The Tyco Mini Hopper and Mini Aero Hopper are small 1/20 scale radio controlled cars manufactured by Taiyo (Japan), and released onto the US, UK, and other markets worldwide in 1990 under stock no. 2320.
This 1990 release was packaged as a 27Mhz Black Mini Aero Hopper (2320-27), and a 49Mhz Red Mini Hopper (2320-49).
The most popular R/C ever?
The Mini Hopper was one of the most successful and widely produced radio control cars in history, with many different variants, including:
US versions
International versions
- 1986 Taiyo Mini Hopper
- 1987 Taiyo Mini Hopper 2
- 1987 Taiyo Mini Hopper 2 (Rare)
- 1987 Taiyo Aero Mini Hopper
- 1988 Taiyo Mini Hopper 3
- 1988 Taiyo Aero Mini Hopper 3
This 1990 model was the last ever produced by Taiyo (manufacturer) before a controlling stake in the company was bought by Tyco USA, who launched a new phase of design that left behind Taiyos 1980s era roots.
Features and Performance
This final Tyco version is a rebadged Taiyo Mini Hopper 3. It's unusual they did'nt just name it that, considering the last model released was the Mini Hopper 2. We can only assume the marketing department thought it was too complicated?
In any case, it is the same, except for the slightly disappointing controller which is perhaps the cheapest Tyco ever released, but it gets the job done for what is a simple, low cost model.
Beyond that, performance is as expected of any Mini Hopper - great fun driving around indoors, and on light offroad duties, and especially good for younger kids who may find the 6xAA and especially 9.6v Turbo models too easy to crash.
Looking to boost the power on your AA powered Tyco / Taiyo? NiMh rechargeables only provide 1.2V compared to 1.5V of single use Alkaline batteries. Consider looking at 1.5V Lithium Rechargeable batteries for extra oomph, without having to throw them away once spent.
Released at the same time, and sharing the same model code was the Mini Aero Hopper which took the 27Mhz frequency, allowing it to race against the 49Mhz Mini Hopper.
The 'Aero' series were alternate versions of many popular models, taking advantage of the futuristic appeal of aerodynamics in the late 80s and 90s.
Availability and Collectability
Generally the 89-90s era Mini Hoppers are available to buy online although the condition will vary. New In Box models are generally rare, though I was able to pick one up myself in 2023, though the prices can be exhorbitant.
As for collectability, my personal opinion is that any Mini Hopper is collectable, though typically the earlier models which retain full front and rear suspension systems are the best, though opinions will vary.
My NIB Mini Hopper will take pride of place amongst many others in my collection, and won't be leaving the box anytime soon! It reminds me of a time when I was young, fun was simple, and mistakes didn't really matter.
