Hot Wheels Flame Stopper 1997

I recently cracked opened this 1997 release of FLAME STOPPER. What a great design and toy. No way @mattel would produce this model today what with the articulated ladder/hose and big metal body. It would be too cost prohibitive given they seem obsessed with keeping their Hot Wheels mainline cars at a capped price point. This design screams of a Gerry Anderson influence and for that I love it. Sometimes I think adult Hot Wheels collectors take themselves far too seriously and need to be reminded that this hobby is about fun, nostalgia and ultimately, That’s what designs like this give us and it should be celebrated