M.A.S.K. at 30: Wyatt's 10 Most Wanted M.A.S.K. Vehicles As An '80s Kid

As many of you know by now, I am not quite the collector as Jason or other M.A.S.K. agents. However, I'll toss my hat into the ring with my own personal Top 10 M.A.S.K. Vehicles I wanted as a kid in the '80s.

#1 Condor

My only M.A.S.K. toy growing up was, and still is, Condor with Brad Turner. I remember incorporating it into my Transformers, Knight Rider, Dukes...well '80s world along with a few Tonka toys in the mix. Condor will probably always rank #1 in my most wanted list. With that said, let's scroll down the remainder of my wishlist.

#2 Thunder Hawk

At number two (as Casey Kasem used to say), I would have to choose Thunder Hawk with Matt Trakker. Perhaps it was the leader combination that makes this my second choice, nonetheless I had an equal fascination with the Iroc-Z Camaro anyway so this was just a cool toy to want. And thanks to my great friend, I now possess one!

#3 Switchblade

Coming in at number three is Switchblade with Miles Mayhem. Being a huge fan of helicopters, I thought it was an awesome toy and a good counter balance to have. Plus I won't lie, I'd like to see who would win...Airwolf or Switchblade.

#4 Rhino

Easing into fourth would have to be Rhino with Bruce Sato and Matt Trakker. I always thought of this vehicle as the real powerhouse for M.A.S.K., essentially serving as a massive tank while also being their mobile command post. The "tandem axle buggy" was just an added bonus. Plus, my dad was a truck driver and I loved riding shotgun with him so this gave me just another sentimental attachment for wanting the vehicle.

#5 Boulder Hill

Number five, believe it or not, is where Boulder Hill with Alex Sector and Buddy Hawkes falls. From what I recall from playing with it while visiting Jason during our childhood, I thought it was a fascinating addition as well as just large enough to fit Thunderhawk through. However, I was a bit disappointed that Rhino didn't fit to recreate the cartoon intro theme with the toys.

#6 Piranha

Jumping to number six is Piranha with Sly Rax at the helm. This is actually a very good concept because there were two facets to play with, the bike and the sub. Although well past the playground age, who wouldn't want to dig up a little piece of the yard, flower garden, or sandbox and make a little river for the Piranha sub to jump into?

#7 Gator

This brings us to number seven which is Gator with Dusty Hayes. An equally awesome amphibious vehicle that would almost need to be purchased in tandem with Piranha for equal competition.  Yeehaw!

#8 Hurricane

Hurricane with Hondo MacLean blows in at number eight. A very sweet and well engineered '57 Chevy Belair that converts to a six-wheel tank. This was a great car and for the cost, I would have probably swapped it with Boulder Hill, however I must admit I never did like the Blaster II mask.

#9 Jackhammer

Coming in at number nine would be Jackhammer with Cliff Dagger. Another ingenious vehicle, despite the cartoon's depiction of the character. The alternating machine guns behind the grill as well as the turret style camper shell makes it a unique vehicle.

#10 Goliath

Rounding out my top ten wish list would have to be Goliath with Matt Trakker and Nevada Rushmore. Yes, it is an oddball and although I am not as familiar with this series in the toyline or cartoon (we'll get there on our MASKast episode reviews). Going through Albert Penello's M.A.S.K. site, aka my M.A.S.K. encyclopedia, this struck me as a unique vehicle with multiple capabilities. Take a look for yourself. While under the "illusion" that it's a simple rollback with an indy-car racer in tow, it converts to a missile launching tank with a high elevation turret and a small fighter jet. This, to me, is actually a very clever set up.

Many of you have your favorites or perhaps a childhood wishlist, like myself. Please feel free to share yours with us in the comments below or during our Google Hangout tonight where we'll celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Mobile Armored Strike Kommand, where Illusion has always been the Ultimate Weapon!