RARE Takara Lancia Stratos Marboro Wheeljack Transformers new unopened original mint condition sealed in acrylic box

Diaclone was a toy line by Takara that was the precursor to what we know today as the Transformers franchise. Some of the early Transformers figures were originally part of the Diaclone toy line, before being rebranded for the Transformers series.

The Marboro Wheeljack is one of those rare and highly sought-after collectibles. The "Marboro" name refers to a specific, limited edition version of Wheeljack that was made as a promotional item. It's based on the Diaclone mold for Wheeljack, but with a distinct color scheme inspired by the Marlboro racing team’s livery. These limited editions are often rarer, and if you're collecting Diaclone or Transformers variants, this one would definitely be a gem.

The Diaclone Marlboro Wheeljack is a fascinating piece of Transformers history, mostly because it’s a rare variant that exists as part of the Diaclone line that predated Transformers. Let me give you a breakdown of its background, facts, and significance:

1. The Diaclone Line (Pre-Transformers)

• The Diaclone toy line was created by Takara in the early 1980s and consisted of transforming robots that would later form the foundation for Transformers. The toys were designed by engineers who were inspired by the idea of vehicles that could transform into humanoid robots.
• The Diaclone line was primarily marketed as action figures that came with small pilots, or "Diaclone drivers," which were figures that could fit into the robots or vehicles.

2. Wheeljack in Diaclone

• Wheeljack, in his original Diaclone form, was a sports car with a robot mode, just like the later Transformers character. His vehicle mode was based on a Lancia Stratos, a well-known rally car of the 1970s and early 1980s. In Diaclone, he was known as “Diaclone Battle Convoy,” but the robot that would become known as Wheeljack in Transformers was identified as the Diaclone “Lancia Stratos.”

3. Marlboro Wheeljack – Limited Edition

• The Marlboro Wheeljack variant is a special, limited-edition version of the standard Diaclone Wheeljack. It features a unique livery based on the Marlboro cigarette brand’s racing team, specifically the Marlboro Formula 1 team, which had cars that were sponsored by the cigarette brand during the 1970s and 1980s.
• The Marlboro Wheeljack variant is essentially a recolored version of the original Diaclone Wheeljack with a color scheme that closely resembles the Marlboro team's branding. It typically comes with red, white, and silver paint, plus the distinct Marlboro logo, making it a very rare and distinctive version compared to the standard release.

4. Rarity and Collectibility

• The Marlboro Wheeljack variant is considered extremely rare and sought after by both Diaclone collectors and Transformers fans. It was never widely available in retail outlets and was likely produced in limited quantities, as it was designed for specific promotional purposes rather than mass production.
• Because of its rarity, it’s one of the most coveted Diaclone items today. Examples of the Marlboro Wheeljack can go for significant amounts in the collector market, especially if it’s still in its original packaging or in mint condition.

5. Differences from Regular Wheeljack

• Color scheme: The most obvious difference is the color scheme. The Marlboro Wheeljack has a white, red, and silver paint job, reflecting the Marlboro branding, as opposed to the more standard white and green of the regular Diaclone Wheeljack.
• Box Art: Like other Diaclone figures, the Marlboro Wheeljack was packaged in a distinctive Diaclone box. However, the exact packaging for the Marlboro Wheeljack variant is hard to confirm because it was often sold as a promotional piece without the usual retail box.
• Price and Availability: The Marlboro Wheeljack is considered a holy grail for many Diaclone collectors, and its rarity means that it often appears in specialized auctions or private sales.

6. Connection to Transformers

• The Marlboro Wheeljack variant is technically part of the larger Transformers mythos, but its backstory is tied to the Diaclone line, which existed before the Transformers franchise was launched.
• In the Transformers universe, Wheeljack is an Autobot inventor and mechanic, known for creating devices that sometimes malfunction. He first appeared in Transformers Season 1 in 1984, but the Marlboro Wheeljack predated that by several years, serving as a precursor to his Transformers persona.

7. The Marlboro Sponsorship

• The connection to Marlboro also speaks to the era in which these toys were produced. In the 1980s, Marlboro was a prominent sponsor in motorsport, particularly Formula 1. Their cars, designed by the likes of Ferrari, were often seen with their distinct red-and-white branding. This aesthetic was likely chosen as a nod to motorsport culture, which was very popular in Japan at the time.

8. Value and Market

• As mentioned earlier, this variant is extremely rare, with some Marlboro Wheeljack pieces being sold for thousands of dollars on the secondary market, especially in complete, mint condition. The scarcity of the item, combined with its unique connection to motorsport and its place in Diaclone history, drives demand for it.
• Because it was such a limited-edition item, finding one in good condition is a challenge for collectors. Many collectors are drawn to the history and the special nature of this piece, as it represents an almost lost era of Transformers and Diaclone lore.

Conclusion:

This Diaclone Lancia Stratos Marlboro Wheeljack is an incredibly rare and unique collectible, celebrated for its historical significance and connection to both the Diaclone and Transformers franchises. The limited-edition, Marlboro-themed color scheme makes it an especially prized piece in the collector's world, especially for those who appreciate the early roots of the Transformers universe. If you're a fan of Transformers or Diaclone, owning this piece would be a HOLY GRAIL!