The Metro Aero Phantom is a radio controlled car manufactured by Taiyo (Japan) and released into the Australian and New Zealand market in 1987 (confirmed). Also sold as the Taiyo Aero Jet Fighter in Japan and Europe, and the Tyco Twin Turbo Aero Hopper in the USA and other countries.
Note: Updated from 1988 to 1987 following confirmation of model/year.
Features and Performance
One of the highest specification models that Metro RC ever sold in Australia/New Zealand, the Phantom is a large scale (1/12 ) dual motor juggernaut that had no business sitting under a kids Christmas tree. It's aggressively fast in acceleration, and I'd not recommend using it indoors in small spaces or you'll likely break it, or smack your wife in the shins. Ask me how I know...
Specifications:
- 1/12 scale with 90s style aerodynamics
- 9.6v Turbo Battery Pack
- 2 x Mabuchi 280 motors
- 2WD with Rear Differential
- Top speed of 31km/h
- Deluxe Pistol Grip Controller
- Shock Absorbers All Round
- Adjustable Front and Huge Rear Wing
- Silver (40Mhz) and Black (27Mhz)
Availability and Collectability
Look, this is as rare as shoes in a Frankston Woolworths. If you see one for sale at a reasonable price, grab it. Because if you don't, I will!
Update December 2023: I did! Check out this beauty I scored for a crazy good price ($66 USD, $100 AUD) as it's missing the controller and looked very dirty, but with a good clean she polished up really well. A similar condition car went for $130 USD / $200 AUD just a few months prior, which is a more typical price.
Update: December 2024: A Metro Phantom in an immaculate box has been listed by a very nice and helpful person on eBay Australia for $399 AUD, who was kind enough to get me the model number from the box. The car is in good to very good condition. If I hadn't spent so much for Christmas already I'd be buying. Still tempted! Update: And a member of our Facebook group grabbed it. Congratulations!
A note on pricing for fellow Australians
Please be clear that pricing estimates shown at the top on Tyco Collectors, for example this car is $500 USD estimated, are simply my personal estimates for mint (which means new unopened) boxed models, as it says, and is purely my best guesstimate based on the data I have. In reality it's best used to compare the perceived value of this car to other cars, since actual price depends on many factors that change constantly.
In any case, the typical rule for all Tyco / Metro / Taiyo RC cars is that unboxed models are worth half as much as boxed (but still must be mint), ones without controllers (still mint) are less, then used and scratched models without controllers (my personal favorite buy lol) much less again. It's amazing how much a box in good condition adds to price!
