The Nikko Toyota Hilux 4WD "Memory" truck, or Nikko Memobile as it was sold in the United States, was a 1/10 scale radio controlled car with programmable controller. Manufactured by Nikko R/C Systems, it was released into Japan, the United States, and other countries worldwide in 1982.
Features and Performance
Trying to find decent photos and information on the Memobile has proven difficult, so I'll just do my best and update the article when more information becomes available.
The main feature of the Memobile was the built-in CMOS microchip which allowed the user to press the Program / Record button, drive the truck however they wish, and then play those movements back, or repeat them. As such it was known as the 'Memory Truck'.
Basic specifications:
- Large 1/10 Scale
- Powered by 4 x C batteries (motor) with 4 x AA batteries for the cars electronics
- Selectable 2WD or 4WD
- Selectable Low or High Gear
- "Direct programming system" allows recording and playback of movements
- Electronic Sound Speaker
- Automatic headlights when running
- Automatic turn off system
- Oversize semi-pneumatic tires
Direct Programming System
The functions available to the driver were as follows:
- Stop
- Repeat (with light)
- Off-Backup-On
- Run (with light)
- Program (with Full/On lights)
Towards the late 1970s and into the early 1980s, microchips became cheaper, more powerful, and accessible to the consumer market, driving the rise of personal computers, game console, and other electronics gadgets including toys which featured more and more electronic wizardry.
This surge in technology made the appearance of computers and computer-driven gadgets more apparent in the workplace, and in home across the world, transforming everyday tasks and entertainment.
Personally I had the Commodore 64 as my first personal computer in the late 1980s, though other readers may have enjoyed their first personal computer in the late 1970s or earlier than that.
And so creating a toy with a built-in micro-controller and an ability to 'program' its movements would have been quite high-tech at the time, and obviously driven interest in the buggy.
Availability and Collectability
Sadly there seems to be very few examples of the Nikko Memobile available, and so if you're looking for one of these you may need to contact a collectors group, such as on Facebook (try Tyco Collectors Facebook Group).
Collectability of this type of car is high given its unusual (and very 80s!) features, so I'd be surprised if a nice clean boxed version was'nt snapped up quickly should one appear available online.
