The Taiyo Ferrari F-40 6xAA version was a radio control model manufactured by Taiyo Toys (Japan), and released into Japan, Europe, and other markets globally in 1989.
There are several versions of the F-40 produced by Taiyo, including:
Features and Performance
This 6xAA or 7.2V version of the Taiyo Ferrari F-40 is a beautiful looking model with decent power, plenty more than the more relaxed 4xAA model, but just a bit short of the required 9.6V to receive a 'Turbo 'designation by Taiyo.
Made in Japan, the quality is as you'd expect, with typically the only issue you might experience with this model being the degradation of the slick rubber tires, an unfortunate problem for practically all slick tired Taiyo / Tyco models of the era, no doubt due to less sophisticated material science at the time.
As with all Taiyo 1980s era cars it has 'passive' steering (requires moving forward or backward before you can control steering), which isn't ideal, but really only becomes a problem in tight spaces.
Availability and Collectability
Generally the Taiyo F-40 models are fairly easy to find, especially the 4xAA variants, with this 6xAA perhaps less common, and the 8xAA version being the most popular of the Taiyos for obvious reasons.
Should you be especially keen on the F-40, my recommendation for the ultimate version is the 1989 Tyco 9.6V Turbo Ferrari F-40 which has the benefit of active steering, and a battery pack, with redesigned undercarriage making the whole unit beautifully solid and smooth.
Whatever the case though, which ever version you have, there's no dening these are wonderful capsules of RC toy history, and would look excellent sitting on your shelf, and occasionally blasting around the loungeroom.
See the video of me unboxing the 9.6V Turbo version here.
