Men of Metal Transformer from MINI

Alastair Mar 7th, 2005 Link

Love it (except the no transforming bit)

Especially love the “As seen on the World Wide Web” starburst on the box. Someone’s got a sense of humour.

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petsounds Mar 7th, 2005 Link

In a display of pure irony, it appears the toy is not made of metal, but rather flimsy plastic, unlike both its namesake and the 1980s Transformers toys. I guess not too surprising though — doesn’t Takara mostly make plastic model kits?

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ANTSMINI Mar 7th, 2005 Link

Are these available for purchase at the dealers as of now?

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James Mar 7th, 2005 Link

It doesn’t transform because it’s not a transformer, it’s a MINI robot.

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Asanchezm Mar 7th, 2005 Link

Anyone have a part number? :D

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Jon Mar 7th, 2005 Link

Kinda disappointing… Have you seen any toy designed by Todd McFarlane (Creator of SPAWN)? I have a few of his collectables, one of which is an APU from the Matrix Revolutions. He designed a bunch of the Matrix figures, and those are absolutely incredible, as far as level of detail. That is the level I’d expect for one of these MINI robots.

But unfortunately, the shoddy plastic parts, and lack of detail is really downright insulting. Because of this these are more geared for children, than adult collectors. It was a great idea, squashed by the penny-pinchers at MINI. After seeing them, I think I’ll pass.

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RB Mar 7th, 2005 Link

Looks kinda fun, cheaply built or not. I’d get all of them.

COST?

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Ian Mar 7th, 2005 Link

Jon, I wonder how expensive the collectibles are that you are describing? MINI is in the business of selling CARS not collectibles – but for fun they have produced this “trinket”.

Priced at (only) $20 I think it is well priced. For $50-$100 you might expect metal, transformation, etc. But surely not for $20.

AntsMINI, The robot was at MINI Peabody today – just came in.

And the part number on the back of the box is 99 00 0 006 748.

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Frank Mar 7th, 2005 Link

It all depends on asking price. If they want $50+ for one of these toys, then they can keep them.

On the other hand, if they retail for $20-$30, that is not terribly bad and it seems to be a pretty unique and fun collectible even if it is lacking in materials, detail and full functionality.

I am a die-cast car collector, but when it comes to these “special” toys I am not too demanding, then again, provided the price matches the quality.

So, how much?

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Frank Mar 7th, 2005 Link

Twenty bucks is very reasonable. I want one!

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Ian Mar 7th, 2005 Link

Frank, The $20 price is posted in Gabes original article – and repeated in my comment.

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Frank Mar 7th, 2005 Link

Duh! My bad. Sorry didn’t see the price before.

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Gabe Mar 7th, 2005 Link

No problem Frank… I kinda burried it in the post.

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Goatherder Mar 7th, 2005 Link

As a model builder extraodinair, I can see many possibilities with this item. What scale would you say it is? It would be easy to convert this into metal if the scale is close to other 1/18 or 1/24 scale diecast collectibles. Thats what is great about model building. You can take a cheap looking toy and create an excellent collector’s piece. I will get one right away! Now how will make it into a convertible. Hmmm….

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Doug Mar 8th, 2005 Link

Well listen to this. Todd MacFarlane Toys are “collectibles” only in terms by those who “collect” them. The Macfarlane Figures are usually under $10 but have $40 worth of detail. It’s pure penny pinching while raping a cutomer base. $20 for a cheap plastic minibot? There are asian model kits around with greater detail for near the same price.

Would I buy it? Depends on the wholesale price.

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Scott Mar 8th, 2005 Link

Ian,

Doug is on the right track. The APU by McFarlane sold for $20-30 and is amazingly detailed. Most 8-in figures are in the $10 range and have outrageous detail. On a side note, McFarlane’s design studios are located in New Jersey.

I’ll have to check this out though.

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Scott Mar 8th, 2005 Link

99-00-0-006-748 MINI Robot Red U.K. Flag 99-00-0-006-749 MINI Robot Blue U.S. Flag 99-00-0-006-750 MINI Robot Silver Checkered Flag

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nervous Mar 8th, 2005 Link

Doesn’t transform? I prefer this one… http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00023DEZS/t/002-5851560-8274456?v=glance&s=toys&me=A3UN6WX5RRO2AG&vi=pictures&img=14#more-pictures Same price & it does transform!

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05DSMCS Mar 8th, 2005 Link

nervous, that is so cool! Haven’t ever seen one of those before, and I comb eBay constantly for odd MINI items.

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Trevor Mar 8th, 2005 Link

Funny! But where is the other 2 wheels???

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Doug Mar 9th, 2005 Link

Thanks Scott,

I used to follow the toy trade while I was involved in it in an auxillary sense. Macfarlane is consistant with their attention to detail. Best in the Biz.

With this being said, MINI had to be high on themselves when they denied the rights to Hasbro. AKA Transformers. It would have been metal or a good plastic, it would have actually TRANSFORMED and it would have been sold out! There is a character in the Transformers named Bumble Bee. He is a MINI I believe.
Not only have the Transformer’s community missed out on a great toy, we have too.

This MINI produced pile of recycled Pepsi bottles is probably worth, $5.00… really. But the joke will be on MINI when they stop production, collectors will make the $ in sales and trades.

Get this, First issue SPAWN figures in new condition are worth more than new. Sometimes 10 times more than new.

Mark this up as another swindle by MINI!

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Matt Mar 9th, 2005 Link

I thought bumblebee was an old VW Beetle

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Gabe Mar 9th, 2005 Link

Yes he was God bless’em. Doess anyone know who was the red lambo? If I remember righht he died in Transformers the movie.

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nomios Mar 9th, 2005 Link

These are avalible on miniusa.com

Just go to Gear Up> Minimotoringgear

They have three diff styles and they are 20 bucks.

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Jackson Jul 7th, 2005 Link

Hey Scott, I heard you say McFarlane’s studios are in New Jersey. Do you know where? I’d love to go check them out or send them a portfolio. Any info? Thanks.

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