Action Man Vintage (1966 to 1984)

Action Man was produced in the UK by Palitoy from 1966 to 1978, then by Hasbro from 1992 to 2006 and briefly again in 2009. The Hasbro line began initially as a relaunch of the original UK Palitoy action figure range.

For more information on the history of Action Man, click here (opens in a new tab)

1966 to 1969 – Painted Head Action Man

Following the success of GI Joe in 1964, Action Man was launched in the UK in 1966 by Palitoy, it featured a robust, articulated plastic body, strung with elastic, and had one of four painted hair colours.

1970 – Flock Hair, Gripping Hands, Eagle Eyes

In 1970 Palitoy introduced the Flock hair and in 1973 they started producing the softer Gripping hands. 1976 saw the introduction of the Eagle Eyes, a small lever at the back of the neck moved Action Man’s eyes left and right. Many of these figures were released using the 1964 torso.

1978 to 1984 – Blue Pants Eagle Eyes

Commonly referred to amongst collectors as a BPEE, this figure was visibly more muscular and featured a Dynamic Physique, Eagle Eyes, Sharpshooter Neck (from 1981) and of course the Blue Pants which replaced the original flesh coloured hip section.