Johnny Lightning model cars produced by Topper Toys in the 1960s did not include a
Studebaker Avanti. By the end of 1971 Topper Toys was forced to close due to business fraud which ended production of the Johnny Lightning cars - but only for 23 years. Playing Mantis started producing reproductions of the original cars in 1994 about the same time that Hot Wheels introduced the "Vintage" line of cars that were reproductions of original 1960s designs. In 2005, Playing Mantis was bought by RC2 Corporation. Johnny Lightning products are now produced and distributed by RC2. This time the Johnny Lightning series included the 1963 Studebaker Avanti. The Avanti models were made under the Johnny Lighning "Muscle Cars, U.S.A." and the "Classic Gold Collection" labels.
Johnny Lightning Website
