As the popularity of Transformers G1 grew in 1985, Hasbro and Takara decided to engage in a popular sales strategy of offering mail-away exclusive toys. “Robot Points” could be clipped from the packages of purchased toys to send in for these exclusives. Four Robot Points and $5 could be submitted to get the Omnibot Overdrive, a 1981 Ferrari BB 512 Berlinetta Boxer. Unlike his Omnibot brother Camshaft (whose alternate mode does not have a camshaft), Overdrive’s alternate mode DOES have overdrive, with 5th gear being a ratio of 0.92:1.

US Patent for G1 Overdrive

Origins

Overdrive’s mold was designed by Koujin Ohno for Takara’s Diaclone toyline as the Double Changer No. 2 Ferrari BB. This version is virtually indistinguishable from the eventual G1 release, differing only in some Autobot symbols added to the sticker sheet. Overdrive’s US Patent, titled Reconfigurable toy vehicle (aka Transformers G1 Overdrive) was filed on December 30, 1983 (U.S. Patent No. USD284490 S).

Description

Overdrive’s Ferrari 512 BB alternate mode is relatively detailed, despite the smaller scale than the Autobot Cars. He features accurate chrome five-spoke wheels shod in rubber tires, and a transparent windshield. The plastic body is detailed with many trademarks of the real-life car, such as using the raised rectangular sections of the rear decklid for the engine intakes. Somewhat peculiarly, Overdrive uses a factory-applied red sticker on the center section of his front bumper/hood to match the unpaintable black plastic with the rest of his red bodywork. Overdrive can be transformed into an additional “Armored Car” mode by extending small black wings, rotating gun barrels from the front bumper, and rotating two “searchlights” from the roof (which also form Overdrive’s feet). His transformation is fairly straightforward, following a similar pattern as many full-size Autobot Cars. His robot mode is taller than the other Omnibots, and uses his long hood as an awkwardly-sized chest. His arms are well-articulated by a compound joint at the shoulders and bending elbows. He wields two of three included chrome pistols (with the third having nowhere to attach), each with its own unique design.
Date stamp location: Back of black waist
Rubsign location (Japan only): Right half of hood

Collector Notes

Despite his scrawny appearance, Overdrive is the least flawed of the Omnibot designs in terms of durability. Even his roof, which attaches in the same fashion as Jazz and Bluestreak, survived intact much more frequently, though it is occasionally broken from its narrow attachment point at the hood.

Variants

Overdrive did not have any production variation during the short course of his manufacture, other than the addition of Hasbro to his date stamp.
Type 1: "創作・著作物 ©Takara Co. Ltd. 1980-1984 Japan" stamp
Type 2: "©Hasbro 1980, 1984 創作・著作物 ©Takara Co. Ltd." (on raised block) "1980-1984 Japan" stamp
Type 2JP: "©Hasbro 1980, 1984 創作・著作物 ©Takara Co. Ltd. 1980-1984 Japan" stamp, rubsign on hood

Availability

Overdrive was available in the USA and Japan in 1985 as a mail-away exclusive, through “Reinforcements from Cybertron!”, “The Battle is Far from Over!”, and “Look Inside for a Special Offer!”. He continued to be available in the US in 1986 through “Have the Decepticons defeated us once and for all?”. He has never been reissued.
MSRP: $5.00 and 4 Robot Points (1984-5), $5 and 2 Robot Points (1986)
Packaging: Taped-shut polybag in plain brown cardboard mailer box
Paperwork included: Instructions, sticker sheet

Redecos & Retools

Overdrive’s mold was originally used in 1984 to create the Diaclone Double Changer No. 2 Ferrari BB.