Proto Jaguar

Future GPX Cyber Formula is a 37-episode anime television series by Sunrise. It originally aired in Japan between March 15, 1991 and December 20, 1991. (Source: Wikipedia). 

A “Crash Racer”, Bleed Kaga is the very 90’s best friend to series protagonist Hayato Kazami.  First introduced in episode 5, Kaga does not join the 2015 11th Cyber Grand Prix until the last 7 episodes of the series, becoming Kazami’s rival for the championship. This relationship would continue through his retirement after the 2022 racing season. 

The Proto Jaguar has the same packaging as the other four Cyber Machines in MegaHouse’s Cyber Formula Collection Vol. 1. A decal sheet is included for a more accurate anime representation of the machine as well as additional decals to customize the Proto Jaguar. I only applied the anime accurate details to have a show accurate representation of the vehicle. 

Although labeled non-scale, the Proto Jaguar seems to be in scale with most Hot Wheels and Tomica cars. 

Unlike the machine in the Cyber Grand Prix, I don’t think the Proto Jaguar has a transformable modes and the boost mode simply involves firing the boosters from the pod attached to the top of the machine. The Proto Jaguar is seen mostly racing in more unconventional races and has more similarities to the cars in Speed Racer than a traditional formula racing car. With the ability to discharge smoke, caltrops, folding saws and lift fans, the Z-6 is capable of handling itself in a variety of situations. Sadly, due to the scale and price of the CFC series, these features cannot be displayed though I do wish they could have included a swap out front bumper to include the saws. 

Compared to the Asurada GSX, there are almost no paint issues with the Proto Jaguar, and all the painted lines are clean and crisp. I still do wish MegaHouse would have tampo printed most of the marking on the Z-6 but it’s understandable that they wanted to give people the option to customize their own machines. 

I still think the CFC series is a bit expensive for what you are getting, but the power of nostalgia can be pretty overwhelming. Personally, the CFC series is worth it just to be able to have an affordable and show accurate set of Cyber Machines from the show. The only other releases of the Proto Jaguar that I know of are the long out of print model kits. 

If you are a fan of Cyber Formula or just a fan of Kawamori’s designs, I highly suggest picking up the Asurada GSX and other cyber machines in the series. Series 3 is planned for release in February 2015 covering the sequel Cyber Formula Double One and I really hope MegaHouse will continue the line to complete collections of all four OVAs.