Transformers – 1985

Transformers – 1985

After a wildly successful launch of the Transformers toy line in 1984, Hasbro gave us even more figures in 1985. The second wave of Transformers included eleven different sub-sets, with each one based on a specific team, with either the heroic Autobots or evil Decepticons. Once again, some great new exclusives were released as well. The animated series was also a huge boost to the toy line, with each show being a 30 minute long commercial for the toy line.

For more information about Hasbro’s Transformers line from 1985, see bottom of the page for a complete summary.

Transformers (1985): Autobot Cars

With the Autobots being the main good guys of the Transformers universe, a 2nd series of Autobot Cars was released in 1985. This was actually a combination of two different assortments released this year.

Grapple

Market Value:
Boxed $160 – $220
Loose $35 – $60

Grapple
Vehicle Mode: Construction Crane
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Grapple is an architect for the Autobots team and is a master designer. He changes into a crane and was also available in 1986.

Hoist

Market Value:
Boxed $130 – $185
Loose $30 – $50

Hoist
Vehicle Mode: Tow-Truck
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Hoist is Maintenance for the Autobots team and fixes up the team when needed. He changes into a tow-truck and was also available in 1986.

Inferno

Market Value:
Boxed $130 – $185
Loose $35 – $55

Inferno
Vehicle Mode: Fire Truck
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Inferno is search and rescue for the Autobots team, who is always willing to help. He changes into a Fire Truck and was also available in 1986.

Red Alert

Market Value:
Boxed $160 – $220
Loose $35 – $60

Red Alert
Vehicle Mode: Lamborghini Fire Patrol Car
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Red Alert is a Security Director for the Autobots team and a Security planner. He changes into a Lamborghini Fire Patrol Car.

Skids

Market Value:
Boxed $160 – $220
Loose $35 – $55

Skids
Vehicle Mode: Mini-Van
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Skids is a Theoretician for the Autobots team and is a true scholar. He changes into a mini-van (of course) and was also available in 1986.

Smokescreen

Market Value:
Boxed $160 – $220
Loose $35 – $55

Smokescreen
Vehicle Mode: Datsun 280ZX
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Smokescreen is a tactician for the Autobots team and a master battle planner. He changes into a Datsun 280ZX and was also available in 1986.

Tracks

Market Value:
Boxed $130 – $185
Loose $30 – $50

Tracks
Vehicle Mode: Corvette
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Tracks is a warrior for the Autobots team who loves to scrap. He changes into a Corvette and was also available in 1986.

Transformers (1985): Autobot Mini Cars

Since the first series of Mini Autobot Cars was such as a big hit, Hasbro released a 2nd series of these Mini Cars, and just because they were smaller than the regular Autobot vehicles, doesn’t mean they were any less important or cooler looking. This was a great series of characters for the Transformers world.

Beachcomber

Market Value:
Carded $125 – $175
Loose $15 – $30

Beachcomber
Vehicle Mode: Dune-Buggy
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Beachcomber is an Autobot geologist, who can change into a dune-buggy. Beachcomber was brought back in 1993 for the Generation 2 series.

Cosmos

Market Value:
Carded $125 – $175
Loose $15 – $30

Cosmos
Vehicle Mode: UFO Saucer
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Cosmos is in charge of Communications and Reconnaissance for the Autobots and changes into an actual flying saucer. Cosmos was also available in 1986.

Powerglide

Market Value:
Carded $80 – $120
Loose $15 – $30

Powerglide
Vehicle Mode: A-10 Thunderbolt Plane
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Powerglide is a warrior for the Autobots team who loves to scrap. He changes into an A-10 Thunderbolt plane. Powerglide was also available in 1986.

Seaspray

Market Value:
Carded $80 – $120
Loose $15 – $30

Seaspray
Vehicle Mode: Hovercraft
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Seaspray is in Naval Defense for the Autobot team and changes into a rad looking Hovercraft. Seaspray was also available in 1986.

Warpath

Market Value:
Carded $80 – $120
Loose $15 – $30

Warpath
Vehicle Mode: Tank
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Warpath is a warrior for the Autobots team who loves to scrap. He changes into an actual tank for fighting. Warpath was also available in 1986.

Transformers (1985): Constructicons

The Constructicons or Constructobots were the builders for the Decepticons team. Together, they could all assemble and build the giant Devastator robot. A Devastator gift set was also available if you didn’t want to get all the Constructicons separately.

