G.I. Joe GRAIL BOX FIND! Hasbro 1983 Mail-Away

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Michael acquires a G.I. Joe grail for his collection!

[@wesbelt]

I've had my APC since childhood as well and I legit passed it on to my son. What a toy. It's still rugged and holding up to a 4 year old who loves his trucks. It's older than his mom.

[@RA10H56]

For real!!! My daughter uses the Mobats! They still work!

[@Grindhead_Jim]

Your excitement and sense of accomplishment are palpable. Great document of such a long journey.

[@KJ-tz7vc]

Look at that glistening plastic. BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@brendanhaley3668]

The realistic line of GI Joe in olive drab just look wonderful, and even without the stickers it looks great. The three versions together make for a great small display collection inside a larger one!

[@marktalbott3835]

Nothing realistic at all about 6 in Joe. Now 12" Joe....... Don't get me started

[@rexremedy1733]

I tried to get the classic GI Joe in Germany. Not the lame colourful ones, but the green ones. It’s not possible. Germany is lamé.

[@glennruscher4007]

@@marktalbott3835 I was thinking, there is no way any G.I.Joe would fit in that little thing. I am 63. I played with them in the mid '60s. I forgot there was a 6" version.

[@fightnwoids2514]

I had All the mail aways! the 80's were sooo fun as a child ....collecting all the points and sending it away ... it would take so long to comeback I would forget... and be sooo happy when they came... ive seen alot of them throughout the GI Joe movies.....just have to watch close ... I played with my toys till they were junked and my mom sold it all in a garage sale in the 90's for change

[@batangbatugan]

Ah, before we had exclusives we had the mail aways. The sheen on that APC looks amazing for something 35 years old.

[@therep3410]

That's Nice

[@therep3410]

Cool So 😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

[@javigurrol4451]

This video distills the joy of collecting toys/action figures/vehicles in such a beautiful way.

[@J-T-A]

It's not easy being green... with envy.

[@georgeaitken2719]

The apc was a great design with great potential it’s the first time I have ever seen one with a olive drab canopy

[@Chasing80sToys]

Watching it now. Looks in excellent condition, so fresh. Indy would be proud of such a grail find for sure.

[@michaelwilson5114]

The penitent man will pass. Penitent Penitent

[@juiceweezle]

Wow, looking at your vehicle compilation I immediately felt like I did as a kid. These are just such amazing toys! How can any video game provide the same excitement. It's more than just excitement but it's not easy to fully express. Just ... Wow. What a blessing to have been a kid at such an amazing time.

[@kirbycraft9325]

Yea watching these 80s retro vids brings back forgotten memories sometimes. Sometimes good,sometimes bad, but that's what makes us who we are. Right?

[@NICKSTOYBARN]

Awesome find.. 👍😎👍

[@jartladder15]

Never knew that all green version existed. Very cool. Congrats man! I agree with opening it. A brown cardboard box isn't interesting to look at. (Now if it was a regular MISB with cool artwork on it that would be different.) ...Back in the day I also used the APC as a substitute for the Indy desert truck sequence with my Indy figure. Required some imagination!

[@rexremedy1733]

Yes! It’s green! Green! The future is green.

[@mitch19872]

They even had another version of the mail in that had slightly different color camo then the retail. The all green version was later used for a convention exclusive and called the Cuda and came with Cutter.

[@ExUSSailor]

I loved the more realistic military aesthetic of the early G.I. Joe toys. I didn't have the mail away version, but, Christmas '83, my parents got me the APC, AND, the Sky Striker. 5 year old me was ECSTATIC!

[@campkemp9466]

I had that as a kid too...it was probably around 90 or 91...I can still remember it showed up during a snow storm...but mine had the brown camo top

[@woofan25]

Great video! You always manage to articulate collecting both as a kid and now so well.

[@SondicoDenann]

Growing up in the UK (I now live in the US), I loved the Palitoy Action Force collection!

[@danielrecommends]

Glad you could find this grail piece. I was never big into GI Joe as a kid but now as an adult I'm wishing I had been more into it.

