Bot a Day: Daily Drawings

Bundled in a bag with Springer , Huffer was a 2007 BotCon convention exclusives Though under the Classics banner, he is a redeco of Cybertron Armorhide done in G1 Huffer colors . He turns into a Volvo FH Globetrotter semi tractor-trailer cab with a crane attachment. 

With its back-to-basics approach,  Classics  was a hit with  Transformers  fans so the Botcon 2007 Exclusives carried the theme, though some of the toys were redecos from earlier lines. Case in point, Springer is actually a redeco of Cybertron Defense Hotspot, from the  Cybertron  line. The armored aesthetic of his M1117 Guardian security vehicle works well with Springer's auto mode, but this version of the character is not a triple changer. Springer was available in a two-pack with Huffer at the show.

The second Jetfire in the Classics line (the first being a s caled down Legends of Cybertron redeco ), this deluxe version does a successful job of evoking the original toy without stepping into the branding issue of repurposing a Macross design. Jetfire turns into a Cybertronic jet that evokes his old animated design, has add-on armor, and a cool helmet design that looks like his classic toy head but can removed to reveal a head that resembles his classic animated design. Jetfire was available in 2006.

The Classics line had a new incarnation of the classic Autobot leader, updated to turn into a streamlined cab-over-engine style truck. His weapons are integrated into his vehicle design, becoming his smokestacks and roof-mounted wind vane. He was available in 2006.

As noted when I posted Bumblebee, the introduction of Bumblebee into a toyline can often be a harbinger that a red-deco'ed Cliffjumper won't be far behind. In late 2006, this version of Cliffjumper was available in the Classics line. It too came with a "Wave Crusher" trailer-pulled Jetski accessory that turns into a backpack for the robot.  

The classic character of Mirage gets a 21st century upgrade as a very poseable figure in the Classics line. He still turns into a Formula 1 racer. His livery is still white and blue, and his number is still 26 , but his sponsor labels based on a French cigarette brand has understandably been removed. He now promotes "Witwicky Sparkplugs." Mirage was released in 2006.

One of the designs featured in the Classics series is Grimlock, the Dinobot commander reimagined at a slightly smaller price-point, with a more compact robot form with a sleek build who turns into a swift-footed mechanical Tyrannosaurus rex. Grimlock was available in 2006.