Archive for the ‘Competitions’Category

3XY Coca Cola Easy Roller / Freedom Machine Vans

For a while there in the late 70′s it was every boy’s dream to cruise the streets and highways in a tricked-out Beford Van or Sandman Shaggin’ Wagon. The Hardy Boys, Hot Wheels and even Star Wars joined the rush to cash in on the craze, but the most memorable for me was the Radio 3xy / Coca Cola summer promotion that featured a customised Bedford van as the main prize, known variously as the Freedom Machine or Easy Roller.

Promo sticker for 3XY / Coca Cola Easy Roller

The promotional stickers were ominipresent in Milk Bars and Service Stations, and I must have stuck down a hundred as a kid, so it was pretty cool to be able to score a couple of unused originals recently.

Freedom Machine promo sticker

A quick Google turned up the original Freedom Machine as it is today, awaiting a restoration in the back-lot of a car-yard. Would love to see the final result gents!

There was a third vehicle called the Denim Machine, it was a panel van, but I don’t have that sticker yet…

17

04 2010

MYER LEGO National Building Competition 1984

The MYER LEGO National Building Competition 1984

 MYER LEGO National Building Competition 1984

By 1984 LEGO had already cemented it’s place in the psyche of kids all over the world with fantastic products, lead by the now-classic Space series.
The time was right for the company to move in for the kill by staging building competitions in major department stores. I remember well the excitement and hype surrounding  the MYER Melbourne competition, without the fun of actually having the opportunity to participate myself.

 MYER LEGO National Building Competition 1984

No such problems for Toltoys.com regular contributor (and former child) Paul Naylor.
Paul’s construction abilities were on display for all to see in the Queensland state competition in 1984.

 MYER LEGO National Building Competition 1984

Paul wowed all and sundry with his very impressive spire work, just checkout the serious tower-envy from the kid on the right!

 MYER LEGO National Building Competition 1984

The envelope please…..
How hyper would you have been as a kid to see that turn up in your letter box?

 MYER LEGO National Building Competition 1984

Ahhhh! Close but no cigar. Still, who need’s Denmark when you can have Space LEGO?! And where are you Nigel Newton of Leongatha? Bring forth this Portable Cassette Player of which we have heard so much.
My email is on the top right of this blog :-)
Thanks so much to Paul for these wonderful photos and scans.

Cheers,
Will

18

05 2009