Car No. 12: J59 Jeep | 1983

Pre-Transformers Hound

Here we have the classic green military jeep that would later become Autobot Hound!

The robot illustration on the box, combined with the window cutout displaying the Jeep itself, makes for an impressive little package design.

Car No. 13: Police Car Fairlady Z | 1983

Pre-Transformers Prowl

This mold would later become one of the most popular Autobots, Prowl!

We just love the sporty 1980s Nissan design decked out in classic black-and-white police car styling. Looking at the robot illustration on the box, you can really see how the Japanese artists who worked on Diaclone helped shape the look that Transformers fans would soon come to know and love.

Car No. 14: Porsche 935 Turbo | 1983

Pre-Transformers Jazz

There’s nothing quite as sexy as a vintage Porsche!

Of course, this would soon become Transformers Jazz, and we see him here complete with the No. 4 racing decal and Martini logo.

And don’t forget, Diaclone included the Driver! This one features red arms and legs with a metallic head and torso, a reminder that before Jazz was an Autobot, this machine had a human behind the wheel!

Car No. 14: Porsche 935 Turbo | Polsche Box Variant | 1983

Pre-Transformers Jazz

Here we have a classic Diaclone spelling error!

This “Polsche” misspelling appeared on the earlier release of Car No. 14 and was later corrected to Porsche.

This typo would have driven Adrian Monk mad, but we love it as another quirky piece of early transforming robot history!

Car No. 14: Porsche 935 Turbo | Campaign Prize Gold Variant | 1983

Pre-Transformers Jazz

More bling! This time the classic Porsche gets the gold treatment!

This special gold-plated Porsche 935 Turbo was originally given away as a Diaclone campaign prize. While not quite as rare as the gold Fairlady Z we showcased in Part 1, it’s still not something you see every day!

Many of these campaign prizes were played with, but an incredible case find several years ago brought a small number of unused examples to light. Thankfully, a few of those pristine gold Porsches have survived in collector hands today!

Car No. 15: New Countach LP500S | Red Color Variant | 1983

Pre-Transformers Sideswipe

Another famous Lamborghini mold! Transformers fans will immediately recognize this one as the future Autobot Sideswipe.

You may have noticed that some Diaclone Car Robot boxes featured illustrated robots, while others used photographs. This release features a great photo of the robot mode, complete with missile launcher and gun!

Car No. 15: New Countach LP500S | Yellow Color Variant | 1983

Pre-Transformers Sideswipe

Now we have the much rarer yellow variant....Indy! The color on this Lamborghini is absolutely stunning!

An important detail for collectors is that the box for the yellow version has a different serial number than the red version, making it especially important to validate and authenticate the packaging along with the contents.

Hey collectors out there, are you starting to get the itch to hunt down some of these amazing Diaclone Car Robots yet?

Car No. 16: Ligier JS11 F-1 | 1983

Pre-Transformers Mirage

This is one beautiful Formula One car! Transformers fans will immediately recognize this as the mold that would later become Autobot Mirage.

An interesting detail is that the real-world Gitanes branding was changed to ‘Citanes’ for the Diaclone release, avoiding the use of the popular French cigarette brand on a children’s toy.

Of course, Takara wasn’t quite finished pushing the limits when it came to cigarette branding. Another very popular variant is still to come!

Car No. 16: Ligier JS11 F-1 | Window Variant | 1983

Pre-Transformers Mirage

Here we have the same No. 16 Ligier JS11 F-1, but with another packaging variation!

This version features a different window cutout on the box, showing once again just how many subtle packaging differences can be found throughout the Diaclone Car Robot line.

Although it was never sold in its own individual package, longtime Diaclone collectors will also know about the elusive red version of this toy.

Perhaps we’ll get to that one later... wink wink! ?

Everybody remain calm and take a deep breath.
One of the most important toys ever produced is up next!

Car No. 17: Battle Convoy | 1983

Pre-Transformers Optimus Prime

Here it is! The ancestor of Optimus Prime!

It’s hard to overstate the importance of this toy. Battle Convoy provided the foundation for the character who would become the face of Transformers and help propel the brand to worldwide success.

Die-hard Transformers collectors are familiar with the many variations of Optimus Prime, and Diaclone is no different! There are numerous variations and similarities between these early Diaclone releases and the earliest Transformers molds. Battle Convoy also came with three drivers in blue, yellow and red, a reminder that this incredible robot was originally imagined as a machine piloted by humans.

