This Tyco Nissan 300ZX is a radio controlled model, manufactured by Taiyo (Japan), and released into the US, UK, and other countries worldwide in 1986 as part of Tyco's new radio controlled car collection, a product line that would redefine the companies core products and have it end the 80s and begin the 90s in a stronger position than it had ever been before.
Based on the actual 1986 Nissan 300ZX, one of Nissan's famous Z-cars, which were stylish and powerful sports coupes of the 1980s and 1990s. Featuring both naturally aspirated and turbo charged versions, the V6 turbo engine of the 300ZX provided 200 horsepower which was impressive for the era.
With its wedge shaped body, pop up headlights, and high performance, it was an obvious choice for Taiyo to model together with other cars from the era such as the Ferrari F-40.
By Elise240SX - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0 Link
Features and Performance
Released in 1986 which was the first year that Tyco began offering full-function "dynamic" R/C cars such as the massively popular Turbo Hopper, the Nissan 300ZX was never intended to compete on performance, and was more of a model that could also drive, at least in my opinion.
Together with the 1986 Tyco Toyota MR-2 Turbo which was its companion car as featured in the packaging artwork, they provided realistic depictions of two of the most accessible and exciting sports cars of the day. Accessible meaning that these were sports cars that average people could actually buy, that kids would be excited about when they saw in the street, rather than some Ferrari or Lamborghini which were playthings of the rich and famous.
As described...
- 1/24 Scale
- Advanced Street Styling
- High Performance Tires
- Two Speeds for Power or Racing Action
- Five Pylons
- Powered by 4 x AA Batteries
- Motor is not stated, but likely a Mabuchi 280
The controller provided in the package is fairly average, but workable, and the overall build quality is to a high standard. With slick rubber tires, chromed wheels, and a genuinely attractive paint job to match the great looking chassis, this is one 4xAA which I'd love to pick up myself.
The 1987 Gold Edition
A year later, the car was updated with a Gold body and released under model number 2201-49 as the 1987 Tyco Nissan 300ZX. There are very few good photos of this car, and so I've had to use AI to enhance the ones included here, apologies for the poor detail. Once I have some reasonable photos I'll create an article for this model.
Video Review
There is an excellent video review, and up-close look at this 1986 Tyco Nissan 300ZX and the 1992 Tyco Nissan 300ZX on Youtube featured below. And what an awesome thumbnail photo this guy has taken, wonderful shot my man!
Availability and Collectability
Both the 1986 and 1987 Tyco Nissan 300ZX have proven very hard to find and get decent pictures of, nevermind actually buy...
Those in the United States would have more luck in finding one of these, with many no doubt sitting in garages and storage units across the nation just waiting to arrive at Goodwill, and eventually (hopefully) up for sale before someone dumps them in landfill!
Being models of actual cars from the day, they're arguably more collectable than original Taiyo/Tyco designs, but whatever the case I think these are two of the best looking 4xAA models that Taiyo / Tyco ever released, and I would not hesitate to pick up one in reasonable condition myself, even if they were'nt working, they'd make mighty nice shelf queens.
