Baja Bruiser
The Baja Bruiser was designed by Larry Wood. It is a fantasy off-road vehicle design, resembling a heavily modified pickup truck with a futuristic, Baja-racing influence.
The Baja Bruiser was first released in 1974 as part of the "Flying Colors" series. The model 8258 with Redline (RL) wheels is from this inaugural year.
The casting has a unique, wedge-shaped body with a short pickup bed. A distinctive feature is the pair of plastic motorcycles mounted in the bed, similar to the High-Tail Hauler. The front end is low and angular, and it features large rear off-road tires. The initial release was in yellow with red and blue graphics.
As a fantasy design, it shares a conceptual space with other imaginative off-roaders like the "Sand Drifter" or "Power Plower." The inclusion of motorcycles in the back links it thematically to the High-Tail Hauler.
After its 1974 debut, it was also released in green. The casting was short-lived and was not produced for many years, making original examples relatively sought after.