Bonecrusher

Market Value:
Carded $215 – $285
Loose $30 – $50

Bonecrusher
Alternate Mode: Bulldozer
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Bonecrusher is part of the Constructicons that come together to form Devastator. He is also able to change into a bulldozer.

Hook

Market Value:
Carded $215 – $285
Loose $30 – $50

Hook
Alternate Mode: Construction Crane
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Hook is part of the Constructicons that come together to form Devastator. He is also able to change into a crane vehicle.

Long Haul

Market Value:
Carded $215 – $285
Loose $30 – $50

Long Haul
Alternate Mode: Dump Truck
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Long Haul is part of the Constructicons that come together to form Devastator. He is also able to change into a dump truck.

Mixmaster

Market Value:
Carded $215 – $285
Loose $30 – $50

Mixmaster
Alternate Mode: Cement Mixer Truck
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Mixmaster is part of the Constructicons that come together to form Devastator. He is also able to change into a cement mixer.

Scavenger

Market Value:
Carded $215 – $285
Loose $30 – $50

Scavenger
Alternate Mode: Excavator/Drill
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Scavenger is part of the Constructicons that come together to form Devastator. He is also able to change into a excavator.

Scrapper

Market Value:
Carded $215 – $285
Loose $30 – $50

Scrapper
Alternate Mode: Front Loader Vehicle
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Scrapper is part of the Constructicons that come together to form Devastator. He is also able to change into a front loader.

Devastator Gift Set

Market Value:
Boxed $400 – $575
Loose $75 – $110

Devastator Gift Set
Alternate Mode: Giant Robot, Consisting of all of the Combined Constructicons
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: When all of the six Constructicons come together, they are able to form Devastator, a giant robot for the Decepticons. Devastator himself doesn’t change into anything further, but does have the six other smaller vehicles to play with. This gift set included all six of the Constructicons, for those who just didn’t want to hunt them all down individually.

Transformers (1985): Decepticon Jets

With so many Autobots being made, the Decepticons had to build up their ranks as well, so Hasbro released a 2nd series of their Decepticon Jets with these three new additions.

Dirge

Market Value:
Boxed $150 – $250
Loose $40 – $65

Dirge
Vehicle Mode: F-15 Fighter Jet
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Dirge is a warrior and soldier for the Decepticons team who loves to scrap. He changes into a F-15 Jet and was also available in 1986.

Ramjet

Market Value:
Boxed $200 – $300
Loose $50 – $80

Ramjet
Vehicle Mode: F-15 Fighter Jet
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Ramjet is a warrior and soldier for the Decepticons team who loves to scrap. He changes into a F-15 Jet and was also available in 1986.

Thrust

Market Value:
Boxed $150 – $250
Loose $40 – $65

Thrust
Vehicle Mode: F-15 Fighter Jet
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Thrust is a warrior and soldier for the Decepticons team who loves to scrap. He changes into a F-15 Jet and was also available in 1986.

Transformers (1985): Deluxe Vehicles

There were many different sub-sets released in 1985, and this one featured two Deluxe Autobot Vehicles with lots of accessories and an extra attention to detail.

Roadbuster

Market Value:
Boxed $325 – $450
Loose $60 – $100

Roadbuster
Vehicle Mode: Military Jeep
Years Released: 1985
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Roadbuster was one of two deluxe Autobot figures released in 1985. He comes with a ton of weapons and accessories and was able to transform into military jeep loaded to the teeth with guns.

Whirl

Market Value:
Boxed $325 – $450
Loose $60 – $100

Whirl
Vehicle Mode: Apache Helicopter
Years Released: 1985
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Whirl was one of two deluxe Autobot figures released in 1985. He comes with lots of weapons and accessories and was able to transform into an Apache Helicopter ready for action.

Transformers (1985): Dinobots

The Dinobots or Dynobots were a group of Autobots that are able to transform into legendary dinosaurs that used to roam the Earth. They are a tight knight group, and excel in fighting and creating chaos.

Grimlock

Market Value:
Boxed $325 – $450
Loose $90 – $130

Grimlock
Alternate Mode: Tyrannosaurus Rex
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but it will cost you
Notes: Grimlock is the leader of the Dinobots, who are a small group of Autobot fighters. He transforms into a robotic Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Slag

Market Value:
Boxed $200 – $300
Loose $40 – $75

Slag
Alternate Mode: Triceratops
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Slag is one of the mighty Dinobots, a small group of Autobot fighters. He has the ability to transform into a robotic Triceratops.

