This Jet Hopper MK3 is a 1:16 scale radio control buggy manufactured by Taiyo (Japan), and released into the Japanese and other markets worldwide in 1987. A global/western version was also released, see 1987 Taiyo Jet Hopper MK3 (Global).
Note: spare tire is missing from the attached photos, actual version does have the tire.
Performance
The last of the 'original' Jet Hopper chassis cars, it kept all the important aspects and improved some areas beyond the MK2 (marked with *).
- 9.6V 'Turbo' 8xAA Battery Power
- LED Power Light
- *Improved Off-Road Front and Rear Air-Filled Tires
- *Active Steering (does not require driving forward to turn)
- *Improved Top Speed of 27Km/h (17mph)
- 4 x Shock Absorbers
- Solid front bumper
- Spare tire on rear
- 2-Speed Gearbox
Made in Singapore? For the Japanese market? Outrageous!
Most unusual for the MK3 version of the Taiyo Turbo Hopper is that it's Made in Singapore - at least every one I've seen (if you have a Made in Japan let me know!). While all international market products, such as those made for Tyco, Metro, and Dickie Toys were Made in Singapore, until now all the Japanese versions were all Made in Japan. Was demand that high for this car that they needed to throw it on the Singapore production line too? Unlikely.
I'd say they were too busy designing and manufacturing the Jet Hopper 2, and confident enough that Singapore could pull this one off without the traditional "first version always in Japan" methodology that all big Japanese manufacturers seem to follow (e.g. Sony with its PlayStation).
Recommendation
If you can only buy one Jet Hopper, make it the MK3. Not only does it have the best performance and features, but the materials used for the front/rear tires have stood the test of time better. So far we haven't seen any rubber rot issues affecting these models after 30 years, though storage method (exposed to UV, moisture, etc.) can still have dramatic impacts upon all materials.
That said, it seems very few of these ever come up for sale, so if you do find one, we'd recommend snapping it up quickly.
