Mach 5

Yeah, I liked the new Speed Racer movie a lot. While the movie was cool, what was also cool was seeing all the new merchandise out for the movie.

I was confused to find that there was more than one company making toys for the movie, and sometimes, in the same scale. A little investigation revealed the answer.

Mattel got the rights to do toys based off of the movie, while Jada Toys got the rights to the CLASSIC Speed Racer designs. When you watch the movie, the Mach 5 does not look any different from when you saw it as a kid, but comparing the two side by side reveals a host of differences.

The classic Mach 5 is more aggressive, with a pointier nose, more pronounced tail fins, and larger rims. The overall proportions are much more exaggerated and fantastic.

Jada Toys’ 1:24 Mach 5 is made out of diecast metal and plastic. The finish on this is pristine, and this toy is an amazing steal for only $15. The wheels are rubber, the tires turn, and the doors open. I wish it had a few more gimmicks, but at that price I really can’t complain.

If only they released all the cars in this scale.

Knowing how toys from summer blockbusters go, look for these to be on clearance in a few months. Not that you SHOULD wait until then, but they will more than likely go on clearance. Its a shame – this is a fantastic toy.