The Tyco Lamborghini Countach 9.6v Twin Turbo is a radio controlled car manufactured by Taiyo (Japan), and sold in the US, UK, and other countries worldwide by Tyco in 1989.
Differences between 1988 and 1989 release
In 1988 Tyco had released the model 2526 Twin Turbo Lamborghini Countach which required 8 x AA batteries. The only complaint with such a perfect car was that with twin motors, it loved batteries like a fat kid loves cake!
And so in 1989 Tyco released this version, the model 2626 "9.6V Twin Turbo Lamborghini Countach" which included Tyco's new 9.6V Ni-Cd Battery Pack, making a great car ever better.
Features and Performance
The addition of a hobby-grade 9.6v battery and hobby-grade Tamiya style power connector were the finishing touches on Taiyo / Tyco's masterpiece, with nothing available from your local toy store coming close to the quality, features, and performance of this "toy grade" car in the 35 years since its release - sadly.
The chassis design of the Tyco Lamborghini is simply a work of art, and by far the best road vehicle design they ever came up with, nearing hobby-grade levels of sophistication in suspension design and engineering quality.
With rear shocks and a sophisticated front double wishbone suspension with shock brace, the car is planted on the ground and will corner well around a track.
Known weakness
Unfortunately with the amount of stress placed on the plastic components by that front horizontal shock-brace, it's also the most common break point of the entire model, and something to look out for when buying online.
Typically one of the front suspension components will crack with a strong frontal collision, though repair is possible, and replacement parts can be 3D printed. An example wheel hub I created is available here, but keep in mind they're different on each side, so mine may not fit yours.
Thankfully it was a popular chassis, so there are several Tyco / Taiyo models with similar parts, including the Super Fight, Marlboro Indy, and others, so you'll find them but depending on condition they may not be cheap.
Lamborghini Countach at $119.99 USD
Should I get the original 8xAA or 9.6V model?
Despite many wanting the 9.6V Turbo (battery pack) variant, this is not always the best version to have since you can get more power (a full 12 volts!) out of the 8xAA version simply by running it on Alkalines, as opposed to the 1.2V x 8 NiMh battery pack which can only output a maximum 9.6V.
And if you're into speed, well, you might consider how this chassis can handle a brushless/lipo upgrade!
Availability and Collectability
The good news is that the Twin Turbo Lamborghini is still widely available with scores of people digging through their attics, closets, and scouring Goodwill stores nationwide over the last few years, and throwing them online hoping to fetch a good price.
Prices vary from reasonable to outright insane, so personally I'd recommend going for an original Taiyo R/C model from Japan which is likely to be both in near perfect condition, and for a better price.
A word of caution: the 1988 and 1989 models are the only two versions with the original chassis design. You may come across the 1992 model which has been simplified and manufactured in Tyco's 3rd generation factory shipping out of China. Although they look the same from a distance, these should be considered completely different models with similarity on body design only.
As for collectability, it's clearly one of the most popular models, and so its interest level and collectability are indisputable in my opinion. I cannot recommend the Tyco Twin Turbo Lamborghini enough, it's just an excellent model that will be enjoyed by anyone who owns one. So go on, get yourself one of these before the prices go the way of the Bandit.
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