Pika7: One of Ten Nintendo-Owned Promotional Vehicles
Yes, I am an owner of one of only ten promotional vehicles owned by Nintendo! This is the story of PIKA7.
History--
PIKA7 was one of ten promo vehicles used by Nintendo to get America hype about the introduction of Pokemon. It was referred to as the "Poke Patrol". It started out in Topeka, Kansas, where all ten were together to start the promotion on August 27, 1998. Topeka was rename "Topikachu" for the day of the event.
PokePatrol gave away tons of Pokemon merchandise, and let kids sample Pokemon games with the Nintendo 64 set up in the trunk of Pikabugs. They came to malls, were in parades, and went to Pokemon events like movie premieres, Pokemon tournaments, etc.
History--
PIKA7 was one of ten promo vehicles used by Nintendo to get America hype about the introduction of Pokemon. It was referred to as the "Poke Patrol". It started out in Topeka, Kansas, where all ten were together to start the promotion on August 27, 1998. Topeka was rename "Topikachu" for the day of the event.
PokePatrol gave away tons of Pokemon merchandise, and let kids sample Pokemon games with the Nintendo 64 set up in the trunk of Pikabugs. They came to malls, were in parades, and went to Pokemon events like movie premieres, Pokemon tournaments, etc.
After Nintendo was done with Poke Patrol, they were giving five of the Beetles away, according to their website in 1998. Though, collectors are unsure of the exact number that were indeed given away. PIKA7 was not included in this advertised contest, as it was not given away until 2001, three years after this screenshot was taken.
PIKA7 was given away in a essay contest sponsored by AOL and Warner Brothers to promote Pokemon The Movie 3 in 2001. The essay prompt was describe why you are the ultimate Pokemon Family. A family in Norfolk, VA won the contest, winning PIKA7, which included the Nintedo 64 game set up in the rear, as well as a trip to Japan!
The original owners kept Pika7 until 2014, where they then sold it to a family friend who owned it until I purchased it this year in 2019.
PIKA7 Today-
So I have actually known about this car being in the area for a number of years (I live in Virginia). I had been trying to track down the owner with no luck. I had the license plate, the VIN, and the Carfax for it, but could not put a name to it. I did't really put much more effort into finding it after this point, as I figured it was probably unlikely they would sell it anyway.
One day I was browsing Facebook, in which I am a member of several Pokemon collecting groups. And low and behold, there is is posted for sale in one of these groups. And to make it better, the guy that owned it only lived an hour from me!
So it took a few months before guy was good with selling it, as he was very attached to it. We agreed on a price and I had my dad access my life saving account to pay for it in full. Let me say, it was most my savings, but it was well wroth it.
Drove an hour, met up with the guy, signed the title, had a friend tow it, and low and behold, Pika7 was all mine!
See the pick-up video here
Now about the car itself:
PIKA7 is a 1998 manual New Beetle TDI Diesel, with only 68,000 miles. That is extremely low for a diesel engine. PIKA7 is one of only 2 manual of the fleet, and the only one with the TDI engine. I was super excited it was a manual, as I am a huge fan of driving manuals.
The car had been sitting for sometime, and needs some work, It has some engine issues, it randomly cuts off and has typical electrical problems (ironic, no?). The body has several dents and paint chips, and is in need of a new rear bumper as it was rear ended at a low speed. The original tail came with it, but it was rotted out as it was made from wood and is no longer attached. The Pokemon the Movie 3 decals are so sun-bleached and cracked, they're not savable unfortunately.
UPDATE JULY 2019-
So PIKA7 is 100% driveable now, just still need to do the bodywork it desperately needs. I replaced the entire interior to black and yellow leather seats and door panels. Has one new decal, still need to get the drivers door done once it is repainted.
So I have actually known about this car being in the area for a number of years (I live in Virginia). I had been trying to track down the owner with no luck. I had the license plate, the VIN, and the Carfax for it, but could not put a name to it. I did't really put much more effort into finding it after this point, as I figured it was probably unlikely they would sell it anyway.
One day I was browsing Facebook, in which I am a member of several Pokemon collecting groups. And low and behold, there is is posted for sale in one of these groups. And to make it better, the guy that owned it only lived an hour from me!
So it took a few months before guy was good with selling it, as he was very attached to it. We agreed on a price and I had my dad access my life saving account to pay for it in full. Let me say, it was most my savings, but it was well wroth it.
Drove an hour, met up with the guy, signed the title, had a friend tow it, and low and behold, Pika7 was all mine!
See the pick-up video here
Now about the car itself:
PIKA7 is a 1998 manual New Beetle TDI Diesel, with only 68,000 miles. That is extremely low for a diesel engine. PIKA7 is one of only 2 manual of the fleet, and the only one with the TDI engine. I was super excited it was a manual, as I am a huge fan of driving manuals.
The car had been sitting for sometime, and needs some work, It has some engine issues, it randomly cuts off and has typical electrical problems (ironic, no?). The body has several dents and paint chips, and is in need of a new rear bumper as it was rear ended at a low speed. The original tail came with it, but it was rotted out as it was made from wood and is no longer attached. The Pokemon the Movie 3 decals are so sun-bleached and cracked, they're not savable unfortunately.
UPDATE JULY 2019-
So PIKA7 is 100% driveable now, just still need to do the bodywork it desperately needs. I replaced the entire interior to black and yellow leather seats and door panels. Has one new decal, still need to get the drivers door done once it is repainted.