Hollywood Gallery

1999 Mach 5
Prototype (Speed Racer)

The Mach 5 has been described as “the most famous race car in the world” because of the continuing popularity of the 1967 Speed Racer cartoon series, which has an estimated fan base of 50 million people. In 2000, this three dimensional interpretation of the cartoon Mach 5 completed a nationwide automotive safety tour sponsored by the Child Safety Network. Speed Racer Motors later unveiled plans to build a Signature Series of 100 road-ready Mach 5’s numbered and signed by Peter Fernandez, the voice actor and creative force behind the Speed Racer Cartoons. Unlike this prototype which has a mid-engine, the Corvette based “production” roadsters will feature a 5.7 liter, 385 horsepower V-8 engine mounted in the front.

Collection of Margie and Robert E. Petersen