The Tyco Turbo Outlaw is a radio controlled 1/14 scale sprint car, manufactured by Taiyo (Japan), and released into the US, UK, and other markets worldwide in 1988.
This is an updated version of the prior 1987 Tyco Turbo Outlaw, with the name on the box and vehicle decals changed to "9.6V Turbo Outlaw" to identify it as having a Tyco 9.6V Turbo Battery Pack, rather than 8xAA under the drivers seat.
This is a significant upgrade, however the cars are extremely rare. 99.99% of cars sold are the regular model.
From the 1988 Catalog:
"Dirt Track Racers that go anywhere, and they're Turbo-Powered, too. Authentic replicas of Outlaw Sprint Cars that thrill millions on TV. Feature driver, chromed engines, exhaust pipes and wheels. Remove the wing and you can race them as CRA Sprint cars with Turbo Power and go Dirt Track Racing..."
Features and Performance
As with the prior version, the Tyco Turbo Outlaw is essentially a Turbo Hopper chassis, although this 1988 version does modify it significantly to remove the 8xAA battery holder, replaced with a flat 9.6V Turbo Pack.
Performance is along similar lines to the Turbo Hopper, and frankly in my opinion this car actually manages to look even cooler than the Turbo Hopper itself, for obvious reasons.
Features include:
- Realistic Sprint Car Detail
- 9.6V Turbo Battery Pack
- Top speed of 22km/h
- Front and rear shock absorbers
- Rear wide off-road tires
- Front street-style tires
- Pistol Grip Controller
Availability and Collectability
With such a great looking model, decent performance and pistol grip controller, the Tyco Turbo Outlaw earns a place in my Top 10 Tyco R/C cars ever made.
But can you get your hands on a 1988 Tyco 9.6V Turbo Outlaw? Sadly, probably not. The '88 model that came with a battery pack is surprisingly rare, with mostly the 1987 version showing up on eBay (8xAA batteries).
Keep a look out for one... and when it does appear, expect a frency!
Below: Absolutely beautiful 9.6V Turbo Outlaw owned by Curtis (Tyco King) with custom paintwork.