Sludge

Market Value:
Boxed $200 – $300
Loose $40 – $75

Sludge
Alternate Mode: Brontosaurus
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Sludge is one of the mighty Dinobots, a small group of Autobot fighters. He has the ability to transform into a robotic Brontosaurus.

Snarl

Market Value:
Boxed $200 – $300
Loose $45 – $80

Snarl
Alternate Mode: Stegosaurus
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Snarl is one of the mighty Dinobots, a small group of Autobot fighters. He has the ability to transform into a robotic Stegosaurus.

Swoop

Market Value:
Boxed $200 – $300
Loose $45 – $80

Swoop
Alternate Mode: Pterodactyl
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Swoop is one of the mighty Dinobots, a small group of Autobot fighters. He has the ability to transform into a robotic Pterodactyl.

Transformers (1985): Insecticons

The Insecticons were a group of evil Decepticons that are able to transform into mighty insects to cause havoc on the Autobots.

Bombshell

Market Value:
Boxed $150 – $250
Loose $20 – $35

Bombshell
Alternate Mode: Rhinoceros Beetle
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Bombshell is one of the evil Insecticons, a small group of Decepticon fighters. He has the ability to transform into a Rhinoceros Beetle.

Kickback

Market Value:
Boxed $150 – $250
Loose $20 – $35

Kickback
Alternate Mode: Grasshopper
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Kickback is one of the evil Insecticons, a small group of Decepticon fighters. He has the ability to transform into a Grasshopper.

Shrapnel

Market Value:
Boxed $150 – $250
Loose $20 – $35

Shrapnel
Alternate Mode: Stag Beetle
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Shrapnel is one of the evil Insecticons, a small group of Decepticon fighters. He has the ability to transform into a Stag Beetle.

Transformers (1985): Deluxe Insecticons

The Insecticons were a group of evil Decepticons that are able to transform into mighty insects to cause havoc on the Autobots. The deluxe versions were slightly bigger and came with more accessories. Interestingly, none of these characters ever appeared in the television series.

Barrage

Market Value:
Boxed $120 – $185
Loose $25 – $40

Barrage
Alternate Mode: Rhinoceros Beetle
Years Released: 1985
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Barrage is a gunner with the Decepticons and can transform into a Rhinoceros Beetle.

Chop Shop

Market Value:
Boxed $120 – $185
Loose $25 – $40

Chop Shop
Alternate Mode: Stag Beetle
Years Released: 1985
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Chop Shop is a gatherer with the Decepticons and can transform into a Stag Beetle.

Ransack

Market Value:
Boxed $120 – $185
Loose $25 – $40

Ransack
Alternate Mode: Grasshopper
Years Released: 1985
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Ransack is a warrior with the Decepticons and can transform into a Grasshopper.

Venom

Market Value:
Boxed $120 – $185
Loose $25 – $40

Venom
Alternate Mode: Cicada
Years Released: 1985
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Venom is a Psychological Warfare expert with the Decepticons and can transform into a Cicada.

Transformers (1985): Jumpstarters

The Jumpstarters were a mini sub-set that featured two Autobot figures with a pull-back and go feature, that allowed them to move around on the floor.

Topspin

Market Value:
Boxed $75 – $125
Loose $15 – $30

Topspin
Vehicle Mode: Cybertronian Jet
Years Released: 1985
Scarcity Factor: Moderately easy to find
Notes: Topspin is a heroic Autobot that is able to transform into a Cybertronian Jet. He also has a pull-back and go feature that allows him to roll along on the ground.

Twin Twist

Market Value:
Boxed $75 – $125
Loose $15 – $30

Twin Twist
Vehicle Mode: Cybertronian Drill Tank
Years Released: 1985
Scarcity Factor: Moderately easy to find
Notes: Twin Twist is a heroic Autobot that is able to transform into a Cybertronian Tank. He also has a pull-back and go feature that allows him to roll along on the ground, then flip over when he stops.

Transformers (1985): Triple Chargers

The Triple Chargers were a mini sub-set that featured two Decepticon figures that could change into three separate modes, hence the triple charger title.

