Joe

Hi all,

It was 35 years ago that Speed Racer and the Mach 5 first raced across American TV screens as a syndicated half hour cartoon. Driven by Speed Racer himself, and maintained by Pops and Sparky, the Mach 5 was outfitted with a futuristic arsenal of special devices that enable it to leap, sprout special grip tires, extend rotary saws and even operate under water! Legions of youngsters dashed home from school to tune in to watch every race and to see Speed and his pals outwit a never ending slew of shifty villains who were up to no good. Go, Speed Racer, Go!!!

		"What's that ChimChim? I know, I know. The car has some cool features. We'll show the folks in a minute. Now? Well, OK, if it will help settle you down." Folks, let's take a peek at some of the Mach 5's arsenal. ChimChim may blow a gasket if I don't.
Don't you hate it when someone cuts you off and sends you flying into the forest during a race? Well, Pops figured out a way around that. With the flick of a switch, (a lever on the bottom of this model), the Mach 5 extends the dual rotary saws to make short work of any trees that may hinder the return to the road. They can also be used as self-defense weapons if needed. Pretty slick, if you ask me!!
		Need to send a note? Cell phone dead? Have no fear. The Mach 5 has it's own Homing Robot. The homing robot can carry pictures or tape recorded messages to whomever or whenever Speed wants to send them. The robot can also carry handwritten messages, X-ray film, rope, and small Egyptian statues, and it has been used as a means of defense. The bird-like device is operated by a built-in remote control within the cockpit.
The Mach 5 comes complete with a periscope, used when it is under water. First, the cockpit is supplied with oxygen. Then, the periscope is raised (press it on this model) to scan the surface of the water. Everything that is seen is relayed down to Speed by television. The 100-pound auxiliary supply of oxygen is enough to last for thirty minutes.


The Mach 5 has powerful jacks to boost the car so that Sparky, the mechanic, can quickly make any necessary repairs or adjustments. Although designed for this practical function, the auto jacks have also been used to “leap” the car short distances at high speeds, as a wedge to prevent the car from toppling over a waterfall, as an alternative braking system, and as a tool to crush cars in a car-wrestling match. The jacks on the model are three stage, held in place by a twist lock system. Nice touch by ERTL.
		The rear of the car is just as sporty as the front. The tiny trunk, which only held ChimChim and Spritle in most cases, is just as tiny on the model. The small taillights are an integral part of the "special illumination" system that allows Speed to see in all directions via the "night shades" that are built into his helmet.
Ok, gang, there's my look at the American Muscle Mach 5. A great car by any measure. Lots of toys within the toy. It just doesn't get any better. 24.99 at most retailers. I'll leave you with ChimChim's toughts: "Folks, I dare you to buy one of these cars and leave it in the box. I further dare you to NOT sing the Speed Racer theme song all the way home from the store."

As you can see above, the folks at ERTL have done a fine job of copying the legendary Mach 5. The usual features like steerable wheels, rubber tires, and nearly all metal workmanship are standard. But this car is anything but usual.........
The supercharged Formula 1 V-12 shines brightly under the flip open hood. There are plastic fuel hoses and a chrome headers. A battery box on the right side of the firewall completes the engine bay. Those black tubes that look like shock towers will be explained later.
		A quick look at the interior shows all the controls and gauges that Speed needs to win the race and thwart the ne'er do wells all at the same time. The red and black upholstery also ensures that the Mach is as stylish as it fast.