The Nikko Super Sprint was a 1/10 scale "Hobby Grade" radio controlled car manufactured by Nikko (Japan), and released into the US, European, Japanese, and other markets worldwide in 1988. The car could be obtained in kit form, or almost ready to run form.
Note: I apologize for the lack of quality photographs of the Super Sprint. This car is very hard to find!
Synopsis
One of three hobby-grade models that Nikko would ever produce, demonstrating their capability in manufacturing not just "toy grade" cars, but premium hobby grade cars as good or better than many of their competitors such as Tamiya. Those three models were the Dandy Dash was the beginners version, the Super Sprint was the intermediate version, and the Brat was the expert version that came as an upgrade pack for either Dandy Dash or Super Sprint.
Features and Performance
The Super Sprint used the same chassis as the Dandy Dash, however included an improved lexan body and wing, as well as higher quality hardware including alloy dampers (instead of plastic), torque splitter, bearings (instead of bushings), and anti-roll bars.
Specifications
- 4WD with Advanced Adjustable Torque Split
- Power Tooth Timing Belt by Bridgestone
- 3 Pinion Front Differential Gear
- 4 Pinion Rear Differential Gear
- Independent 4 wheel suspension with long stroke double wishbones
- Anti-Roll bars for front and rear suspension for cornering stability
- Low profile scratch pin spike tires for excellent contact with all track conditions
- Micro lathe high precision aluminum alloy oil dampers
- Thermal protection cut-off for resistor
- High quality Nikko UP240SE motor (RS-540SH)
- BEC System
- Powered by 7.2V NiCd Rechargeable Battery
- Molded plastic double-deck chassis
- Dogbone Drive Shafts and Ball Bearings
The almost-ready-to-run version included the Nikko Discovery IP II Radio Transmitter (shown). This was modeled after the most common transmitters at the time.
1980s transmitters were typically silver/chrome, with a big analogue battery meter up top, manual trim adjustments, a few dip switches for channel changing at the bottom, replaceable crystal, chrome carry handle and big chrome extendable antenna. Oh and room for 8 - 12 AA batteries in the rear!
The kit version was laid out identically to a Tamiya kit of the day (and as still sold today in the 2020s!) with each component, whether coil spring, shock, motor, screws and everything in it's own clear plastic bubble on a colored background.
A true work of art and a wonderful thing for the R/C builder and collector to see when first opening their kit.
As with the Dandy Dash, the lexan body was to be painted by the owner.
Nikko Toy Fair Catalog 1989
The Dandy Dash, Super Sprint, and Brat would each have a double page spread in the 1989 Nikko Catalog, as shown below, highlighting their importance and Nikko's pride at showing the industry and consumers that they weren't just a toy company, but a serious designer and manufacturer of high grade R/C.
Conversion into the Nikko Brat
With the use of an Upworks conversion kit, the Super Sprint (or Dandy Dash) could be further upgraded to the top-of-the-line model, the Brat.
It included some major component replacements for the chassis, shocks, gearbox, tires, and more.
Availability and Collectability
The collectability of the Dandy Dash, Super Sprint, and Brat are undeniable. These are so few of these remaining today that they've become an ultimate collectors items for all kinds of R/C hobbyists
Like all hobby-grade Nikko cars (all three!), the Super Sprint is not something that's easily obtainable, at least not for a low price. They appear online for sale occasionally, but at the time of writing none are for sale - just a few parts. If this is the case when you're looking, I'd recommend joining a forum or Facebook Group, such as TYCO RC COLLECTORS (covering Tyco, Nikko, Radio Shack and more) and asking if anyone knows an owner looking to sell.
wpDiscuz
