Brand record
Topper Toys
Topper Toys was an American toy maker whose Johnny Lightning line of die-cast cars and track sets entered the market in 1969. Henry Orenstein owned Topper and developed the cars in response to the growing market for small die-cast racing vehicles. A feature called the Accelerator Loop engaged a launcher on the track, propelling cars around closed circuits without relying on gravity. The line included cars, track sets and related accessories. Topper closed in 1971, and the Johnny Lightning name later returned under a different company.
- Founded
- 1960
- Final year
- 1972
- Countries
- United States
- Locations
- Elizabeth, New Jersey
- Founders
- Henry O. Havemeyer, Jr
The story of Topper Toys
Topper Toys was owned by Henry Orenstein, who developed the Johnny Lightning line of die-cast cars. The range entered the market in 1969 with cars and track sets, joining a growing field of small-scale die-cast racing toys. Its track system used an Accelerator Loop on the car's chassis. A launcher on the track engaged the loop and propelled the car around a closed circuit, allowing play without a gravity slope. The Strong's archival inventory also records Johnny Lightning race-track and power-compressor items attributed to Topper Toys.
Orenstein promoted Johnny Lightning through motor racing. Topper sponsored the Parnelli Jones team in 1970 and 1971; Al Unser drove the Johnny Lightning Special to Indianapolis 500 victories in both years. Round 2 reports that Topper closed in 1971, after producing 47 Johnny Lightning models in three years. The brand name returned in 1994 when Tom Lowe's Playing Mantis began selling cars under the Johnny Lightning name. This revival was a later phase of the brand, distinct from Topper's production.
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