Fix-All  Hot Rod and Wrecker Truck

Marx 1953 Hot Rod and Wrecker Truck with Tools and Equipment. 

            Around 1953 Marx introduced a new line of toys called “FIX-ALL TOYS”.  The “FIX-ALL” series consisted of plastic vehicles & building “models” as well as steel vehicle “models” that were partially assembled. The FIX-ALL series also included the introduction of the well-known “White House” & Presidents of the United States Statues ( see earlier reference for 1953 Marx White House & 1953 Marx Presidents of the United States) that were mass-produced long after the “FIX-ALL” name was dropped. The frames and bodies of the vehicles came already put together then the youth added the wheels, engine and assorted parts. The “models” also came with tools so they could be unassembled.  

            There were 3 steel sets, “Cities Service Tow Truck”, a ”Jeep” with working headlights and horn, and a “Garage” that included a plastic “FIX-ALL Convertible & Hot Rod”. The Garage resembles the “Magic Garage” listed earlier in this reference page (see “1950’s Magic Garage”).

            The plastic or “Lustrex Styrene Plastic” made by Monsanto line of FIX-ALL toys was much more extensive than the steel line. It included: four different cars (a “Hard Top Convertible”, a “Custom Convertible”, “Sports Car” & a “Station Wagon”) an “Airplane”, “Helicopter”, “Tractor”, “Jeep”, “Fire Engine”, a “Motorcycle”, a “Wrecker” and then also a “Wrecker with Hot Rod”. There was also a “Train Engine” that was produced for a short time. Most of the FIX-ALL toys came with either 40 pieces or 50 pieces that could be assembled and then un-assembled.

            The Hot Rod and Wrecker set consists of the two vehicles. The Hot Rod has wheels and hubs that can be taken apart, they are held in place by a nickel-plated nut and metal axle. The wheels are off white compared to the Wreckers wheels that are a more brilliant white. The Wrecker also has wheels and hubs that can be removed and then put back on by using the tools that come with the set. The wrecker has four compartments that have doors that open and close to store the tools and spare tire. The hood for the engine also opens and the engine can be pulled out and the air cleaner can be removed (often missing from these sets). The set comes with a two-piece jack that really lifts the vehicle and locks into place, a gas can and fire extinguisher that both have designated slots on the back of the wrecker. It also comes with a ball peen hammer, flat head screw driver, two different style wrenches that fits the nuts on the vehicles tires, and a monkey wrench that interestingly does not fit the nuts. The tow boom and bar are also adjustable to three different positions. 

This is an extremely difficult set to find complete with all of its various components, & not cracked or broken. The box is complete with the only exception being it is missing one external flap. This set is graded at a 9 on a 10 scale.