Last Sunday, I let myself get talked into going into a consignment shop with Lucy, who loves looking for beaded bracelets and jewelry at these kinds of shops. I myself am not into the vintage jewelry, old dresses, or decades old dinnerware that typically dominate these shops, but I decided what the heck, maybe she'll let me go to TRU after we're done.

I never have any luck at places like this, where as my pal Dave Antonelli always finds the score of a lifetime, so I was surprised to find a couple of old NASCAR HW type cars in a display case. Didn't do much for me, but at least it was diecast! Much to my surprise though, I found what appeared to be an old Topper on the other end of the case, and asked to see it up close.

This place has a price tag with the starting price, and four more prices that get lower the longer the item is unsold. This piece started at $8, and was last reduced to $4.44 in June. I asked if they would mark it down any lower, and the guy said he'd sell it for $3.33

I wasn't 100% sure it was the real deal, and I'd left my cell phone home so I couldn't call Dave; but it looked to be in pretty good shape if it was, and seemed to be complete, so I gambled the three bucks and brought it home.

Here's a photo of my "Flame Out" .... is it a Topper or a remade "Johnny", and did I get a deal or wasted three bucks?

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/511000-511999/511223_323_full.jpg

Looks like the real deal there Rich.

I couldn't imagine it not being worth $3 if it is an original.

What's the base indicate??

I think only the real Toppers have wheels like that.
Looks real from here, 'Ol Pie Face. :freak: :wave:

What's the base indicate??
Base - which has a bit of corrosion on the tail end of it - simply has the "Topper" logo, and the name "Johnny Lightning". No casting number.

I figured even if it was a Commemorative, it was worth three bucks for the gamble.

I'm with Lummox - those wheels aren't used on the re-releases. I think you got a winner!

Topper posts are known for being ripped apart and mangled. If it says Topper and Johnny lightning then at least it is the real deal and all the parts are there.

Congrats Rich. Looks like all that hanging around with Dave is beginning to pay off. :lol:

Nice find. I would have gambled and brought it home too.

Maybe a way to check authenticity is put one of those "blueberry" wheels you found at the old Topper factory next to a wheel on the car and see how they match up...

You got yourself a real one, PM JL did not put the Topper logo on the bases of the commemoratives releases they all just said "Commemorative Limited Edition" on the base.

Congrats nice find:)

Congrats on a nice vintage score Pie Puss (I mean Rich)!

I got $3.75 burnin' a hole in my pocket if you want to make some $$$$$

looks to be real to me. much better shape than mine.

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n11/dockchecker/100_0274.jpg

Awesome score.

Looks real from here, 'Ol Pie Face. :freak: :wave:
Wow - bringing up the good ole days again, huh Dave? Nice score Rich!!

Wow - bringing up the good ole days again, huh Dave? Nice score Rich!!

Peter, every reference to that "incident" just muliplies the payback to be wrought upon Mr. Pie Chucker. :mad:

He knows who he is......



"Pie Puss" got him bonus payback. ;)

Nice Hit Rich!!

It's the real deal, in the right color to boot!

Definately a deal :woohoo: Not one of my favorite old Toppers but I still would have dropped the loot for it. Congrats :thumbsup:

every reference to that "incident" just muliplies the payback to be wrought upon Mr. Pie Chucker. :mad:

He knows who he is......
"Pie Puss" got him bonus payback. ;)

Wow-sounds like a certain somebody is getting in deeper and deeper....

Nice, score, pie face, I mean Rich. looks to be in very good condition, too.

this remake didn't come in the commemorative series , it was in the "topper series" but it looks like an original from the pic

this remake didn't come in the commemorative series , it was in the "topper series" but it looks like an original from the pic

my pic:
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/511000-511999/511223_323_full.jpg
http://www.jlcollector.com/comm/topr2flame.jpg
Johnny Lightning Topper Flame Out #299
(courtesy of Wyatt)

Nice find Rich.
Good to see ya.

Nice find Rich.
Good to see ya.
Quick John, DUUUUUUUCCCCCKKKKKK!!!!

oops, too late :drunk:

Quick John, DUUUUUUUCCCCCKKKKKK!!!!

oops, too late :drunk:
I love ya Rich, have some PIE!!!!
:lol: :wave:

Awesome deal! may that kinda luck keep coming your way, and perhaps a little coming my way also?

I love ya Rich, have some PIE!!!!
:lol: :wave:
Slooooooooooooowly I turned, step-by-step, inch-by-inch

my pic:
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/511000-511999/511223_323_full.jpg
http://www.jlcollector.com/comm/topr2flame.jpg
Johnny Lightning Topper Flame Out #299
(courtesy of Wyatt)

The wheels look different -- or is it just me???

nice find!

The wheels look different -- or is it just me???
The second pic is the comemoritive edition produced in the late 90's, the first pic is of an original from the 70's.