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I just bought a 1982 pre-rub black Trailbreaker with the marking "TAKARA CO., LTD." "JAPAN 1982" on his foot. My understanding is that the Transformers brand did not exist until 1984, and that I may have instead bought a Joustra Toyota Diaclone.

Here is a link to the auction so that you guys can see the images.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=251115484000

I know that he has the Autobot symbol on him, but that could have been added at any time.

Here is a link to an article about the Joustra Toyota.
http://www.tf-1.com/articles/pretf_frame.php?art=joustratoy

Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Bob

The 1982 stems from the year the mold was copyrighted. It does not reflect what year it was used in. Also, thanks to weird Japanese copyright laws at the time, certain Microman molds used for Transformers bare the 1974 mark, the year in which Microman started.