X-Ray Lightspeed Racer
Review by JoshB
The X-Ray Lightspeed Racer is a new version of the 5 ½" Action Feature Turbo Zord, originally named Robo Racer. The original was released as part of the Power Rangers Turbo line, and was painted like it appears on the show.
In order to get a little more out of the molds, Bandai America created a new version of the toy, one with a translucent red skeleton with internal mechanisms. It was then released as part of the Power Rangers Lightspeed line.
Like the original toy, this one has an action feature. A button on the back activates 2 small yellow gears on either side of the waist. That's it. The original toy featured arm swinging action, I believe.
This toy also included handcuffs, blades, shield and a blaster (not shown here).
As far as I know, this toy was never released in Japan. You have to wonder though if the designers knew about the rich history of translucent Japanese toy robots. Or perhaps they were designed in Japan but sold only in the USA? Either way, these toys were overlooked at the time of their release. They're surprisingly hard to find now, so if you come across one, pick it up.
Bandai America released 4 X-Ray zords - the Red Lightspeed Racer, the Green Turbo Megazord and a Clear version of both.