G.i. Joe Classified #112 Clutch and V.A.M.P.
The size of this vehicle’s box is pretty big, measuring roughly 17.5 x 11 x 5.5 inches in dimension.
These baggies contain all the accessories.
Lance J. Steinberg a.k.a “Clutch” is a gearhead, always tinkering with vehicles in the Joe’s HQ “The Pit’s” motorpool when not in combat. A fan of anything with lots of horsepower, Clutch is particularly invested in the VAMP (Multi-Purpose Attack Vehicle) for its speed and high maneuverability. Paired with Clutch’s superb driving skills, the VAMP easily outruns anything Cobra throws at him.
Prior to the introduction of Shipwreck, Clutch was written to be the Joe team’s cocky, scruffy, roguish scamp. Judging by how not many really remember Clutch, I guess Shipwreck did it better? Lol…
Unlike the original vintage Clutch figure, this guy is sporting some serious ink on his forearms, mostly focused on racing.
Clutch comes with a helmet accessory. In fact, in the old Sunbow cartoons, we never see him without it.
Naturally, since he’s a mechanic, he comes with a wrench.
The wrench can be stored away on his right thigh, along with some other non-removable tools.
For weaponry, Clutch comes with a sidearm pistol.
The sidearm can be holstered on the shoulder holster on his vest.
For heavier firepower, Clutch comes with a shotgun. Similar to the wrench accessory, this shotgun is the same as the one we got with Cover Girl (and General Hawk).
No removable ammo clip this time around. Lol…
V.A.M.P. (Multi-Purpose Attack Vehicle)
The VAMP requires some assembly right out of the box. Be mindful that the connection for the tires is a one-time assembly. If you plan to return the toy back into the box, don’t plug the tires all the way in. It is, however, very difficult to prop the vehicle up without inserting the tires all the way in, as there is very little for the post to hold onto if not inserted properly (lol, the VAMP came undone more than a few times while doing this photoshoot).
Them’s huge tires!! Also, take special care when assembling the tires, there’s supposed to be a proper way to get all the tires to face the same direction.
The G.i. Joe team’s version of the militarized jeep. The VAMP functions as the Joe team’s original primary rapid attack land vehicle, capable of high-speed pursuit (or escape) as well as providing supporting firepower when needed.
When fully assembled, the VAMP measures roughly 13 x 8 inches in dimension.
Similar to the 3.75” scale VAMP, this version of the vehicle features working suspension.
Lots of pre-applied paint details all over the vehicle. Pretty cool to look at.
I wonder why they went gray with the Stars and Stripes? Also… gotta love that fine print detail – “Please keep hands and feet in the vehicle at all times. Vehicle should only be operated by a trained professional. G.i. Joe is not responsible for any injury received while operating this vehicle” … Heh. I never knew this was a legal disclaimer on the vehicle’s side.
The collapsible front windshield is mounted on a hinge. This allows figures to “shoot through” the windshield frame.
Dashboard details. Nice to see they sculpted the details and applied some paint here, at least it’s not just stickers. The steering wheel rotates and even cooler, the gear shift actually shifts forwards and back!! Nice!
“Reflective” side view mirrors.
Grab handles on the sides of the vehicle.
Personally, I prefer to not have the handles installed for a cleaner look.
Removable fire extinguisher located behind the seat. I really love this little detail.
I was expecting wider step boards on the sides of the VAMP, along with some foot pegs for figures. I’m honestly kind of surprised to see that’s not the case.
Opening hood to reveal engine block.
Time for Clutch to make good use of that wrench.
Removable hood-mounted shovel.
The front bumper features a working winch with a tow line and hook. Surprisingly, the towline is pretty long, about 7-8 inches.
Removable twin fuel cans and fire axe.
Time to kill some Cobras and burn the bodies…?
The VAMP comes with some impressive firepower in the form of twin, belt-fed heavy .50-cal machine guns.
In case all else fails, each machine gun can be removed from the turret and can be used manually by Joes.
Lastly, the set includes a fully-enclosed helmet similar to the one we got with the Steel Brigade figures. The difference being this is actually hollowed out and not an alternate head, so it fits right over Clutch’s head.
Lol… “teeth” on a helmet..
“Let’s roll!”
Overall, another home run for the Classified line! Clutch is pretty well done particularly when it comes to his head sculpt and comes with a decent amount of gear. But it’s the VAMP that’s really what this set is about and boy, does it deliver! There are so many details that come with the vehicle, it is simply incredible. I’m really looking forward to the upcoming Cobra Stinger, which reuses the VAMP mold.
The only downside is that unlike the folks in the States, we in the PH had to pay practically x2 the amount for this set (almost 190 USD). It also sold out pretty fast. It’s hard to get one now. Sigh…
The set was released as a Hasbro Pulse Exclusive.
Hasbro’s oddball codename for Clutch with VAMP set is “Velma”.
Gold
