Machine Hayabusa
I don’t know why, but this morning I suddenly remembered an anime I watched when I was a kid, titled “Machine Hayabusa“.
It was quite unique in many ways. Example; is there any other F1-themed anime that was as popular as that ? But it’s just not that, the reason it was very interesting was because of the imaginations put into the series. Like how the tracks were different, and each poses different challenges. Due to that, Ken’s car can be fitted with different engines, so to adapt to the current track. Two of the engines can even make the car to fly.
And, the racing/driving techniques were, let’s say, a bit …. unusual 
2-wheels technique on a F1 race ? Not in my lifetime, he he.
Also, the race was not the usual F1, it was more like a deathrace especially since team Black Shadow joined it. It might be a bit scary to watch for little children.
So I already said that Ken’s car can fly, but his car’s not the only one with extra capabilities. Other cars can also do different things, some even have weapons I think.
But Ken’s the most intriguing one, especially the V3 engine, simply awesome. It was the first time I saw a car with a jet engine whenever the V3 was turned on, others can only watch his dust. Total overkill. This anime may got its idea from Spirit of America, the first known car with an attached jet engine. (taken from a F-86 Sabre)
What really stood up though was the kind of ordeal Ken’s team has to go through. And how they pulled each of those.
Each episode was simply an awesome display of persistence and mental/physical struggle. This is why I’d really love to be able to watch it once more time.
Links:
[ Hayabusa 3D - amazing pictures ]
[ Machine Hayabusa V3 - from HotWheels (!!) ]
[ Summary from Animenfo.com ]
[ Summary from AnimeNewsNetwork.com ]
[ Machine Hayabusa - DVD ]
February 6th, 2006 06:13
kayaknya dulu pernah nonton di laserdisc, eh kenapa gak ngebahas speed racer?
September 30th, 2007 15:35
One more of its toys - it seems that it’s quite popular in Italy back then, wow.
March 7th, 2008 03:56
I am not sure if Speed Racer is considered F1, but to me, growing up in the states the cartoon you are writing about looks a lot like Speed Racer. You can see in the speed racer toys that the car in Machine Hayabusa and the Family in Speed Racer are remarkably alike. Is this the same cartoon? What country is this cartoon from and where did you grow up?
March 7th, 2008 05:08
Hi, it does looks similar, but I think it’s a different cartoon. Machine Hayabusa was from Japan (anime), and quite popular in Asia and some parts of Europe (especially Italy). I grew up in Indonesia..
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Speed racer looks like a really great cartoon to me. Seems like I’ve missed it when I was a kid.
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Thanks for coming.
May 11th, 2008 20:37
The Suzuki Hayabausa is what the cartoon was about
June 30th, 2008 19:17
Yes Machine Hayabusa was very popular in Asia
July 14th, 2008 16:01
I remember my friend (who was from Japan), he always talked about this cartoon. He actually annoyed me so much that on his third visit I asked him to bring me a copy - and he did.
Thankfully I have to say. As a big F1 fan I really enjoyed it, even though it was kind of new for me.
July 21st, 2008 16:46
yep..Machine Hayabusa is a raging show here in Asia. Glad to know that you liked it..!:)
July 31st, 2008 21:09
I have also watched Machine Hayabusa, it was really great.
September 30th, 2008 19:34
Hayabusa is also great motorbike, fast as mentioned car with jet engine
October 7th, 2008 18:28
Wow, thanks for the memories. When I read your post parts of my childhood came flooding back. Weird experience.
I loved that cartoon.
October 11th, 2008 00:05
Nice site. I have added it to my favourites, greetings.
October 17th, 2008 14:54
Yeah I have seen it here in japan and love it. It is popular. Very nice website and post and keep up the good work!
October 17th, 2008 14:57
Nice site glad I stopped by!
November 19th, 2008 02:10
I didn’t actually realise it was meant to be F1. Surely it was just based on made up car racing. The cars looked a wee bit similar but that were the similarities ended.
That said, great cartoon. I used to love it as a kid