![]() All the keys on the original Kidco cars could be used with any other model (they weren’t actually a specific key shape for a specific car), but having that actual keyring (with a screw off section for adding other keys, rings) was a cool touch. They were essentially exactly the same cars (even the same packaging and Kidco stamp on the base in 1984 – even though they were in the Matchbox catalog), with some new models/designs, but in 1986 with the MBX series they dropped the matching key for each model – disappointing. This is because in 1982/83 Universal Toys group acquired Lesney toys and the Matchbox brand, and obviously decided the Burnin’ Key Car had a better home under that brand than Kidco. In 1984 the Kidco brand disappeared and the Burnin’ Key Cars started to be released under the Matchbox brand. Kidco® Burnin’ Key Cars® №11500-4 → CHEVROLET CORVETTE 1978 1/64 1980 – Photo by Bas De Graaff However to kid, the addition of the key and launching feature more than made up for that! The body castings/molds are fairly low detail, and nothing like the elaborate designs you found in Hot Wheels at the time, or level of detail on Mainline matchbox cars for example. They came in originally about a dozen models (over maybe 6 body shapes), then a few more body shapes and decorative designs were added between 1981-83. Thin Hot Wheels style axles, wide wheels.Opaque windows (to hide the spring mechanism). ![]() The cars themselves are pretty basic when considered in the universe of diecast cars (and they are a combination of diecast and plastic), here’s a summary: These things were big in the 80’s, any kid who had one of these things I can guarantee loved them, they were a bit different, fast, and they each had their own key! For a kid those little details are super important:) Burnin’ Key Car – A-Team Van So basic physics really! But sometimes the simplest solutions are the best, and these are another example of great execution of a simple idea. Then when the key is squeezed together, releasing the notch, the car shoots off the end as the spring uncompresses. The very simple idea involves the key insertion to the back compressing the spring, and the key being held in place by a notch that clicks into the frame. The difference with the Burnin’ Key Car was that the launcher was built into the car itself via the addition of a loaded spring chamber. There were already a range of different ‘launcher’ devices/approaches for toy cars of this type, most of which involved loading the car into or against the launcher device, which would then ‘launch’ the car by some kind of force push against the car. What made these a little different was of course the key and launcher mechanism. Kidco was actually a subsidiary / marketing company of Universal Toys Group, and had previously released the Tough Wheels line of Matchbox/ Hot Wheels style toy cars. The Burnin’ Key Car series began in 1980 with a toy company called Kidco. Kidco® Burnin’ Key Cars® №18000-2 → PONTIAC FIREBIRD TRANS AM 1/64 1980 – Photo by Bas de Graaff
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