[@rexremedy1733]

In these dark days of deception, destruction and despicable acts, your channel is an island of peace. I am so glad your channel exists. Thank you for being a flame of light and hope in this dark world.

[@fedsenflips1796]

That's amazing! I didn't know there was an all green version! I had a GI Joe find this past weekend. 11 figures (need knew O-rings) and several vehicles good for parts. And then a friend sold me his old collection of another 11 or so figures. Brings back childhood memories!

[@ProBreakers]

You are the best producer of vintage toy content. Keep up the great work!

[@G7M9W]

Fun fact: As you know, the APC carries 24 figures. Not counting Silver Pads Grand Slam or Tan Grunt there are 10 new Joes in the '83 lineup, for a total of 23 in the first two years. The fact that the APC can carry, at that time, the whole team makes it an even cooler vehicle. Very happy for you -- congrats on picking up such an excellent vehicle/variant! Maybe someday I'll add one to my collection too.

[@favoritemustard3542]

Beauty & the Beast, all wrapped up in beautiful brown c-board!! 👏🏆👍

[@Gothiczartan]

Every G.I. Joe character and vehicle + the whole sets like weapons and gear are the holy grail, even the G.I. Joe comics and cartoons are the holy grail. It's the creation of these characters and vehicles as in toy form, in the comics and the cartoons.

[@anthonywhitehead5576]

That APC does look great. One of the best Joe toys. Great Video Michael. Glad you finally got one.

[@maxmcgee3636]

Congratulations on your find. This is why we do things like crazy like this.

[@shakascloset1700]

Awesome, congrats on the new addition. I can remember having the regular version in my Joe collection.

[@brushstroke3733]

I always loved the APC. It was my brother's toy, but I got so much use out of it. It's ability to hold many figures made it the most versatile and useable vehicle in the line. I loved the airplanes and helicopters to, but they were more fun to play with along with friends so you could both fly around and shoot each other. I found it difficult to play with two aircraft at the same time by myself, but with the APC and figures, I could entertain myself in the backyard all day.

[@earhornjones]

That's a beautiful piece! I share your love of the solid green "real Army" looking vehicles for the Joes. I've always been cool with Cobra using weird sci-fi vehicles with bright colors, but I want my good guys driving stuff that wouldn't look out of place at the local National Guard armory.

[@jaredharris1970]

I remember when cobra had everything that was either all blue or black I think if all the joes vehicles stayed that olive drab or woodland camo color would be more realistic then as the times changed in real life move to a more desert tan color to match the color of today’s real life vehicles and cobra vehicles should have had a paint scheme that resembled different snake species

[@ba6428]

APC was the ideal toy for loading up your Joe figures when heading to a friends place for some playtime. Bonus points if that friend had a swimming pool.

[@heathhaynes990]

The APC was always my dad's favorite GI Joe vehicle of mine because of it's practicality and look.

[@koreancardboard]

I'm just now finding your channel. Thanks so much for being you and sharing your collection, experience and love of toys. Love the use of "Living in a Box"! Always reminds me of Can't Buy Me Love.

[@marcbrunson6986]

I didn't have this one but I had the version with the tan canvas. It was part of a donated collection given to my mom. That collection was my Christmas present in 86. The toy was simple but I loved playing with it more. It held all the Joe figures i got in the collection.

[@KreedsToyCollection]

I just did a video on my APC a few weeks ago. I didn’t know this existed till now. Thanks for making this video! I appreciate what you do, thanks for being part of the inspiration for my channel.

[@vintagetoykid9682]

I am very happy to see this important piece make its way to the RetroBlasting archive. Michael will treat it well and ensure it gets the love it deserves.

[@tts197stealth3]

I loved the APC. I used to use mine as a carrying case for my figures when I would take them to a friend's house. Very cool toy.

[@quinlanvos1]

Fantastic find, Michael! Loved this!

[@Zen_walker]

Yes! I too overlooked the APC as a kid. Its one of the vehicles most kids had and was pretty durable and fun, but I didn't appreciate it either until adulthood. I got one last year which was played with by 2 generations of kids and now it is in retirement... until a grandkid comes around!

