This Nikko Ferrari Testarossa is a large 1/10 scale remote controlled car produced by Nikko America, and distributed in the United States and other countries worldwide in 1985.
Easily confused with the successor 1986 Nikko Ferrari Testarossa this older 1985 model has some important differences.
Difference between 1985 and 1986 versions
The key difference between this original version, and the successor is in the battery and power.
This 1985 version required 6 x C size batteries plus 4 x AA batteries onboard for the electronics/radio.
The 1986 version does away with all that and requires only the 7.2V rechargeable pack due to its onboard B.E.C (battery eliminator circuit) which makes the voltage suitable for sensitive electronics, while still having the full voltage available to power the motor.
Features and Performance
With a top speed of 24km/h or 15mph, it's a decent performer for its class, mostly thanks to its extra large Mabuchi RS-540SH motor, the largest I've seen in a 'toy grade' model.
Coupled with the 7.2V (6 x C size) it has the same power available as the 1987 model, but the extra weight of the AAs onboard will slow it down a little bit.
Apart from this, the specifications are good - a rear differential, front and rear suspension (though I've not been able to locate it, it's certainly not friction shocks anywhere), digital proportional steering, and more make this an excellent piece of kit for 1985.
If you're already thinking what a great car this would be for a motor upgrade / resto-mod, you should check out this video.
Specifications on paper:
- Large 1/10 Scale Model with authentic Ferrari styling
- Huge Mabuchi RS-540SH motor (largest we track here at TycoCollectors!)
- Front and Rear Suspension
- 3 Channel Digital Proportional Steering / Accelerator
- 6 x C Size Batteries plus 4 x AA onboard for radio / electronics does add a little weight (No BEC)
- Pop-Up and Light-Up Headlights
- Slick rubber tires
- Rear Differential
- Six Frequencies available with removable crystal in car and controller
Added to that the removable crystal (remember when we could do that!), rear differential, pop up and lit headlights, and proportional steering, and I'm in love! The only thing missing that I'd usually expect is a two speed gearbox, so I wonder how much that affects its performance.
Moving on and underneath the car is the battery hatch which has space for 6 x C Size batteries, and 4 x AA. That's a heck of alot of weight to be carrying, no doubt causing this version to be a bit slower than the version running only the 7.2V battery (which are made of 6 x Sub-C size batteries).
Availability and Collectability
The easiest way to identify this 1985 version is with the darker colored box, and the underside of the car having a different battery compartment. Other than that, look for the model number 10030 on any paperwork.
Overall, I'd recommend purchasing the 1986 version through, for obvious reasons, unless you are intending to mod / upgrade the car, then it makes no difference.
