Pre Rub

The 1984 releases of the Autobots and Decepticons (as opposed to their 1985 releases) are refered to as Pre Rub versions because the toys do not have Rub Signs. Another distinguishing characteristic of Pre Rub Transformers is that the Trademark symbol above the final "S" in the Transformers logo is a "TM" instead of an "(R)", indicating that Hasbro had not yet registered the trademark at the time these toys were made.

One variation of Pre Rub Autobot cars and Decepticon jets is the No Gray Border versions. The earliest Transformers released were No Gray Border Pre Rubs. They are labeled as such because the gray border that normally goes between the box art and the window is missing. Another No Gray Border difference is that some of the text on the front of the box is black instead of white. Also, some No Gray Border Decepticon jets contain sanded Diaclone wings instead of the normal shortened Transformers wings.

External link

 * Tf-1.com's article on early G1 Decepticon Jets (includes an overview of No Gray Border Pre Rubs)