by Mike Albright
The Hot Wheels 1/64 "Surf Patrol Action Pack" lifeguard set was a short-lived new version of the old Corgi CJ-6, following Mattel's purchase of Corgi. It came with several lifeguard figures.
See a photo of the set with the packaging alongside a knockoff set made in China (40K JPEG). See also Jarek's Mattel Wheels web page for more details on the origins of this set.
Much larger: this Barbie-scale plastic Jeep has stickers on the sides and hood that read "Baywatch Lifeguard." The reference to the popular TV show, which may or may not have actually included a Jeep, may or may not be licenced since there is no manufacturer's name on the toy. Barbie did not come with the Jeep.
One of many variations of the 10-inch (25cm) Tonka flatfender Jeep was a Life Guard version produced in the late 1960's. The plastic life raft accessory is of course frequently missing from surviving examples.
Doug Gagnon has a Canadian-made Life Guard Jeep (80K JPEG) with the older 3-piece body construction, white windshield, and the new-style all-plastic warning light. An unusual purple Canadian version (30K JPEG) was seen in an online auction in early 2001.
See also more Tonka Jeeps on The CJ3B Page.
This 1:25 diecast metal and plastic set was a late-2002 release in the Hard Body series from Tootsietoy. The "Bay Rescue" Jeep Liberty has tires that seem well suited for the sand. See also the packaging (40K JPEG). Photos by Jarek Skonieczny.
Another Surf Patrol: this plastic toy bears the unlikely label of "Metro Police Surf Patrol."
And this "Beach Police" vehicle in blue or white is a spring-driven toy made in China, which has shown up in a variety of colors and configurations in recent years, labelled "SD Toys" on the base.
This matched set of Lifeguard Cherokee and Universal Jeep was customized by Derek as a proposal for a set that could be produced by Matchbox or Majorette. They're based on vehicles used in Laguna Beach, California. For more details on the prototypes and the models, see Laguna Beach Lifeguard Jeeps on The CJ3B Page.
Matchbox finally did it! Sort of. This "Surf Watch" Cherokee came as part of a 2005 set of Action Launchers (150K JPEG) which also included rescue vehicles for desert, snow and fire. The XJ is marked "Life Guard on Board."
And there was a Shark Patrol (40K JPEG) version of the Jeep Compass, in an Oceanic Expedition Action Launchers pack.
It's actually a bit surprising that Matchbox didn't use the well-prepared Grand Cherokee and Wrangler (60K JPEG) for its lifeguards and shark patrollers.
This Shore Patrol Jeep was a 2008 version of the Maisto Rubicon TJ. See also its "Power Patrol" card (30K JPEG).
Thanks to Mike for the idea and photos. -- Derek Redmond
See more Emergency Services Jeep Toys.
See also some full size Jeeps in the Sand on The CJ3B Page.
Return to the Toy Jeeps Pages.
CJ3B Home | Site Map | Search | Movies | Bulletin Board
