1979 Taiyo Porsche 935 Turbo 78

The Taiyo Porsche 935 Turbo 78 is a radio controlled model released into Japanese, and likely international markets, in 1979.

It is an upgrade to the original Taiyo Porsche 935 Turbo models which used 2xAA+9V batteries. This version uses the larger 3xAA+9V chassis, which would have increased voltage from a measly 2.4v to 3.6v (using Ni-Cd 1.2v batteries).

It can be identified by the updated car and controller number 88, and appears to be based on this Porsche 935/78 model.

The controller was also upgraded, and is now an unmistakeable variant of the controller that Taiyo and Tyco would continue to use for at least another decade.

As with earlier models, the front wheels are fixed to a center pinion, which rotates in the center to provide steering, though the turning circle and response with this design will have been poor. A few years later Taiyo would introduce a completely new chassis, with more realistic steering and suspension.

What we are seeing here is Taiyo's evolution from model tin cars and Bump 'n Go electronics, to taking their first real steps into the world of radio control models.

Within just 7 years Taiyo would release their 1986 Taiyo Jet Hopper, a design that was comparatively light years ahead, that would find itself in the hands of millions of children, teenagers, and adults worldwide.