The Tyco Aero Jet Hopper Wild Thing was a radio controlled car manufactured by Taiyo (Japan), and released into the US, UK, and other markets worldwide in 1991. It is the 27Mhz companion car to the 49Mhz Jet Hopper Wild Thing (2353-49).
Features and Performance
Based on the 1987 Taiyo Super Jet II chassis, the Aero Jet Hopper Wild Thing is a 6xAA car with a full 7.2V using alkaline batteries, a similar voltage to most hobby grade Tamiya cars, though with less capacity and amperage.
Performance is better than the average 4 x AA smaller scale model such as the Mini Hopper, however it does'nt reach the peaks of a good 9.6V or dual motor system. With proper all round shocks suspension and typical lasting Taiyo build quality, these can be great little cars to play with, whether young or old.
The only real negative to these 6xAA cars is the cheap radio controller they were packaged with. It's a long way from the full size Taiyo / Tyco controller from the late 80s, with a creaky plasticyness that seems entirely divorced from the quality of the vehicle itself. Still, it's functional, and does the job, but it's easy to see why people love to do Toy Grade to Hobby Grade conversions.
Specifications at a glance:
- Full Function
- 6xAA Batteries (up to 7.2V)
- 4 x Shock Absorbers
- 2 Speed Gearbox
- Air Filled Off-Road Tires
- Good build quality
- Average small controller / transmitter
What year was it made?
I have been told by a reader in that past that car was released in 1988, however all the boxes we've seen clearly indicate 1991, per photo below. If you have alternate information and can provide it with photos/evidence, please let me know so the record can be updated.
Availability and Collectability
Aero Jet Hopper Wild Thing, and Jet Hopper Wild Thing do appear online for sale often enough that you shouldn't have a hard time finding one, however with 9.6V car prices getting a little bit silly, it may not be long before collectors start to focus more on these middle-ground cars which have a step up on the typical 4xAA.