Only four Battle Convoys have ever been graded by AFA, making an unused specimen like this an amazing sight to see!

Hasbro would take this incredible Takara toy and transform it into something even bigger, making Optimus Prime the unwavering leader of the Autobots and giving him the unforgettable voice of Peter Cullen.

Generations of fans have come to know and love Optimus Prime, which makes seeing the toy at its origin incredibly special. For many Transformers collectors, Battle Convoy is a must-have piece that connects the Transformers we know today directly back to their Diaclone roots.

Car No. 18: Lancia Stratos Turbo | 1983

Pre-Transformers Wheeljack

Another amazing race car makes its appearance!

The Lancia Stratos Turbo, complete with its iconic Alitalia sponsorship design, is absolutely gorgeous. For this release, the box art returns to an illustration of the robot, and Transformers fans will immediately notice the striking resemblance to the character it would later become, Autobot mechanical engineer Wheeljack!

Car No. 18: Lancia Stratos Turbo | Marlboor Variant | 1983

Pre-Transformers Wheeljack

Remember that cigarette controversy we mentioned earlier? Well, Takara certainly wasn’t finished!

This rare variant replaces the familiar Alitalia-inspired graphics with “Marlboor” branding, clearly inspired by the Marlboro-liveried Lancia Stratos Turbo race cars of the era. Even the No. 598 racing number carries over!

Of course, Takara changed Marlboro to “Marlboor,” creating one of the most unusual variants in the Diaclone Car Robot line.

Other than Battle Convoy, this is quite possibly the most popular Car Robot in the entire line and has become quite rare and valuable among collectors!

Pre-Grading Photo

The real-world Lancia Stratos Turbo No. 598 that appears to have inspired the legendary Diaclone “Marlboor” variant.

Car No. 19: New Countach LP500S Police Car | 1983

Pre-Transformers Red Alert

The Lamborghini Countach returns, this time ready for police duty!

This mold would later become the Series 2 Autobot Red Alert. While the Diaclone version is presented as a police car with a very different color scheme, Hasbro would ultimately restyle the vehicle as a Fire Chief car for Red Alert.

The familiar Lamborghini body style and roof-mounted light bar make the connection between the two easy to see.

Car No. 20: Truck Crane | 1983

Pre-Transformers Grapple

Another rare Diaclone release! This one has become particularly difficult to find, especially in unused, mint condition.

This mold would later become the Transformers Autobot architect Grapple, giving us another direct connection between the Diaclone Car Robot line and the characters Transformers fans would soon come to know.

Car No. 21: Corvette Stingray | 1983

Pre-Transformers Tracks

Last but certainly not least, the stunning Corvette Stingray that would later become Autobot Tracks!

It’s easy to see why this has become such a favorite among Diaclone collectors. Many actually prefer the bold red styling of the original Diaclone release over the blue color Tracks would ultimately receive for Transformers. We have to say, it looks pretty amazing in red!

The Japanese release can also be distinguished by its deep purple robot parts, giving it a unique look compared with other versions of the Corvette mold.

And here’s a fun detail. The Stingray has a winged vehicle configuration in addition to its car and robot modes. Not a bad way to finish off the numbered Car Robot lineup!

We didn’t want to take you too far off the path of exploring the Japanese Car Robot releases, but this is something truly special!

Car No. 21: Corvette Stingray | Black Color Variant | Finland Release | 1983

Pre-Transformers Tracks

Hold on to your butts! One of the rarest and most coveted cars in all of Diaclone collecting!

This striking black version of the Corvette Stingray was released in Finland by Takara and is dramatically different from the Japanese red version we just showcased.

Not only are the colors of the car and accessories different, but the box layout and text are also unique to this release.

Not many of these black Corvette cars are known to exist! This particular example is unused, pristine, complete with accessories, stickers and paperwork, and the only Black Corvette Stingray ever graded by AFA!

A truly special piece of Diaclone history!

Pre-Grading Photo

That brings Part 2 to a close and completes our journey through the numbered Japanese Diaclone Car Robot releases!

But don’t worry, we’re far from finished. There’s still plenty more Diaclone history, incredible toys and a few big surprises ahead.

Stay tuned for Part 3!