February 1976
Claw The Unconquered #5
I saved the best (at least in my opinion) for last – here’s the last ad I’ve got from Claw The Unconquered: Evel Knievel! He was huge in the ’70s, with all sorts of stunts, TV appearances, and – most importantly – merchandise!
This line of toys ran from 1972 to ’77, and after releasing the Stunt Cycle in ’73, became Ideal’s best sellers! Despite being so popular, the line was dropped (along with most of Knievel’s other sponsorships) when Knievel assaulted the writer of an unflattering book about him. But the really interesting part about that? Knievel managed to beat the guy to a pulp while still recovering from a stunt gone bad, and both of his arms were in casts at the time! Now that takes determination! (Not that I’m endorsing assault or anything, but still, wow!)