Machine Robo Tonka MRT-41
This model was originally designed in Japan by Bandai specifically for US Gobots distribution and marks the first Gobots figure that was not released for Machine Robo Series. Scratch, Stallion, Sparky, Stinger and Van Guard are all marked 'MRT-' vs. MR- (Machine Robo, most Gobots and Machine Men) or RM- (Robo Machine); MRT signifying 'Machine Robo Tonka'. With the exception of Sparky and Stinger these American model car alt mode figures were not released outside of the US.
Sparky and Stinger were added to the European Robo Machine line and Sparky to the Australian Machine Men assortment at the very end of their runs; suspect due to excess stock vs. planned inclusion.
Further details are below, on the Series 1 Index and for more in-depth reading see the Toy Line History page.
Region Codes Used: US United States / CA Canada
NOTE: Region codes only shown where items were known to be released. This list is accurate yet likely incomplete.
Gobots 38 Series 2 US/CA only Tonka 1984 (stamped MRT-41)
Gobots 38 Series 2 US/CA only Tonka with 3-D Sticker 1985 (stamped MRT-41)
Scratch was released with two head paint applications, one with black, 'L' shaped sections and one without. Both versions sport the same red head paint sections and are stamped 'MRT-41 BANDAI (c) G. K. 1984 JAPAN'. My guess is that the black sections were dropped later in the production run to reduce costs. It's also worth noting that the version with the black sections does not match the figure painting on the front of the cardback.
I'm very interested if anyone has further information.
Prototype with variant sticker