#mini-spy

May: My Many Mini-Spies!

Got on the May Patreon-backed @tfwiki pics early because I was on a Mini-spy info kick, plus I just “completed” my collection. Why “completed” in sarcasm quotes?

Because there are potentially seventy-two different variants of these little bots, so “complete” depends on what level of variant you value.

Most folk know that there are four Mini-spy models, and each could come in three different colors, and be either Autobot or Decepticon depending on the heat-sensitive rubsign they had. That’s 24 possibilities.

Less known is that there are variations in the pull-back motor assembly. The most common version (by a seemingly large margin) has angled motor housing, “deep” wheel-hubs with eight spokes, and “DUNLOP”-branded tires. However, there are rarer versions with rounded housings and shallow hubs. And those can have either “GOODYEAR”-branded tires or totally blank tires. Thus, potentially 72 different Mini-spy variants. (”Potentially” because we haven’t been able to confirm all three motor variants for every color/mold/side, but some archival-minded fans are now looking into this.)

Thus, I consider my collection effectively complete as I’m mainly sticking to model/color variants, not caring about completing the other stuff. I got my big 12, and by sheer luck, an equal number of Autobots and Decepticons. Sadly I personally do not own round-housing versions of the buggy and Porsche, but I am keeping an eye out, and will update these pics should I come across them at a price I’m willing to pay.