The Tyco Turbo Stocker Motorcraft Ricky Rudd is a radio controlled car manufactured by Taiyo (Japan) and released onto the US, UK, and other markets worldwide in 1988.
Features
This Motorcraft branded car was the 27Mhz vehicle which was sold alongside the 49Mhz 7-Eleven Kyle Petty car, designed to encourage purchase of multiple cars allowing friends and siblings to race against each other. The box (above) features pictures of Kyle Petty in 7-Eleven livery, and Ricky Rudd in Motorcraft livery, and the whole presentation is just pure mid-80s goodness.
Tyco would continue the Stock Car / NASCAR association with the 1989 Tyco STP Stocker and Pennzoil cars a few years later.
Performance
As 8xAA 9.6V Turbo cars, these are no 4xAA show ponies! About as fast as a Jet Hopper, but with slick tires and a stiff chassis, these would have been heaps of fun racing around the house, ideally on a smooth 80s/90s lino floor, or outside on the concrete if needed.
While I own one of these, it's sealed so I'm not about to open it up to find out, but I'd bet these things would be perfect for 'drifting' in the lounge room!
All Red Variant?
While researching this article, I came across this 'All Red' variant of the Motorcraft. With the whole car red and all detail now in white, it's quite a different design and I'm curious if this was an actual car release, or if it was an internal model owned by a Tyco employee that has eventually found its way on eBay (wouldn't be the first time).
What do you think? Is this a common version I've just not seen before, or is it truly unique?
Availability and Collectability
These are highly popular vintage toys now, both due to their Tyco RC goodness, and their association with American motor racing legend.
And now for the bad news... there simply aren't many Tyco Turbo Stocker cars around these days. When I originally wrote this article in 2022 it was relatively easy to find at least an unboxed car, but these days they only pop up occasionally, and are often in poor condition, with a common issue being the slick tires with decomposed rubber.
If you are wanting one of these, certainly set a Saved Search / Reminder on eBay so that any listings do alert you, and consider joining our Facebook Group to ask existing collectors if anyone has a car they're willing to part with.
