748

Original "Rocket Rods" Attraction Vehicle.

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Disneyana Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
Original  Rocket Rods  Attraction Vehicle.
SOLD
Winning Bid Undisclosed
This item SOLD at 2018 Aug 26 @ 17:09UTC-7 : PDT/MST
All items are sold as is. Contact Van Eaton Galleries for condition reports and shipping information. 18% Buyers Premium for payment by Cash, Cashiers Check, Money Order, or Bank Wire. 21% Buyers premium for payments made by Credit Card, Debit Card, or PayPal.
(Disneyland, 1998) The "Rocket Rods" opened in Disneyland in 1998 as part of the "New Tomorrowland" refurbishment. The attraction made use of the existing "PeopleMover" infrastructure but would quickly accelerate and decelerate around the "track" whereas the "PeopleMover" provided a more leisurely viewing experience over Tomorrowland. The "Rocket Rods" were met with almost immediate problems, as it had to close for mechanical repairs approximately a month after first opening. The closure for repairs was expected to last only a few weeks but it was 3 full months before the attraction would open again. In September of 2000, the attraction closed again for maintenance, but would never reopen. It is believed that the existing "PeopleMover" track was unable to support the constant acceleration and deceleration from the "Rocket Rods", and that this same speed issue caused mechanical problems for the vehicles as well. The attraction was replaced by "Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters" and most of the attraction vehicles were discarded and destroyed. It is unknown how few of these original vehicles still remain, with this example beautifully depicting this unusual, short-lived Disneyland attraction. The vehicle measures an impressive 193" long, 62" wide, and 66" tall. The condition is good with some wear throughout from the use and removal of the vehicle. It appears that the beginnings of a previous restoration for some smaller details of the vehicle had been started, but was left unfinished. This item will require special shipping arrangements. Please inquire before bidding.