i was giving this further thought, and if we can answer outside Macross, then 2 big reactions spring to mind:
Spiderman Classics - I distinctly remember seeing these in shops the first time; I bought all 3 (Leaving Venom) and almost SKIPPING home I was so excited! i had waited for Super articulated superhero toys for YEARS, and in my mind the Spidey Classics set the benchmark.
Saint Seiya - Only....wow, 2 years ago almost? I found this figure in a store, was bored and had some cash. Had awasy loved figures with amrour (Guyver, Iron Man etc etc) and so figured Id give it a shot; I know now it was Pegasus Seiya version 3. Got home, opened up (Holy crap, this armour is metal!) and have been hooked since!
So yeah i still get that excited grin when i see a cool new toy.