take extra care with the two gasoline cans and the steering wheel. Being small pieces, these are often lost.
Also, often missing or broken is the machine gun.
Featured In
The VAMP was featured in several of the various media of GI Joe through the years, including Trading Cards, Comic Books, Cartoons and Commercials.
Variations
Some versions of the VAMP came with a unique chassis, best evidenced by the presence of a shovel molded onto the hood. It is believed that most, if not all, Sears boxed sets with the HAL Artillery Laser included these. This mold was also used for the Japanese release of the VAMP.
The rollbar, dashboard, and steering wheel also resemble those on the Vamp Mark II and Stinger.
Vehicle Construction
The vehicle mold was repainted or retooled for the following vehicles:
VAMP (1982)
Stinger (1984)
VAMP Mark II (1984)
VAMP & HAL (1984)
Dreadnok Ground Assault (1986)
VAMP Mark II (1988)
Tiger Sting (1989)
Street Striker (1995) - Street Fighter: The Movie
Rattler 4-WD (1998)
Desert Striker (2001)
V.A.M.P. with Twin Battle Gun (2004)
VAMP Mark V (2007)
International Releases
In Canada in 1983, the VAMP was recolored black and sold as a part of the Sears Exclusive Cobra Combat Set - M.S.V.
In Europe in 1984, the VAMP was recolored in black and yellow and released as the Action Force SAS Panther.
In Brazil in 1984, the VAMP was sold as the Jipe de Ataque by Estrela Toys.
In Japan in 1986, the VAMP was sold boxed by the Takara Toy Company.
In India, Funskool released the VAMP. In 2000, Funskool re-used the mold to create the Funskool MRF Racing Jeep. It was used again by Funskool to create the Funskool Police Car a part of the Rescue Squad Set. Funskool later released the Police Jeep individually in a different shade of blue.
Versions of VAMP
Reference Information
The below information contains information about references to various collector's guides, Hasbro references, original retail prices, and other reference material related to VAMP.|
Original Retail: $8.99 Product Number: 6050 Lee's Guide: GIJ-82051v The Ultimate Guide: Pg. 18 (1st Ed.), Pg. 23 (2nd Ed.) |
Desimone Guide: n/a Tomart's Guide: GI5055 and GI5198 (re-release w/ swivel arm figure) RAHC/Rank & File: n/a Action Figure Archive Guide: n/a |
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