MUNCLE MIKES · CASTING GUIDE
Funny MoneyAn armored truck with a funny-car body
Funny Money looks like a small armored truck until its dragster proportions and lifting body give the joke away. The vault-like rear panel is part of the charm. The small parts underneath are where a loose example needs a closer look.
The early silver truck
The 1972 Hong Kong issue has a metallic-silver finish, a black snap-in interior and an orange bumper that also acts as a body prop. It was the last new casting issued under the Heavyweights name.
Ask for a sound loose example photographed both closed and gently raised. The closed body can hide missing interior parts. Do not force a stiff mechanism or use the orange piece to lever the body into position.
The later truck changed underneath
The 1974 Flying Colors version used plum paint. Its base lost the Heavyweights reference and incorporated the bumper; the orange separate bumper/prop was omitted. The engine changed to gray plastic.
A later 1977 release used a gray metallic finish with Brinks decoration. Missing orange plastic is therefore not the same condition finding on every Funny Money. Identify the version before building a list of absent parts.
Inspect the body when it is closed
An open-body photograph shows the mechanism, but the closed view tells you whether the shell sits evenly. Look along both sides for gaps, damaged attachment points and signs of repair.
The large box-shaped panels also make repainting and decal work relatively visible. Compare their finish with the edges and rear detail, and ask which pieces are original. An attractive restored car can still be enjoyable, provided its history is clear.
A display choice with moving parts
Decide whether you want to display the truck closed or raised. Completeness still matters in either case, but you may value different wear differently depending on which parts remain visible.
Keep original, restored and modified examples separate when comparing a purchase. For another cargo-themed hot rod, see the Ice ’T’ guide, or browse loose Hot Wheels.
