MAC’s CAR / THE JET AIR CAR from JOE 90 (1968)

IMAI model kit -with extensive conversion and upgrades

JOE 90 was created by Gerry Anderson, following ‘Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons’. Another show based on a family set up, the show had one recuring futuristic vehicle, Professor MacLaine’s Jet Air Car.

This Imai kit is approximately 1/32nd scale, measuring approx 9 inches in length - in flight mode.

Like the other Gerry Anderson themed kits from IMAI, this model suffers from too many moving parts and gimmicky features. For example - spring loaded missiles have been added to the front of the car. It must be said that the kit designers did a commendable job in giving the wings and wheels the ability to transform from land to air mode at the push of a button. Clever concealed mechanics! Unfortunately this is at the expense of accuaracy and the front wheel arrangement s very clunky and not at all accurate to the real thing.

I made a video documenting the work I did to make this much more accuarte to the vehicle seen in the show. And it is configurable for land and air travel. It is still not quite right, but it is as close I can get it without simply starting from scratch.

21 minute video here;

Making Mac's Car improving the Imai kit

Designed by the brilliant Derek Meddings who was in charge of the visual effects for the series.