Microman Spy Magician Spy Car Series (c.1976)
Spy Car Series was introduced in 1976 as part of Microman Spy Magician line up. Spy Car Series was the third in the "Car" series, a successor to Cosmo Car and Machine Car from the previous years. Like the previous two Car Series, Spy Car came unassembled and must be put together by kid (or parents). Unlike last year Machine Car line, Spy Car were not motorize, though they were design to be able to use motorized parts from the Machine Car or the Mecha-Cosmo toys. Takara originally planned to release a total of seven Spy Cars but only six were produced and sold.
Each of the cars had a gimmick related to spy craft and offered additonal play value beyond the vehicles themselves, and came packed with a catalog, sticker sheet, instructions and a nifty color poster.(See the individual car descriptions)
Here is a close up shot of the Marine Condor gimmick - the radio/ roulette gadget for sending secret messages.
Spy Car #1 - Marine Condor
Marine Condor was design as water vehicle for Spy Magician. Marine Condor was originally design to be able to seat Microman. The toy can be use as a bath toy. Marine Condor also double as secret radio and also as a roulette game.
Spy Car #2 - Sea Spider
Sea Spider, like Marine Condor, was also design as a water vehicle for Spy Magician. Also like Marine Condor, it too can be use as bath toy. Sea Spider had hidden magnetic wand and a mini-pachinko game.
Spy Car #3 - Racing Wolf
The third vehicle in the Spy Car series was a formula one race car. Racing Wolf had hidden disc launcher and a spinning top game. Racing Wolf came with cardboard targets.
Spy Car #4 - Drag Tiger
The fourth vehicle was a tri-cycle called Drag Tiger. Drag Tiger had a cool hidden crossbow which also double as target shooting game. Like Racing Wolf, Drag Tiger came with cardboard targets.
Spy Car #5 - Gyro Panther
Gyro Panther was a small helicopter for Spy Magician. Gyro Panther had hidden secret telescope and a flying spinner. This flying Spy Car also had a working crossbow and a ballistae.
Spy Car #6 - Jet Mirror
Jet Mirror was the last of Spy Car to be released. Jet Mirror was a jet plane with hidden kaleidoscopes and a wand. Takara also plan another jet Spy Car call Sky Shark which would had been the seventh Spy Car toy, however the toy was cancel by Takara.
Packaging
Packaging
