As Bandai began to wind down the Machine Robo Series, the designers started to look a little further away from construction vehicles, jets and sports saloons, and so we had Limousine Robo in 1985, which turned into a Rolls-Royce Phantom VI. The prototype was black, and may have been intended as a hearse (the character made an appearance in these colours, functioning as a hearse, in the Revenge of Cronos Anime series - the idea may have been dropped from the toyline for being too morbid).

The toy was picked up by Tonka later that year, and released as the Renegade Gobots figure Tux. The European release replaced the front grille with a black painted part, as opposed to the chromed version used elsewhere.

For the animated show Challenge of the Gobots, Hanna Barbera opted to change Tux' name to Stretch (at a guess, the cartoon was wrapped before the toy went into production, and Stretch was an early name for the figure). The character featured in several episodes, notably joining up with Zero's Rogue Renegade faction in "The Third Column".

The idea of a Rolls-Royce limousine as a transforming robot is a stroke of brilliance. It's a very fresh idea, both unusual and stylish.

The colour scheme is crisp and businesslike, and the car mode is sturdy and well realised. The only real fault is the large slot in the back of the car that allows the legs to form in robot mode. The detailing is well done, especially the indicators (shame they aren't painted), and once again the diecast bonnet blends nicely with the surrounding plastic - though Tux is susceptible to yellowing.

The only other problem is that the hinge connecting the grille to the bonnet is white - this stands out less on the American version, but contrasts nastily with the black grille on the European variant.

Transforming Tux is simple, but is pretty innovative on such a small toy, and is certainly fun. The bonnet forms a solid chest, with the back of the car rotating round to form the legs.

The result is sturdy and solid - Tux looks good from all angles, with a solid chest and well-proportioned limbs. He looks rather swish - notably with the fantastical top-hat wearing head - not only does Tux really look like a thug, he's also one of the few Gobots to have much character in his face. This is a guy you can really picture being a total bastard to the people of Earth, or beating up some captured Guardian do-gooder.

The only drawback is the grille arrangement makes him look like he's wearing a loincloth - a bit daft, and rather going against the suave British serial killer vibe he's got to him otherwise.