Nicole Breit and I are both writers. We often share a dining table to write in comfortable companionship.  Today, we write while our three kids play in the next room. Much to my delight, Nicole’s son drove his little red astronaut across our work space. 

It turns out the driver of Commander 04 and his vehicle are hand-me-down toys from the 1980s. The wheels wiggle as it rolls along. The windowed hatches on either side can be opened to fill the back compartment with treasures (in this case LEGO mini-figures). It’s a Playmates Playworld Space Exploration toy.  

Other than a handful of eBay listings, I haven’t found a source for the history of this toy.  Do you know this toy? Please feel free to share your wisdom in the comments.