Who doesn’t know this epic cartoon from Hanna-Barbera, Wacky Races, where eleven competitors vied in every episode for the world title of “World’s Wackiest Racer”? The animated series premiered on CBS on September 14, 1968 and ran until January 4, 1970, totaling 34 episodes. In Brazil, SBT replayed it for many years.
Most characters shone equally in the show, but Dick Dastardly and Muttley can be considered the “main stars,” later even getting their own spin‑off, Muttley’s Flying Machines.
The series followed the misadventures of the villainous Dick Dastardly and his Bugbear Squadron, who frantically chased a messenger pigeon named Doodle—carrying secret messages—throughout World War I.
Car No. 00:
The Mean Machine, driven by Dick Dastardly and his snickering dog Muttley. They tried every underhanded trick to win the race—but always failed. Despite having a powerful car, their schemes backfired, forcing them to make countless repairs mid‑race.
Car No. 01:
A stone‑age vehicle piloted by the Caveman Brothers: two prehistoric cavemen riding in a stone car. Occasionally they fared well with their simple but sturdy ride, but often got outpaced by rivals.
Car No. 02:
The Turbo Terrific, another of Dick Dastardly’s tricked‑out machines—also hopelessly sabotaged by its own inventor.
Car No. 03:
Piloted by Professor Pat Pending, the Convert-A-Car could transform into anything. The Professor used his ingenious inventions to help other racers overcome obstacles—and sometimes to attack his competitors.
Car No. 04:
Flown and driven by Red Max in his Flying Barrel, a hybrid car‑plane. He won the very first Wacky Race and scored two more victories.
Car No. 05:
Sporting a pink, beauty‑product arsenal, the Compact Pussycat was driven by Penelope Pitstop. She used shampoo‑foam and other indirect weapons to blind her opponents.
Car No. 06:
Known as the Battle Tank, this tank‑jeep hybrid belonged to Sergeant Blast and Private Meekly. Despite its firepower, it only managed three wins.
Car No. 07:
Driven by the bumbling Disk O’ Nuts gang, seven dimwitted mobsters in a 1920s sedan. They powered their car on foot when extra speed was needed and scored just four victories.
Car No. 08:
Pulled by Lazy Luke and his timid bear sidekick Chilly Bear in a coal‑fired wooden wagon. Its weak spot was the exposed furnace.
Car No. 09:
Piloted by Penelope’s suitor Peter Perfect in a sleek dragster with massive rear wheels—fast but fragile, earning four wins.
Car No. 10:
Driven by lumberjack Gruesome Twosome and his beaver partner Sawtooth. Their wooden wagon’s spinning saw‑blade wheels could slice through obstacles—and rivals.
Do you remember this classic Hanna‑Barbera show? 🙂
