The Tyco Marlboro Indy is an incredible looking remote control car released by Tyco Toys in the USA and sold exclusively through Toys 'R Us stores for a limited time in 1990.
Combining two things we'll never see again - cigarette advertising on a children's toy and Taiyo / Tyco's best designed road chassis with 9.6V Twin Turbo (dual motor) power, what an incredible collectors item this is!
In typical 80s fashion, it was released around the same time as the Miller variant (American Beer). Cigarettes and Alcohol, ah yes, those were the days!
Features and Performance
Built upon Taiyo / Tyco's best ever road chassis which was also used in the Lamborghini Countach Twin Turbo, Ferrari 348 Twin Turbo, and Super Fight F1 Twin Turbo, it's a beauty to behold, and especially rare in this red Marlboro hard body.
Specifications:
- Larger 1/12 Scale
- 9.6V Turbo Battery Pack
- Twin Mabuchi RE-280 motors
- Rear Differential
- Front and Rear
- Authentic 'Marlboro' sponsor styling
- Deluxe Pistol Grip Controller with Hand Guard
- Rubber Racing Tires with Chrome Wheels (Marlboro version only)
Below: You can see the twin electric motors with the fat rear wheels, and up front quite a sophisticated suspension system for a 'toy grade' model make this the best on-road drive that the company ever made.
For more details on the chassis, see our article on the 9.6V Twin Turbo Lamborghini Countach.
Rumors and controversy
Until recently, members of the collectors community had believed that the Marlboro Indy must have been released the same as any other Tyco RC car, and been pulled from the shelf due to 'outrage' regarding cigarette advertising on a children's product. Not so! Though some luck, the ex-marketing director of Tyco Toys from '87 to '94, Jeff Wimann, dropped by our Facebook Group and advised that the Marlboro branded cars, as well as the Miller Draft cars were marketed towards adults, with 99% being sold via Toys 'R Us stores (potentially due to promotions and discounting), for around $119 USD and occasionally on promotion for $99.
Once stock exhausted, they simply were not renewed, with the fact that Taiyo (manufacturer) required a minimum run of 5,000 units factoring into this decision.
A 'TYCO' branded variant was also released, though where exactly in the timeline of events I've not yet discovered, whether it was the 'standard' version sold alongside the 'special edition' Marlboro, or if it was introduced after the Marlboro.
These photos of a brand new not-Marlboro car were posted on 8th December 2022 by a user who purchased a home and found this inside! He's looking to sell, so if you're interested, checkout the thread.
Availability and Collectability
The Marlboro Indy does come onto the market occasionally, however it's rare to find one in reasonable condition, so expect to pay serious money for a mint boxed item, or just grab a somewhat scratched unboxed basher like me and enjoy driving it!
It's easily one of my Top 10 cars, it's simply iconic both in terms of motor sports and 90s toys, so there's no disputing that it's one of the most wanted and collectable of all Tyco R/C models.
Do you have a Taiyo Marlboro Indy or Indy re-issue? Let us know below, we'd love to see some photos!
