The Taiyo Super Fight F-1 (2 Motor) is an advanced toy-grade 1/12 scale radio control car that was released in Japan in 1987. This model should not be confused with the other Taiyo Super Fight F-1 (Single Motor) that was also released in the same year, as they share no similarities apart from name and upper body.
Features and Performance
The Taiyo Super Fight F-1 (2 Motor) boasts exceptional performance underpinned by the renowned chassis that was made famous in modern collecting by the Taiyo Lamborghini Countach.
As fast and feature-packed as any Taiyo model, there are two key elements that make it a standout performer.
Firstly, the model features front double wishbone suspension (complete with front horizontal shock absorber) and rear shocks, which enable it to handle beautifully in a semi hobby-grade fashion, similar to other models many times its price.
Secondly, the model's 'Twin Turbo' Dual Motor system is remarkable for a product that was sold in department stores! Two RS280 Mabuchi electric motors drive the rear wheels, providing the kind of violent acceleration that you’ll simply never see on any other toy R/C car from the era.
This combination makes the Taiyo Super Fight F-1 (2 Motor) the equal fastest Taiyo model ever made, with a top speed of 31km/h or 19mph.
Other features of the Taiyo Super Fight F-1 include a large 1:12 scale, a 9.6v 'Turbo' 8xAA (12v Alkaline) battery pack, a rear differential, slick F-1 style racing tires, highly detailed Formula 1 style body, and Taiyo's most sophisticated front-end suspension.
All of these features combine to make the Taiyo Super Fight F-1 a true standout in the world of toy RC cars.
Engineering
The inside of the F1 is fairly standard for Taiyo, though it does carry additional electronics and larger heat sinks to power the dual motors.
Country of manufacture
Typically products for the Japanese market were almost always 'Made in Japan', however with especially popular ones like the Super Fight F1 (Twin Turbo), you may find Japanese market versions Made in Singapore, and Global market versions Made in Japan, as Taiyo struggled keep up with demand and used any available facility to manufacture.
So yeah, if you're buying a Japanese F1 and are suspicious because it's Made in Singapore... don't be!
Restoration
Here is a before and after photo of my restoration efforts - see the full coverage here.
Recommendation
The Super Fight F-1 (2 Motor) is a fast and exciting drive, one of the best that Taiyo ever had to offer. Just be sure to give it a nice clean flat surface, and you'll have a blast! Keep in mind there is a Single Motor version, and while that's also a great car, its performance simply cannot be compared to this Dual Motor / Twin Turbo. Highly recommended.
