The Taiyo Porsche 911 Targa is a radio-controlled car manufactured by Taiyo in Japan, and released into the Japanese market in 1987, as well as limited other countries globally.
Design and Appearance
A modified version of the regular red with white wheeled Porsche 911, this Cabriolet boasts a sleeker, more sophisticated look with its stunning matte black finish.
Complemented by gold decals and rims, an expanded super-wide rear end, and a centrally-located charging slot on top, this model is a fantastic replica of the real Porsche 911, showcasing a unique and captivating style, while still being fun and practical as a toy R/C car.
Personally, I would remove the hood decal to enhance its appearance even more.
Features and Performance
Being a 4xAA model, this car isn't intended for high-speed performance and is best suited for scooting around indoors, and looking great on a shelf with other models.
That said, the slick rubber tires do tend to be fun on smooth surfaces, as we've seen with other similar models - just make sure the one you purchase has tires in good condition, as these tend to degrade over time.
The undercarriage displays a solid and clean design, including a compact drive unit and steering assembly. This type of chassis is uncommon among 4xAA models, which is a positive aspect. Given its sturdiness, lightweight, and small size, this car is likely to handle well for a low-power model.
The charging port's placement on top, combined with the other design elements, indicates that this is a distinct design specifically created for the Taiyo Porsche 911 model.
Recommendation
Although I initially thought I wouldn't be interested in another basic 4xAA design, the more I examine the Porsche 911 Cabriolet, the more appealing it becomes. In fact I purchased the Tyco variant shortly after writing the article for it!
The one-of-a-kind chassis, sturdy construction, and attractive appearance make this modest 4xAA model deserving of a high rating within its category.
