I got this Transformers in a lot together with other toys, at first I though it was missing some kind of cockpit, canopy or pilot, but now I think it is complete.
This toy was marketed in different ways in different parts of the world. In the U.S. it was sold as a mail-in offer, in some European countries like Italy or France, they were available in single blisters, an in Japan under the Diaclone line too. It is actually one of the oldest Transformers I own, although in Europe it was probably available a few years later tan 1984. Despite being rare in America, the prices are not very high, probably a lot of Japanese and European samples have been already shipped to the U.S. and Canada.
The Powerdashers or Power Dashers were a line of three vehicles: a jet, a drill and a car. They didn't have very elaborated names, they were simply Sky Dasher, Drill Dasher and Car Dasher or F1-Dasher. In Italy, they had more appealing names: Cromar, Zetar and Aragon, respectively.
They all had a pull-back motor and a lot of chromed parts. This makes used toys a bit difficult to get in good condition, since we all know that chromed parts do not withstand well play, and the paint tends to fade or disappear.
Compared to other vehicles in its size, it is quite undetailed and its alternate mode does not look very nice. Those feet/spoiler are, in my opinion, badly designed. The car is marked Takara Macau and the stickers say F1-Dasher.
The bio is shorter as usual, and not very comprehensive. I think it was the same for all three vehicles.
BIO:
This Powerdasher is a new form of Autobot. Power is still growing. Fast and skillful. Little is known about its true strengths and weaknesses. Came to Earth to help the Autobots in their cause. Able to take on a variety of shapes and forms. Has the ability to operate at various levels of kinetic energy. Friendly, cheerful and obedient
FACTS and FIGURES:
- Name: F-1 DASHER/ ARAGON
- Toy Line: Transformers (Power Dashers)
- Year: 1984
- Company: Hasbro (U.S.A.) / Takara (Japan)
- Size in Robot mode: Around 10 cm
I have this, mine wasn't labeled as a TF, but I forgot what name it was sold under. It was available here in the USA before the first Transformeres were out. And it came with one of the magnet-footed pilots like found with Diaclone toys. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteHi Unknown!
DeleteThanks for your particular story, very interesting that it was first sold in the USA under another label with a small figure.
I suspected that it may carry some pilot, because the cockpit seems to be especially designed to carry "something" (or at least some kind of windshield or similar), but I found nothing nowhere in the internet to support this. It woudl be nice to see a picture of the figure.
Thanks for the comment!