The Truck That Started It All: The First Optimus Prime (1984)

You ever pick up an old red truck and your whole childhood comes right back? This is the first Optimus Prime, from 1984. He didn't start out as Optimus. He started in Japan as a Takara figure called Battle Convoy, with a little human pilot. Hasbro pulled the pilot, Marvel gave him his name, and a cartoon brought him to life. In this video I transform my own G1 Prime, open up his trailer, and walk through how this one figure helped set the plan collectible lines still follow today. 0:00 The first Optimus Prime 0:10 He started as Battle Convoy 0:25 The trailer, and what changed everything 0:48 The voice of Optimus 1:00 The 1986 movie 1:14 Remembering Peter Cullen Peter Cullen gave Optimus Prime his voice, starting with the 1980s cartoon. He passed away this August at 85. Thank you for being strong enough to be gentle. Shop vintage collectibles: https://spiralcollectible.com Sources: • Hasbro Newsroom, Transformers 40th Anniversary (2024) and Hall of Fame induction at The Strong museum (2024) • Kidscreen, "Transformers: winners in disguise" • Christian Science Monitor, "Show-length ads: why Johnny wants a Gobot" (1985) • Army Times, "How the voice of Optimus Prime was inspired by a Marine" (2023) • Variety, "Peter Cullen, Voice of Optimus Prime, Dies at 85" (2026) • /Film, "Transformers Had To Revive Optimus Prime For The Sake Of Some Very Unhappy Kids" • Wikipedia, "Optimus Prime" Comic covers, DVD cover and movie poster are shown for history and commentary. Transformers is a trademark of Hasbro. Spiral Collectibles is not affiliated with Hasbro or Marvel. Narration uses an AI clone of my own voice. Music made with ElevenLabs. Spiral Collectibles: Reconnect with your childhood, one collectible at a time. #transformers #optimusprime #g1transformers