The Tyco Turbo Sprinter is a 1/14 scale radio controlled car manufactured by Taiyo (Japan) and released onto US, UK, and global markets in 1988.
Background
In the motor racing scene, Sprint cars are custom built 900 horsepower V8 monsters, popular in the United States, Australia, and Canada. Typically driving around a circular mud/dirt track, they are a common rite of passage for Formula One, Indycar, and Nascar drivers. Famous names such as Johnny Parsons, Al Unser Jnr, and Mario Andretti all were once Sprint Car racers.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/cmakin/507952138/
What makes the Turbo Sprinter even more special is that it's based on the earlier Taiyo / Tyco RC model, the 1987 Tyco Turbo Outlaw, which is also a Sprint Car but with a large wing on top.
Both relate back to the original 1987 Taiyo Outlaw Sprinter (with wing) released in Japan.
Features
The Outlaw Sprinter has the same specifications as its earlier sibling, though is less flashy overall.
- Realistic Sprint Car Detail
- 8xAA Batteries loaded by removing body (under driver)
- Front and rear friction shock absorbers
- Rear wide off-road tires
- Front street-style tires
- Top speed of 22km/h
Performance
At its core, the Turbo Sprinter is a Turbo Hopper MK3, with the sprinter body placed on top. This is a good thing, as that 8xAA driven Mabuchi 280 is plenty of fun to drive, and without the huge heavy wing like the Turbo Outlaw version, it's a little bit faster too.
Availability and Collectability
The Turbo Sprinter is very uncommon, with only two or three being seen by myself in the last several years. For a long time I wasn't even aware they existed, and when I did see one, I thought they were just Outlaws people were selling with a missing top wing!
So yes, if you're looking to buy one of these you may need to be patient or a little bit lucky.
As for collectability, this Tyco would easily be in the Top 20 most rare 9.6V Tycos, and while the 8xAA Turbo Outlaw is probably "better looking", this one is much more special and unique from a collectors perspective.
