TL;DR
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Authentic 1994 Japanese Hanna-Barbera Wacky Races plush keychain set featuring Muttley and Penelope Pitstop.
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Officially licensed in Japan by Nippon Columbia Co., Ltd. with original box included.
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Compact, adorable, and ideal for ita bags, backpacks, or collector displays.
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Plushes are clean with intact stitching; original display box shows shelf wear.
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Great find for 90s Hanna-Barbera and vintage plush collectors.
Quick Specs
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Characters: Muttley & Penelope Pitstop
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Franchise: Wacky Races (Hanna-Barbera)
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Release Year: 1994
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Market: Japan (licensed by Nippon Columbia)
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Material: Plush fabric with embroidered details
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Size: Approx. 9–10 cm tall (about 3.5–4 in)
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Keychain Type: White plastic clip hanger on each plush
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Included: Original printed box (with age wear)
Overview / What It Is
This charming set is a pair of mini plush keychains from the classic 1960s animated racing show Wacky Races, produced by Hanna-Barbera. This particular release was officially licensed and distributed in Japan in 1994 by Nippon Columbia Co., Ltd. The set includes two beloved characters: Muttley — the snickering dog always up to mischief — and Penelope Pitstop, the fearless and fashionable racer in red.
Each plush features soft, felt-like fabric with detailed embroidered facial features and comes with a white plastic clip so you can attach them to backpacks, bags, or stores like a little racer team cheering you on. What makes this set especially collectible is the inclusion of the original box decorated with Wacky Races art and branding — a rare find for 90s collectors.
Product Images
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How It Works
These plush keychains are entirely decorative and portable:
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Clip On: Use the plastic clip to attach to your keys, bag, purse, or even an ita bag panel.
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Display: They’re small enough for desk display but detailed enough to stand out among other vintage goods.
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Collect or Gift: Ideal for Wacky Races fans, Hanna-Barbera enthusiasts, or 90s plush collectors.
The original box you see in the photos is meant to be a printed display box. It likely served either as retail packaging or a display stand in stores, making it perfect for keeping the plushes safe or showcasing them on a shelf.
Who Should Buy This
This item is especially right for:
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90s Collectors: If you collect vintage anime/manga toys or plush from the early 90s Japanese market.
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Hanna-Barbera Fans: A nostalgic piece representing two memorable Wacky Races personalities.
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Bag Decorators: Great for decorating ita bags, backpacks, or phone straps.
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Retro Plush Enthusiasts: Compact size and classic design make them easy to enjoy without taking up much space.
If you’re seeking complete sets with packaging from the 1990s — particularly Japanese releases — this combo is harder to come by, especially in clean condition with both clips intact.
Pros & Cons
Pros
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Authentic, official 1994 Japan licensed merchandise.
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Both characters included — rarer than single plush finds.
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Clean plushes with bright colors and tidy embroidery.
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Compact and versatile for display or everyday use.
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Original box included — a big plus for collectors.
Cons
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Box shows visible age-related wear (scuffs, edge wear, tape marks).
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Not a modern reproduction — may have slight fading typical of vintage fabric.
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Clips are plastic (standard for the era), so handle with gentle care.
Setup / Usage Tips
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Check Clips: The plastic clips are original — swing them gently when clipping to avoid stress on the fabric.
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Display Box: Use the box as a backdrop for display rather than storage, as vintage cardboard can bend or deteriorate.
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Cleaning: Light dusting or gentle surface cleaning with a soft cloth is fine. Avoid wet washing to preserve vintage fabric and tags.
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Protect Tags: If you remove these from the box for display, keep any original tags with them — tags help maintain collector value.
Popularity / Collector Appeal
The Wacky Races franchise debuted in the 1960s and became a cult classic, later spawning merchandise across decades. While you’ll often find modern Wacky Races media and toys, vintage Japanese plush keychains from 1994 are uncommon — especially pairs with original packaging.
Japanese market releases from this era were often limited runs compared to Western mass-market plush keychains. Because of that, these items tend to show up less frequently in auctions and collector circles, making this pair a noteworthy find for classic animation and plush toy enthusiasts.
Even outside Japan, 90s plush keychains from Western cartoons that were specifically licensed and sold in Japan — like this set — have a growing niche collector base due to their unique packaging and historical appeal.
FAQs
Q: Are these original Hanna-Barbera products?
A: Yes. They’re officially licensed merchandise from 1994, released for the Japanese market under license by Nippon Columbia Co., Ltd.
Q: How big are these plush keychains?
A: Each is roughly 9–10 cm tall (~3.5–4 in), perfect for pocket display or clipping onto bags.
Q: Is the box original?
A: Yes — the printed cardboard box with Wacky Races art is included. It shows vintage age wear typical of a 90s retail piece.
Q: Do they still have tags?
A: Yes. You can see a small fabric tag on one of the plushes indicating the year and licensing info.
Q: Are they still good for daily use?
A: Absolutely — but as vintage collectibles, many owners prefer light display use to preserve condition.
Where to Buy
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Japan Bound eBay Store – Vintage Wacky Races Muttley & Penelope Pitstop Plush Keychain Set
If you message us on Japan Bound, you can buy it from us directly for 15% off the eBay price.
Other Options
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Look for similar vintage anime/cartoon plush keychains on eBay, Yahoo! Japan Auctions (ヤフオク! Yafuoku), or Mercari Japan (メルカリ) for related 90s items.
Whether you’re reliving childhood favorites or curating a unique collection of vintage 90s goods, this Wacky Races dual plush keychain set brings playful charm and nostalgic value.
About the Author
Limarc Ambalina is a longtime Japan culture and pop-culture journalist. He lives in Japan and is a longtime video game and japanese pop culture memorabilia collector. The product images in this article were taken by him directly. The information in this article has been verified by his personal testing/usage of each product listed.
