The Custom Turbine comes in more colors and combinations then likely any other Topper Johnny Lightning.
They were in production for 2 years, with 1st year cars having Red Striped Goodyear Tires. In the 2nd year, the Red Stripe and Goodyear wording were removed. The Turbine has large Rear and medium sized Front Tires.

Early cars have Black, Red and White painted Interior Seats. Later interiors were unpainted.
A few received a silver painted turbine in addition to their painted seats.


The Turbine has several casting variations. Early cars have black painted Turbine Exhausts. Either a Bullesye (also called a Target or Nipple) or just smooth and flat. Middle & Late Cars are unpainted.

Note the two early car's large Domes vs the later smaller Dome.

Turbines all came with an attached Dome (or Bubble) which is usually missing. Early Domes are large and fit snuggly to the car. Later Domes are smaller (some say shrunken) and fit loosely, with them falling off easily.

Front headlights also have casting differences. Early Turbines have long headlights, later Turbines have short headlights.


Custom Turbines are common cars due to their two year run. Early cars had highly polished bodies before painting. This left a very reflective surface known as a "Near-Mirror" which are often confused with true Mirror finish cars. True Mirror cars were only a short run with a costume jewelry type finish. They are highly sought after and can be quite valuable.

Like all castings, many have playwear. Finding clean cars years later is challenging. Turbine wear is usually on the nose and four quarter panel ridges. Also on top of the turbine behind the seats. Domes are often cracked, scratched or discolored.

This two seater Turbine was designed by George Jetson under license to Spacely's Space Sprockets.

Note the Dome and Red Painted Interior on this early prototype Dark Green model.

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