[@tonyjackson4078]

That all green color makes the APC look almost "meaner" somehow. Great grab!

[@standepain]

Next to the Hovercraft the APC was my most used vehicle. That damn thing went everywhere. Was lucky enough to have a pool when I was a kid and the APC was out almost every time I was in it. I put that thing though hel and it is still in great shape.

[@ToonamiT0M]

Congrats. Mail away stuff can be son-of-a-gun for collectors to find.

[@michaelcasalta7679]

Congratulations!!! I’m glad you got a piece you wanted!!!

[@AdamBeggy]

Blast from the past right there! I loved the APC and never knew an all green version existed. I agree with you and am in the same boat with loving the Army Green version of these vehicles. The APC, the VAMP, the Dragonfly, Killer W.H.A.L.E. so many awesome vehicles.

[@wolfy762]

Now if we could just get an OD green Rebel Transport. J/k love it!

[@joncoxe3703]

I could not agree with you more! I love that green and I never even knew this existed until your video. I remember at one point I had to sell a lot of my GI Joe stuff from childhood and that was one of the things that I refused to let go of because I had such a sentimental connection to it and everything you said in the video just really resonated with me about keeping it, and how much it meant to me. Great video!

[@ljkelty1766]

What an awesome addition to your collection. I remember buying this from one of Joe mail order booklets back in '93/'94 for about $12!

[@zodiacflash]

I was always a fan of the earlier Joe stuff. Some was realistic, some not so much, but all green and all good. I remember when the APC and slugger were available as mail-ins some time in the late 80's or early 90's, but I wasn't aware they were all green. I was in the Army then and my collection was in storage, so it was an afterthought for me, anyway. I did end up getting a boxed mail-in APC about ten years ago. Glad you found one, too.

[@iwillnotcomply007]

This belongs in a museum!

[@djdood]

One thing that vexed me about the APC was the lack of a tow-hook. It was a weird omission and I ended up using a dog-tag chain to hook up towed add-ons like the HAL and howitzer to the carry handle.

[@retrobiker5902]

Nice! I used to daydream about having an Action Force Z-Force one back in 1984. Never got one but happy memories of thinking about how I'd use it if I did. I enjoy your videos - nice to see others love the 80s.

[@MrMadman-zw2om]

I Love the the APC!!! It was definitely the most used vehicle for me when I was a kid.

[@wrp4955]

Great video, awesome find. Never had this as a kid and really didn't want it either until I got into collecting a few years ago. I realize now what an great vehicle this is.

[@NoMayonaisse]

Great find. I loved the APC and it brings back memories.

[@CreepyUncleIdjit]

God, I remember wanting that vehicle when I saw it in the redemption catalog. Had the Flag points, but convincing my parents to give me the $16 (iirc) was what kept this out of my hands.

[@camcordernonsense5264]

and now $16 is 1 hour of payed work. if only we had time travel.

[@mikem-ui8nc]

I actually mailed off for this, with my collected flag points and never received my order. I was Devastated as a kid when that happened. Totally ruined me on worrying about saving any further flag points.

[@CreepyUncleIdjit]

@@mikem-ui8nc That really sucks. Was always afraid of that happening. I distinctly remember having that fear as Super Trooper took forever to finally arrive. Those were the days, huh? Waiting 4-6 weeks for something to arrive.

[@mikem-ui8nc]

@@CreepyUncleIdjit yes those were the days, my only luck with GIJOE mail in was the hooded cobra commander, that being my first and only successful mail in so I guess I felt lucky enough for that but I was really upset about the 2nd as I eagerly watched mail to arrive every day and finally gave up after about a year. I have to admit one thing though, I really had a lot of fun playing out Joe & Cobra battles with my figures back then. To this day I do still own a fairly nice collection of the Little guys that I keep in a glass case with their weapons in tow.

[@kirbycraft9325]

Yea,the only problem with really loving some franchise toys was the cost of 'speacial' items. Not everyone's parents were made of money.