Astrotrain

Market Value:
Boxed $80 – $130
Loose $20 – $35

Astrotrain
Vehicle Mode: Space Shuttle & Train
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Moderately easy to find
Notes: Astrotrain was an evil Decepticon who was responsible for Military Transport for the team. He could transform from robot to train to space shuttle. This was a very cool figure with a lot of playability.

Blitzwing

Market Value:
Boxed $80 – $130
Loose $20 – $35

Blitzwing
Vehicle Mode: Tank & Jet
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Moderately easy to find
Notes: Blitzwing was an evil Decepticon who was a Ground and Air Commando for the team. He could transform from robot to tank to jet. This was a very cool figure with a lot of playability.

Transformers (1985): Basic Assortment

This group of figures were not affiliated with any of the issued sub-sets that Hasbro released for the 1985 wave of Transformers, so they will be considered part of a basic assortment of single characters.

Blaster

Market Value:
Boxed $150 – $250
Loose $50 – $75

Blaster
Alternate Mode: Boom Box Radio
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Blaster was a Autobot who had the ability to transform into a Boom Box Radio. When in radio mode, he could actually store one of the tape cassette transformers in its cassette holder slot. This was a rather big figure as far as Transformers go for Generation 1.

Jetfire

Market Value:
Boxed $275 – $400
Loose $90 – $120

Jetfire
Vehicle Mode: Armored Jet
Years Released: 1985, 1986
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Jetfire is an Autobot Air Guardian who takes his job very seriously. He transforms from robot into a heavily armored jet with a booster pack that can strap onto his back or top when in jet mode. Jetfire was actually created by Shockwave to be a Decepticon, but was rebuilt for the Autobots.

Omega Supreme

Market Value:
Boxed $300 – $400
Loose $110 – $150

Omega Supreme
Alternate Mode: Autobots Defense Base
Years Released: 1985
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Omega Supreme just sounds like a big Transformer and that’s exactly what he is. He basically is 3 parts combined with the body section changing into a tank. Omega’s tank is battery powered and allows him to move around with a rotating turret. Due to the many accessories, Omega is a hard item to find nowadays complete, especially in box form.

Perceptor

Market Value:
Boxed $110 – $175
Loose $35 – $55

Perceptor
Vehicle Mode: Microscope & Tank
Years Released: 1985
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but getting tougher
Notes: Perceptor is one of the most brilliant scientist minds from Cybertron and is pivotal to the Autobots mission on Earth. He has the ability to transform into a microscope or a tank in vehicle mode.

Shockwave

Market Value:
Boxed $450 – $600
Loose $125 – $175

Shockwave
Alternate Mode: Cybertronian Laser Gun
Years Released: 1985
Scarcity Factor: Can be found but it will cost you
Notes: Shockwave can transform into a large Cybertronian Laser Gun and is among the more popular Decepticons. In gun mode, he actually has electronic lights and sounds. He can be very difficult to find on the secondary market due to to its tendency to be missing pieces or being broken.

Transformers (1985): Mail-Order/Promotions

Hasbro offered many, many different mail-away promotions over the years, connected to the Transformers line, and 1985 saw two that were affiliated with big company cross promotions. Another 3 figure set called the Omnibots was also released, and were available by sending in $3 and robot points.

Camshaft (Omnibots)

Market Value:
Boxed $150 – $250
Loose $65 – $90

Camshaft (Omnibots)
Vehicle Mode: RX-7
Years Released: 1985
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Hasbro continued “Robot Points” in 1985, and Camshaft was part of the Omnibots series, that could be obtained (via Mail Order) by sending in $3 and two robot points. The frustrating part was that it was a random draw and you never knew which Omnibot you were going to get in the mail.

Downshift (Omnibots)

Market Value:
Boxed $150 – $250
Loose $65 – $90

Downshift (Omnibots)
Vehicle Mode: Toyota Supra
Years Released: 1985
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Hasbro continued “Robot Points” in 1985, and Downshift was part of the Omnibots series, that could be obtained (via Mail Order) by sending in $3 and two robot points. The frustrating part was that it was a random draw and you never knew which Omnibot you were going to get in the mail.

Overdrive (Omnibots)

Market Value:
Boxed $150 – $250
Loose $65 – $90

Overdrive (Omnibots)
Vehicle Mode: Generic Car
Years Released: 1985
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Hasbro continued “Robot Points” in 1985, and Overdrive was part of the Omnibots series, that could be obtained (via Mail Order) by sending in $3 and two robot points. The frustrating part was that it was a random draw and you never knew which Omnibot you were going to get in the mail.

