COUNTDOWN: 8 Transformers cars that you could own!

As a brand built on the concept of robots that can change shape into just about anything, Transformers is famed for its use of vehicular alternate modes, with many fans citing those based on real-world makes & models as some of their favourites.

However, whilst the franchise’s titular gimmick is often fictionalised as existing for disguise purposes, it’s hilarious to consider that so many of the car choices used would stick out like a sore thumb on your average neighbourhood cruise around. No one is bossing the school run in a Lamborghini Countach.

Still, you may be surprised to learn that some of the vehicles featured throughout the line’s history are actually quite achievable on a relatively modest second-hand budget! To that end, we’ve taken the current average used car price in the UK right now – approximately £17,500 or so – and found eight cars previously used as licensed Transformers toys for less than that, with all of the examples shown either currently for sale or sold recently. Roll out!

#8: Mazda RX-8 (2006)

Mazda car modes have been a thing since the beginning, with G1 Camshaft quite gloriously converting into a RX-7 Series 2 back in 1984 (the irony being that the Mazda’s famous Wankel engine doesn’t actually use a camshaft, but hey). However, the curvy mid-2000s RX-8 model seen throughout Binaltech and Alternators is even more well-known and is popular for its unusual backwards-opening rear doors, amongst other flourishes. First seen on Jazz in 2004, the RX-8 was also used for the modified ‘Mazdaspeed’ rendition of Laserwave, Kiss Players Autorooper, and two more Japanese Meister recolours. However, these cars are not typically that expensive today, with the example shown here up for sale currently for £6,950.

#7: Pontiac Firebird Trans Am (1983)

Though the toy itself may have sported some squished ‘Chibi’ proportions, many fans will instantly recognise G1 Windcharger as the iconic Trans Am from the early 1980s. This car was – of course! – made most famous by the TV show Knight Rider, which is now also being realised as a Transformers release thanks to the new Collaborative effort, Agent Knight! Given their iconic status, second-hand Trans Ams can be quite desirable, although there are still examples that go for surprisingly less. The impressive US-based 5.0l specimen shown here sold in 2022 for $13,750.

#6: Volkswagen Type 1 (1974)

The VW Type 1, later known as the Beetle, surely needs no introduction. It was popularised in films such as The Love Bug as the character Herbie, although Transformers fans will no doubt instantly recognise it as franchise all-star Bumblebee. Whilst far from the sportiest number on this list, it’s still a super popular classic and can go for higher-than-expected numbers on the second-hand car market these days. Still, the example seen here was sold at auction in 2022 for only £6,500!

#5: Ford Mustang GT (2005)

Though not the first examples of Mustangs used in Transformers (that would be either the 1990 Micromaster Trip-Up or, depending on your mileage, the robots found in the 1985 Transformers-branded electric racing set!), there’s little doubt the depictions of Grimlock and Wheeljack from the Alternators & Binaltech lines are the some of the most well-known. Well, at least until Barricade came along in 2007 and technically popularised the idea! Still, if you’re after a classic mid-2000s Mustang, such a prospect is weirdly achievable. The beautiful example seen here sold just last year for £14,046, and there are cheaper alternatives besides.

#4: Chevrolet Camaro Type LT (1976)

From one Bumblebee to another! Yes, most might first think of the 2007 Camaro Concept, which was made famous in the first live-action Transformers film, but, for others, a decent condition earlier model also seen in that story’s first act might be just as, if not more alluring. This particular Camaro Type LT may not be “custom faded”, but it’s still undeniably gorgeous in sultry black and sold just this year in the US for $10,500.

#3: Datsun 280ZX (1981)

Woooo, mama. Something about the super-sleek curved bonnet of the 280ZX really sings! Also known as the ‘Fairlady Z’, Transformers fans will undoubtedly clock this as the inspiration for G1 heavy-hitters Bluestreak, Prowl and Smokescreen (in modified rally car form), but even beyond that, there’s no denying this thing is utterly gorgeous in every sense. Personally, if I were to choose any of the classic 1984 cars to drive, it’d be this, in a heartbeat. So I shouldn’t spend too much time considering there’s one for sale right now for £15,000!

#2: Chevrolet Corvette C3 Coupe (1982)

Notice how above I specified that the Datsun was my ’84 Transformers car of choice? Well, this beauty, which inspired the form of G1 Tracks in 1985, might pip it! One of the most legendary sports cars of all time, that silhouette is also unmistakable, and even in this rather unusual choice of palette, still manages to look nothing shy of fabulous. It may not have a hidden flight mode or a flame emblem on the bonnet, but should you want to pick up a C3 of your own, this example sold at auction in 2021 for £16,250.

#1: Subaru Impreza WRX (2003)

Come on, you knew I’d throw it in there, no? Yes, as a long-devoted Impreza fan, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how unexpectedly affordable these beautiful cars are, or indeed how reliable they prove in terms of everyday use. Sure, it’s a thirsty machine, but otherwise, you’re looking at all the major pluses of a family motor combined with the kind of unmistakable thrills and superb stylings you just won’t find elsewhere. Both the WRX and the souped-up STi have inspired different Transformers toys, including the likes of Binaltech Silverstreak and Bluestreak and QTF’s take on the latter, or there’s the liveried WRC rally version, which was chosen for BT Smokescreen as surely one of the most iconic Transformers vehicle modes of all time. If you want to keep things on the more affordable side though, the standard model is the way to go, as proven by this beautiful example. It’s up for sale now for £9,500, complete with those unmistakable 2003-era ‘Blobeye’ headlights. Stunning.

So that’s our list! Would you want to drive any of these?

TTFN