I was nothing short of elated to locate this piece, as it both solves many old myths and at the same time opens up more questions and theories. This is a legitimate TM Hot Rod corrected print version MISB. The error version is what is normally found, but even that version is extremely rare. About two years ago a corrected version with a sticker was located, but this is the first print corrected version I know of that exists. It is also a production sample, obtained from a legitimate source, so this does not prove that a corrected version ever went into print. What is interesting is that where it says "Firebolt transforms into Hot Rod's weapon" you can see where the outline for the word Misfire was, so this means that they did find the mistake, and correct it, yet the error version did go out into mainstream release. Box is C9+ totally beautiful case fresh condition, it doesn't get any better than this.

What makes this a production sample are as follows:

  1. Box was handcut, not machine cut
  2. Inside liner has additional flaps on the sides and bottom,
    the actual end mass-market release never had these. See: Pic 1 , Pic 2
  3. Inside bubble is at a different angle than the normal TM Hot Rod
  4. Inside bubble is too small for Hot Rod, and so the hood
    is pushed back to make him fit See: Pic
  5. The sticker on the car's hood is a greenish color on the flames instead
    of the normal - yellow, it is also misprinted as the edges don't line up
  6. Factory sealed tape is different than the normal type used on TM Hot Rod
     

This piece was obtained from a private collector. It was originally planned to be put in the Hasbro Museum, showcasing every toy made in the Transformers line.

Collection of: Curt Fignar


TM Hot Rod - Corrected - AFA Graded Back of Box
TM Hot Rod - Corrected - AFA Graded Label #8760689
TM Hot Rod - Corrected - Non Graded Front of Box
TM Hot Rod - Corrected - Non-Graded Back of Box

 

 

 

    
   

 

  
   
Back to TFsource.com