[@geoffreythomas2022]

By far my favorite GI Joe vehicle!

[@sithcarebear1]

Seeing all three APC’s lined up makes me so happy. I have to agree with you that having all the vehicles in the solid green deco makes them look way more unified as a design idea. So glad you were able to get this AMAZING variation, Michael! Cheers!!

[@andybennington637]

Cool. Now I know what the hatch I have is for. Looks great!

[@jebstuart4004]

the first i bought with the box when i started collecting GI JOE (the regular one). Never had it as a child, it was bigger than i thought ! great toy !

[@bulkhungry]

One of my favorites as a child . Loved that it floated in the pool like the Killer Whale . Anything that carries multiple figs and floats is A+ Amphibious Personnel Carrier .

[@lawrenceweitzel6809]

My memories of the Whale filled with water and sank in the deep end of swimming pool

[@rlpittsjr]

What a great find! My middle brother continues to have our joint collection. Your video and memories is exactly ours too. Your restoration videos have been helpful as they give me tips on how to fix the toys of my two sons. I hope to save some of their favourites and have them reopen them in 20 years from now for their PC.

[@drews3755]

How did I know it was going to be the APC!?😄 I loved that toy when I was a kid! My dad felt guilty for having to be away from home for his work, so he mailed it to me for my birthday. What an awesome present. Mine was the in-store camouflage top type. I never knew this type existed.

[@YomTube]

what an amazing find!

[@thetvbaby83]

I never seen that before, awesome! I got the OG apc for my 10 birthday, I still have it. Oh wot a awesome toy!

[@samuelelder9434]

Your passion is infectious and you put into words my nostalgic spirit for these pieces of plastic.. thanks

[@thedarkknight803able]

YES! I REMEMBER HAVING ONE! YO JOE!💥😯👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿😁👍🏿

[@laureadoortega8868]

Good god man!!! At least feel happy that you got the vehicle ( your grail) enjoy it a little bit.

[@TheSkullReviews]

Awesome find, I restore the standard APC on my channel years ago, it was what I remember being my first GI Joe vehicle.

[@sargesavage4359]

I had one of the tan and green camo top very cool toy , Good Memories !!!

[@bigmclargehuge4767]

Beautiful. Congratulations!

[@daveyardbird7430]

APC went on every mission when I was a kid. Awesome find!

[@michaelconnor1542]

I was ten or eleven when I got my APC. Don't remember if I bought it with allowance or if it were a gift. However I do remember loving it, for the pure fact that I could stow away all my Joe's,.. and my SW and my Robotech and my Buck Roger's figs. Only had the sandy top, but it rolled better than most toys and could take a beating.

[@Wolf359inc]

I love being able to watch when someone gets to unbox a grail item. Thanks for sharing, and congratulations on a great addition to your collection.

[@Gideon0297]

That is so cool! Awesome & thank you!!!

[@wheeljoker]

Such a cool piece. It's so cool to see vintage mail away stuff

[@PlainKen]

A great must have vehicle. Now if only I can buy more 4 in modern Joes I would totally get it!

[@GermanNightmare1976]

I'm happy that you were able to find such a treasure for your collection. Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm and excitement with us. :)

[@tntsk868]

Dude I am so glad you found this APC Toy for yourself, Lucky You. At least you have a girl that collects toys too so she understands. You are rewarded with one of the most ravenous 80's toy vehicles which made so much sense to us 80s kids. we all new that the army did not have neon colored machine guns, but these 90's kids believed it. I am going now to a flea market and have a fantasy of finding any version of the APC.

[@crumbsblunt6679]

MAAAAAAAN ugh, I don't joe, but I was GLOWING, this just made my fucking day hahaha just seeing you get to enjoy this was a treat, thank you for sharing

[@skyounkin]

Gratz on your find!!!

[@brittharms978]

Bad $$$$, I just got a APC CUDA in olive drab. . Love the mail away APC.. Awesome collection of APS's!!!! Big fan of the early years of all green!

[@jestucker2268]

I had the retail version with the tan/camo top, still my all time favorite GI Joe vehicle.