Jazz (Cookie Crisp Promotion)

Market Value:
Boxed $500 – $700
Loose $120 – $180

Jazz (Cookie Crisp Promotion)
Vehicle Mode: Porsche 935
Years Released: 1985
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: Jazz is one of the more popular characters in the Transformers universe and one of the main heroic Autobots, so General Mills jumped at the opportunity to produce an exclusive Jazz figure that could only be obtained through the promotion. The figure was shipped in brown box, but the vehicle had a different black & white paint scheme with no Martini sticker.

Optimus Prime (Pepsi Promotion)

Market Value:
Boxed $500 – $750
Loose $100 – $185

Optimus Prime (Pepsi Promotion)
Vehicle Mode: Semi Truck and Trailer
Years Released: 1985
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: Optimus Prime is the heart and soul of the Transformers franchise, so Pepsi definitely jumped on the opportunity to produce an exclusive Optimus Prime figure with a Pepsi trailer, which could only be obtained through the promotion. This is a tough one to find, so if you are lucky enough to own one, then consider yourself among the lucky few, because this will set you back a pretty penny on the secondary market.

Time Warrior

Market Value:
Boxed $600 – $800
Loose $250 – $325

Time Warrior
Accessories: None
Years Released: 1984, 1985
Scarcity Factor: This item is rare and it will cost you
Notes: Similar to the Kronoform figures, the Time Warrior was a digital watch that changed into an Autobot symbol. The Time Warrior was only available as a mail-away offer advertised on various Transformer packaging inserts.

After a wildly successful launch of the Transformers toy line in 1984, and the continued success of their newly revamped GI Joe 3.75 inch line, Hasbro Toys was now becoming a real force in the action figure market. The target audience of children really loved the concept of robots transforming to vehicles, so Hasbro gave us even more figures for the 1985 waves. Since Hasbro had an entire franchise line of new characters to chose from, due to the figures from the Japanese Diaclone series, they now had the luxury of being able to introduce many different and new characters to the North American market. With the toy line being such a huge hit, that success flowed over to other merchandising areas as well. The Marvel Comics Transformers comic was selling extremely well and was among Marvel’s top series in 1985, but it was the animated series that was the biggest boost to the toy line. The Transformers animated television show first episode aired on September 17, 1984 and ran for 98 episodes until 1987, and promoted the characters in the Transformers world in a way the toys could never do on their own. The animated series was among the top rated children’s shows on television, along with the GI Joe animated show, of course. The animated show was a daily 30 minute long commercial for the toy line, and made kids across the globe want to run to the toy store and buy the latest figures.

The second wave of the Transformers line, gave us even more figures than the first release the year before. The figures were spun across a whopping eleven different sub-sets. Each sub-set was based on a specific team, whether it be the heroic Autobots or evil Decepticons. The Autobots team got even bigger with more main characters added to the roster, including Inferno, Red Alert, Smokescreen, Jetfire, Blaster and all of the incredibly cool Dino Bots team. For the the Decepticons, we also got some pretty great new characters, such as Dirge, Ramjet, Shrapnel, Kickback, Blitzwing, and a brand new Shockwave figure. These figures would continue to build the foundation of the Transformers world for all future storylines and adventures. We did not get any playsets for the Transformers line, but once again, we got some great looking mail-order and promotional exclusives, such as the Pepsi Optimus Prime and Cookie Crisp Jazz figures.

The packaging for the Transformers figures was basically identical as the previous year with a bright and eye catching design, that still kept that futuristic robot look. Keeping with the traditional Autobot and Decepticon color schemes, each blister pack or box matched the color of the affiliated team with the Autobots being red and Decepticons being purple. The carded blister packs were essentially the same design, with the figure to the right and artwork to the left and above. The packaging on the boxed figures also remained fairly consistent with the figure being across the bottom of the box and artwork being on the right side of the package. This is evident in the Autobot Car, Decepticon Jets, Dino Bots, Insecticons, Triple Chargers and Basic Assortment series. Again, the color schemes were each different, depending on whether the figure was an Autobot or Decepticon. One thing that did not change with any of the packaging was the iconic Transformers logo. The logo was prominently splashed across the top of each type of package with the only variation being the color and team affiliation as described earlier.