Supercar, the ground breaking 1960s children’s television series, first graced the screen on January 28, 1961, and ran for two seasons, concluding in 1962. Over the course of its 39 episodes, viewers were thrilled by the adventures of the show’s eponymous flying car and its intrepid crew. At its core, Supercar was a high-octane adventure series that featured cutting-edge technology, daring rescues, and heart-stopping action. As with all the Anderson’s series it has attained a cult status classic and we take a look at some of the Gerry Anderson Supercar collectables, merchandise and Gerry Anderson Supercar toys that have appeared over the years along with prices at auction.

Inspiration for the series came from Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, the creative minds behind other iconic marionette-based TV shows such as Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet. The Andersons sought to combine the excitement of science fiction with the allure of puppetry to create a captivating series that would entertain and inspire a generation of children. Supercar was their first foray into the “Supermarionation” technique, which would later become their trademark.

The journey to Supercar’s production was marked by a unique collaboration of creative minds. While the series is often credited to Gerry Anderson and Reg Hill, it also incorporates elements from Beaker’s Bureau, an unproduced series proposed to the BBC by writer Hugh Woodhouse. The fusion of these concepts led to the creation of a dynamic and innovative show that would ultimately define the Andersons’ careers and leave a lasting impact on children’s television.

Gerry Anderson and Reg Hill, already accomplished in the world of television production, initially developed the idea for a series featuring a technologically advanced vehicle. They were inspired by the burgeoning space race and the increasing public interest in futuristic technology. Their vision for the show was to captivate audiences with thrilling storylines centered around the vehicle’s extraordinary capabilities.

At the same time, Hugh Woodhouse had conceived the idea for Beaker’s Bureau, a series that would follow the exploits of a scientific investigator named Dr. Beaker. Woodhouse’s concept featured a blend of adventure and science fiction elements, with the main character tackling unusual cases that required his scientific expertise. Although the BBC declined to produce the series, its core themes would eventually find their way into the world of Supercar.

Recognizing the potential for synergy between their respective concepts, Gerry Anderson, Reg Hill, and Hugh Woodhouse joined forces to create a show that combined the best aspects of both ideas. Dr. Beaker was incorporated into the Supercar team as the eccentric scientist responsible for designing and maintaining the vehicle, while the premise of a high-tech car was retained as the central focus of the series.

To bring the world of Supercar to life, the team enlisted the help of a talented pool of writers, including Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, Martin Woodhouse (Hugh’s brother), and Hugh Woodhouse himself. Together, they crafted a series filled with imaginative storylines, engaging characters, and cutting-edge technology. Each writer brought their unique perspective and creativity to the table, resulting in a rich tapestry of episodes that appealed to a wide audience.

Supercar Annuals and Books

The first Supercar Annual was published in 1961 and was titled Mike Mercury in Supercar and featured the Supercar on a yellow background on the cover with a tag line The TV Favourite. The 1962 and 1963 editions were titled Supercar Annual and were dated on the inside. The 1962 had the tagline The Children’s Television Favourite and introduced the Super-R. The 1963 edition had the tagline Television’s Top Favourite and the cover featured the Supercar flying over the city.

The collaboration between the Andersons, Reg Hill, and the Woodhouse brothers proved to be a successful formula, as Supercar became a beloved and iconic series. The fusion of ideas from Beaker’s Bureau with the original concept for a futuristic vehicle allowed the show to explore new territory in children’s television and cement its status as a pioneer in the realm of science fiction and adventure storytelling.

The series follows the adventures of test pilot Mike Mercury, who operates the futuristic Supercar, a vehicle capable of flight, underwater travel, and even space exploration. With the help of Dr. Beaker, Professor Popkiss, and young Jimmy Gibson (the adventurous orphan who stumbles upon Supercar and becomes a valuable member of the team), Mitch the Monkey (Jimmy’s loyal pet) who often adds a touch of humour to their daring exploits.

Some of the most memorable episodes include “Rescue,” in which Supercar is first introduced and saves a pilot from a burning aircraft; “The Runaway Train,” where the team must stop a train from crashing; and “The Sunken Temple,” which sees the crew uncovering an ancient temple submerged underwater. These episodes, among others, showcased the incredible feats the Supercar could perform and the heroic nature of its crew.

Over the years, Supercar has spawned a wide range of collectibles and memorabilia, including toys, models, posters, and books. Among the most sought-after items are the die-cast metal models of Supercar, which were produced by various manufacturers in different sizes and levels of detail. Additionally, there are several comic adaptations and novelizations of the series, which have become popular among fans and collectors alike. These items not only preserve the legacy of the show but also allow new generations to experience the thrilling world of Supercar and its unforgettable characters.

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