Kaiketsu Zubat’s nuclear-engined Zubacar — Guess the Tokusatsu Car

The 1977 series Kaiketsu Zubat is unusual in the tokusatsu genre in that it didn’t involve superheros, aliens, or monsters. The star was just a regular dude named Ken Hayakawa whose best friend gets murdered in the very first episode. Conveniently, his friend left behind blueprints for a bunch of stuff that helps Ken fight crime, including a flying, nuclear-powered car called the Zubatcar. Welcome to another installment of Guess the Tokusatsu Car.

Kaiketsu Zubat ran 32 episodes from February to September of 1977. After his scientist friend is killed Ken, who is a private detective, finds plans for a red-helmeted power suit and flying car. Though he lack any engineering background, he’s soon able to realize the inventions and goes on a journey to avenge his friend’s death.

Another odd thing about Kaiketsu Zubat is that it doesn’t take place in a futuristic city. Instead, the setting is more desolate, almost like a Japanese wild west. When not wearing his Zubat Suit, Ken dresses like a mariachi musician and carries a guitar. He wanders the landscape looking for members of an organized crime ring called the Dakker. Each week he defeats a member of the gang, working his way toward the killer.

The Zubatcar is described as having a top speed of 350 kph (217 mph) but on the ground. With the flick of a switch it can transform in to a small plane, with wings that extend out from the hood scoop. It also features boosters on either side and a large fan at the rear. With fender flares, large hood protrusion, and wheels that resemble SSR MkIs, it looks more like a bosozoku sled than hero’s chariot.

Can you guess what base car the Zubatcar was beneath it all? This is a much easier one to guess than last week’s Isuzu Bellett-based Raijingo. But as always, we’ll put the correct answer in the comments once readers have had a chance to guess.