Transformers » The Transformers » Wheeljack

Transformers Review —

Wheeljack

In vehicle mode, Wheeljack assumes the form of a Lancia “Stratos” race car. The authenticity and attention to detail in this mode are quite remarkable. The car’s colour and myriad decals are based on the actual “539″ vehicle that raced in the Fuji Speedway in the late 1970s. Of course, some of the details (such as the Alitalia branding) have been modified to avoid licensing conflicts.

Wheeljack’s construction is standard for the 1984 Autobot Car assortment, boasting die-cast metal, translucent canopy and rubber tyres. The rear spoilers are removable, held on by very small connectors, and thus prone to either breakage, loss or both.

Sharing more in common with Sunstreaker than the rest of the Autobot Cars, Wheeljack’s transformation sequence forgoes the common bonnet-to-chest engineering. Instead, the front of the car becomes the feet with the back of the car forming the arms.

Wheeljack’s transformation is completed with the addition of a pair of translucent grey “wings” and black shoulder mounted missile launchers.

Accessory-wise, Wheeljack includes two vehicle spoiler halves, two robot wings, two spring-loaded missile launchers and three black bullet-shaped missiles.

In robot mode, Wheeljack has a lumbering, almost simian, posture. The robot’s arms are disproportionately large that just hang there. There are joints at the shoulders, but since the missile launchers clip over them, articulation is severely diluted.

Wheeljack’s die-cast metal pieces are solely utilised for its feet, making for an incredibly stable robot mode.

Of particular note is Wheeljack’s head. Of all the Autobots and Decepticons, Wheeljack’s head is the most alien. There are no discernible features—no eyes, no face. Along with the wheeled feet, the featureless head strongly evokes an alien robot feeling more than any other Autobot. The look is almost drone-like.

Wheeljack is certainly one of the more interesting Autobot Cars, sporting plenty of details and features, and a unique look to the robot mode. Although the robot mode suffers from flawed proportions, Wheeljack has enough going for it to be recommended for any sports car loving Transformers collector.

Transformers Review, verdict 3 stars out of five