The Sears Lobo IV was a 1/14 scale radio controlled buggy manufactured by Nikko (Japan) and distributed by Sears, Roebucks and Co. in the 1989 toy season. Also known as the Nikko Lobo IV.
A successor to the previous years 1988 Sears Lobo III, the Lobo brand was an icon for Sears during the Golden Age of Toy R/C, and would continue to be used for radio control vars of various types for many years.
Also sold as the Nikko Lobo IV, and the Nikko Super Galet.
Features and Performance
According to specifications, the Lobo IV is the same as the Lobo III, with the only difference being the decals. Everything else appears to be the same, however I'm certainly open to being corrected!
As with before, it sports a decently sized Mabuchi RS-360 motor, 7.2V Hobby Grade Battery, and onboard 9V battery for the electronics, plus another 9V for the controller.
It also sports a rear differential, and pistol grip controller, which were both relatively special for the era.
Specifications on paper:
- 1/14 Scale
- Updated Aerodynamic Body
- Updated Nylon bumper bar
- Large Mabuchi RS-360 motor
- 7.2V Battery with 9V onboard for electronics
- Two Speed Gearbox
- Front and Rear Shock Absorbers
- Rear Differential
- Steel steering linkages
- Off-Road Spiked Tires
- Pistol Grip Controller
- Available in White 27Mhz and Black 49Mhz
Active or Passive Steering?
As with other Lobo R/C there are reports of some having Passive Steering, which means the front wheels only turn when the car is in motion, reducing the maneuverability. Reports on this and official documentation have been contradictory from the Lobo series in general, however for the Lobo 3 and Lobo 4 the official word is that the steering and throttle motors can be controlled separately, which means it has Active / Power Steering. That's a good thing! If you know otherwise, please contact me.
Unusual Retro-Futuristic Controller
In the 1989 Sears Christmas Catalog there advertisement for the Lobo 4 (see above) includes a photo of an unusual looking controller that apparently came with the car. However I've yet to find any Nikko Lobo IV (or any car) sold with such a controller.
Most likely this was simply a proposed concept from Nikko that just never got developed - notice the photo shows a controller labelled Nikko, and not Sears as would be expected for any actual Sears R/C.
Availability and Collectability
There aren't so many Lobo IV around online, at least compared with the original Sears Lobo, Sears Lobo II and Sears Lobo III. Should you want one, you may need to have some patience!
Note that the car is essentially identical to the Sears Lobo III except for the different decals, and also the Nikko Lobo III, and Nikko Super Gallet.
