Customer Reviews

Speed Racer Mach 5 Diecast Model From "Speed Racer" Movie 1:18 Die Cast Car

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

i compare this model with the original cartoon, and it's perfect, the design looks exactly like the tv original manga...
great for collectors and funs of speed racer.

I have been a Speed Racer fan since kid-dom in the early 70's thanks to St. Louis UHF Channel 30 (KDNL).

I was thrilled recently to order and receive the beautiful die-cast Mach 5 replica by ERTL. There is so

much to like about this item with only a couple criticisms.

First, the good:

1) The entire exterior shell, doors, trunk, etc. is solid die-cast metal. A VERY hefty piece.

2) Nicely detailed engine, cockpit, and dual exhaust pipes w/ mufflers.

3) Front tires are movable via steering wheel; all wheels spin.

4) Spring-loaded, retractable periscope (the Mach 5 could also travel under water).

5) Extendable auto-jacks ('jump-jacks') on underside.

6) Hood raises to expose engine.

7) Trunk opens.

8) Driver & passenger doors open.

9) Flap on hood opens to expose the "Homing Robot".

10) Saw blades extend at front of car via sliding lever underneath; blades spin freely.

11) Both seat backs movable.

12) Beautifully painted in white enamel; Red "M" emblem on hood & number 5 on doors are cartoon accurate.

13) Number on license plate is cartoon accurate.

14) Chim-Chim figurine included!

Now, the criticisms... these are not deal-breakers in any case. Just minor annoyances or observations with an otherwise beautiful collectible:

1) The auto-jacks are VERY fragile. While they are advertised on the box as being able to turn/lock in place, there is NO WAY they can support the considerable weight of the model without risking breaking.

Also, at least one jack on my model does not lock back up into the 'stored' position, but rather hangs loosely from the underside. Finally, the appearance of the jacks is not cartoon accurate. The base of each jack stand on the cartoon Mach 5 looked like oblong rubber 'feet' and were NOT portrayed on telescoping posts, but rather single diameter struts.

2) The trunk lid and especially the "Homing Robot" flap can be difficult to open with fingers due to very precise, snug fit. You need something very slim to GENTLY pry them open. I used a hobby knife blade

covered with a piece of cellophane tape so as not to chip the paint.

3) The arms holding the saw blades are VERY delicate. Treat with care. For demonstration/display only.

Not for play!

4) VERY minor: The "Homing Robot" is finished in chrome silver instead of painted white/blue as in the cartoon.

5) The packaging is VERY sturdy, but at the same time VERY tedious to open & unpack. The box flaps have tabs that are very tightly inserted into the box sides and have to be pried out very carefully if you want to avoid creasing or tearing the box; The Chim-Chim figurine is sealed in a plastic blister on a

card stock backing inside the box... no way to remove without cutting the blister or tearing the backing; The car is fastened to a heavy gauge plastic base by 2 phillip's head screws. On the upside, though, the base can be used as a display stand and to prevent the car from rolling off a shelf.

6) The Chim-Chim figurine is not to scale -- too big to fit in the trunk.

Don't let these criticisms put you off buying this. It is a beautiful collectible that any Speed Racer aficionado would be proud to display!

See also my review of Racer X's car, the Shooting Star also by ERTL.

Nice display model. Maybe not so good as a play toy due to movible fearures that may break off during play.

This was purchased as a gift...I am very pleased with the purchase.. Received it on time and in perfect condition...thank you