Snake versus Mongoose -- The Early Days

By Fred Vosk

'Goose N Snake -- way before the Hot Wheels era. Poster scan by Fred Vosk

It's quite possible that Ed Donovan came up with the Mongoose name ... those guys over there were always giving everybody names. Being painters, we usually only got to name the cars (i.e., Red Stamp). However, the whole Snake and Mongoose deal did predate the Hot Wheels promotion by a bit. As you can see in the photo, Prudhomme was still driving the GBP car when the idea of the rivalry began. I think McEwen took the concept to Mattel under the name 'Wildlife Enterprises.'

Fred Vosk
www.bikesters.com