Speed Racer, a Japanese animated series, is based on the comic book sereis "Mach, Go Go Go." The creator, Tatsuo Yoshida, got the idea from two American movies that were popular in Japan--Viva Los Vegas and Goldfinger, by combining the look of Elvis Presley's race-car driving image, complete with black pompadour and neckerchief, and the gadget filled Aston Martin that James Bond drove, Yoshida had the inspiration for Speed Racer.
English rights were acquired and Speed Racer appeared on American television in 1967. His name was changed from Go Mifune to Speed Racer; his adventures centered on his powerful Mach 5 car, his girlfriend Trixie, his little brother Spritle and pet chimp Chim-Chim, and his older brother Racer X. Voices were dubbed (that was the best laugh) and the theme song Americanized to the popular "Go Speed Racer Go."