[@FullersFigures]

Such an awesome addition to your collection. Great that you found it after wanting it for so long. Long may you enjoy it.

[@paypalsucks100]

Very cool! I’ve wanted one of those for a long time as well.

[@BrotherofAmes]

So awesome Micheal

[@gerainthorton8980]

Nice. A mail away item imagine if it was stuck in the mail since 1983. That would be an awesome video. My GI Joe items I waited a week and then gave up thinking they wouldn't get delivered to NZ. A nice surprise when they eventually showed up.

[@brushstroke3733]

They always said expect 4 - 6 weeks for delivery.

[@hermesgestistruism]

Love it. I feel so much like a kid again watching this stuff. I've never seen that all-green mail-in vehicle, just the camo-topped one. My best friend and I collected GI Joe heavily through the early to mid 80s. He even had the battleship, but I only got to play with it a couple times, because he'd never wanted to lug it over and set it up, and we mainly hung out at my place. Also, I had tons of action figures, because they were cheap to collect and my family was poor. He was more middle-class, and had all the pricier vehicles and playsets, so together our combined collection was epic. Did anyone else do that, collect one aspect and friend collect the other? Like, collect Joe while your friend collected Cobra to make some epic play sessions and prevent repeats of figures and vehicles? One more thing in my getting-rather-long comment...we never played as the GI Joe characters, we made our own up or used them to portray ourselves and friends, family, crushes, etc. How about you guys?

[@hispro]

I loved the APC as a kid, because it could carry all my favorites into battle! Last year, I walked into a local vintage toy store near me and see one sitting on the shelf and it brought back so many memories of how cool it was to have. Of course I bought it, and once again it it carries my heroes into battle (and yes I'll admit I got down on the floor and played with it).

[@therep3410]

WOW He's Had That Since He Was Five

[@therep3410]

Miss My G.i. Joe Day's From 1982

[@therep3410]

I Was A G.I. joe Head Still Am To This I'm A Toy Nut Comics Car's And Other Stuff To

[@jeffmcpeek2526]

That Palitoy Action Force APC is beautiful !!! Well done man !

[@sturner151]

Loved my APC, so simple and solid. I even used it in the pool during summers. Great video!

[@dougjames4972]

Wow!! Never knew there were 2 more versions! You are right, this toy was always used as it was so versatile in our GI Joe adventures!!! Another GREAT find and another GREAT video!!!

[@skabcat242]

I always liked the olive drab color deco. It just looked cool.

[@psychoticbuzzsaw]

I had the mail away APC, I found it in the wild with a liquor bottle box of most of the straight arms and most of 83 84 and 85 figures and a few vehicles back in 99 at an antiques store in my small rural area. I had just got back into hardcore collecting for about a year. Fast forward to 2006 , it's college rent is due and no matter if I'm a T.A. plus working on commercials and bouncing at a bar I needed money plus I was going to Joe convention in Atlanta in 07, anyways this plus some figures I still want back were sold to finance my home, trip, and my transformers habit lol

[@loganholmberg2295]

the palitoy one feels like the pimp my ride edition of the apc. Man that would have been fun to have as a kid. that interior adds tons of play value.

[@PrimeTimeTreasureHunter]

Another great video. Nice to see the differences between the olive drab and camp versions

[@toysbackzen]

Wow, I’ve always loved that version,. Congrats on your purchase. I agree, we all used it a lot as kids but maybe didn’t appreciate what it was and the design simplicity. For me I carried all my Joe’s in it from my house to my grandparents every week and loved playing with it in the pool, in the dirt, in the grass, in the snow, yeah I used it a lot!

[@kieronball8962]

Excellent video, that proves a little bit of care and attention with your toys, really does pay off. Congrats on finding another " grail " toy for your collection, Michael. You deserve it.

[@UnboxingArt]

Such a great pick up man. Happy you got your grail!

[@dicebarbarian2989]

Great find!

[@kristopherwessel7969]

That was an extremely good video. Thank you.

[@drewg809]

loved it! now I want one lol!