The Tyco Valvoline IndyCar is a 9.6 volt radio controlled scale model of Al Unser Jr.'s 1992 Indy 500 winning car. Manufactured by Taiyo (Japan), it was released into the US, UK, and other markets worldwide in 1993.
Al Unser Jnr. and the Indy 500
In the 1992 Indianapolis 500, Al Unser Junior drive a Galmer G92 chassis car with a Chevrolet V8 engine, emblazoned red, white, and navy, his sponsor's trademark colors in what would become one of the most iconic cars and races in Indy 500 history. Al Unser Jnr. was a second generation driver, competing with his father Al Unser Senior that very same day, a man who had won the race four times before, and who would go on to place 3rd in that very same race!
Starting the race in third position, