12 August 2025
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Just a mere mention of the name, brings back floods of memories to every boy and some girls over the age of 35. Ask these people what their most memorable figure was and the answer will inevitably be the Action Man.
Fair to say that no two collections are the same and collectors collect in many different ways. Some collect carded, and some collect loose or their childhood favourites, including the ones they always wanted but could never afford. Even those that collect the re-released editions that came out to commemorate the 40th anniversary.
But, if you’re a completist like me, you’ll probably collect everything from each separate period. Of course, this is a whole different task that can be expensive but is constantly rewarding.
Each period has its own unique rarities but it is also true to say that one outfit in particular proves elusive throughout all the periods. Let’s look at each period and highlight the most important eras.
Action Man 1966-1969: the ‘Painted Head Era’
This era produced some iconic Action Man outfits and some extremely rare pieces. Firstly, we should mention both Nylon Football kits – with white being rarer than red, because of its colour. In fact, collectors consider the whole range of Sportsman figures rare.
This includes the Olympian complete with unbroken javelin and the Cricketer with rare bails and cricket ball. However, the most desired sporting legend, would be the first issue Judo outfit, which often fetches sums of £500, if complete with all belts.
Suggested article: The original Paddington Bear could be worth hundreds!
Action Man 1970-1977: the ‘Flock Haired Era’
In the ‘70s, things were getting exciting with Action Man. Thanks to the invention of the fuzzy hair and gripping hands, which were both introduced during this period.
However, even more exciting is that this is the most popular production period. Arguably producing the most amount of rarities for the collector. Among these outfits were the stunning Ceremonials, as pictured.
The company continued the Sportsman range, but since they stopped producing the Judo figure, attention turned toward football. Many were keen to have their Action Man dressed in their favourite team colours. By far the rarest football outfit would be Aston Villa and a complete one with badge can command upwards of £900 every time.
Palitoy released what many collectors consider the holy grail of Action Man collecting: The Space Explorer. Recently one was found on its original card and sold for £3,000.
Also worth mentioning that during this period Palitoy hosted a trade event on board HMS Belfast. Here they produced a special sailor with the Tally Band of that name. If you do manage to track down a real one, it’s worth more than £1,000.
Action Man 1978-1984: the ‘Blue Pant Era’
In the late 70s and early 80s, the company gave Action Man a completely new dynamic physique and introduced some exciting new ranges. Which in turn produced a few rarities such as The Underground Rescue set complete with elusive belt and grapple hook. Up next, there’s the ‘Missile Assault’ outfit that came with a winch but was often packaged incorrectly with two left parts to the chest piece.
It was released by accident and quickly withdrawn, making it an extremely difficult outfit to find and one that will set you back up to £500, if complete. Another reason why it’s tough to find complete is because it included a rubber balaclava, which brings us neatly onto, arguably, the rarest action man outfit of all time! The same rubber was used on the notorious Black Frogman outfit, which was released throughout the three periods of Action Man figures.
Few, if any, remain in mint condition in any collection because the rubber frogsuit has either hardened, split or completely rotted away. The first issue has a different zip design to all other releases and would arguably be the rarest outfit of them all.
Plus, new rarities are being discovered everyday, for example a Newcastle Football Kit complete with jacket, released but then withdrawn from the 40th anniversary range, could fetch up to £500 if sold today. So, although some may advise against collecting the 40th anniversary range, it could prove a costly mistake!
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