The Tyco Jet Hopper Wild Thing was a radio controlled car manufactured by Taiyo (Japan), released into the US, UK, and other markets worldwide in 1991.
It is the 49Mhz companion car to the 27Mhz 1991 Tyco Aero Jet Hopper Wild Thing (2353-27), meaning it shared the same packaging, with both cars appearing on the same box, encouraging parents or friends to buy one each to race each other for some early 90s multiplayer!
Performance
Based upon the same chassis as the 1987 Taiyo Super Jet II, it shares the same specifications however the body of this Non-Aero version is far more traditionally styled.
As a 6 x AA car, it can provide 7.2V to the motor at full charge with alkaline batteries, noticeably peppy compared to a 4xAA car, howver not quite up to the Turbo 9.6V standard.
With shock absorbers all around, good rubber off-road tires, and decent looks, this is an R/C car that most kids would have been very happy to receive on Christmas morning.
- Full Function Radio Control
- 6 x AA Batteries (up to 7.2V Alkaline)
- 4 x Shock Absorbers
- 2 Speed Gearbox
- Air Filled Off-Road Tires
- Typical Taiyo build quality that lasts generations
- Average controller that's small and creaky but does the job
Note: 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 better information and can provide it with photos, please let me know.
Availability and Collectability
Tyco Jet Hopper Wild Thing appears semi-frequently for sale online, often with a box, so if you're patient you should not have too much trouble finding one, and it should be more reasonably priced than its 9.6V cousins.
As for collectability, while these aren't the Top-Tier cars ever produced by Taiyo / Tyco, for many they will hold significant nostalgia, and for others they will recognized a high quality, higher powered than average Taiyo / Tyco RC car that are often in better condition than many of its contemporaries. For that reason I believe these will become increasingly collectable over time.
