This 1989 version of the Tyco Aero Turbo Hopper, or Tyco 9.6V Aero Turbo Hopper, is a radio controlled car manufactured by Taiyo (Japan), and released into the US, UK, and other markets worldwide in 1989 as an upgrade to the original 1988 Tyco Aero Turbo Hopper MK1.
Essentially a Tyco Turbo Hopper with a new more aerodynamic body, the Aero Turbo Hopper was part of a range of 'Aero' styled toys that Tyco released to essentially double their catalog of R/C cars without significant investment in new underlying chassis.
Improvements upon the original
With several upgrades, this 1989 release of the Aero Turbo Hopper is a welcome improvement on the original.
- 9.6V Turbo Battery that could be easily installed under the chassis of the car, instead of the previous version which required removing a pin holding on the body of the car, removing the body, removing a cover, then installing the 8 x AA batteries in a cramped space, as per the original Turbo Hopper.
- Pistol Grip Controller
- Updated Decals
Most unusually, despite having its battery relocated underneath the car, the body is still removeable, with a pin in the front holding it together. Why? I assume its because they did a minor redesign of the existing body, though I don't own one of these personally to take a look under the hood and confirm that.
The original was initially sold by Taiyo in Japan as the Taiyo Aero Hopper, it was also sold in Australia as the Metro Aero Jet Hopper, and in various other countries under license.
Identifying the MK1 vs MK2
The most obvious visual difference between these versions is the large "9.6V Turbo" on the side of the upgraded / Mark 2 version.
Why "Aero"?
As Computer Aided Design (CAD) became a standard tool in designing conventional automobiles, the resulting car shapes were frequently characterized as more "aerodynamic." Consequently, this term gained traction and turned into a widely-used marketing strategy.
In an effort to leverage this growing trend, Taiyo and Tyco introduced numerous "Aero" variants of their best-selling RC cars during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Features and Performance
This is a Mark 2 version of the 1988 Tyco Aero Turbo Hopper, which itself is a version of the original Tyco Turbo Hopper (MK2).
It came with the following core features:
- 9.6V 'Turbo' battery power (installed underneath)
- Top speed of 25km/h
- All round shocks / suspension system
- 2 Speed Gearbox
- Built-in charge plug and LED light
- Wide and flat rear tire
- Chrome wheels
- Pistol Grip Controller
Availability and Collectability
Much the same as the original Aero Turbo Hopper, it's generally available, however it will take some time to find one that is in the right condition, and for the right price.
As for whether it's collectable, absolutely. It's an evolution of a classic that's similar enough to maintain all the best characteristics (including being of the same era - released only 1 year after the original, and 2 years after the Turbo Hopper itself), while improving upon the weak points such as the need for 8 x AA batteries, taking off the body to replace them, etc.
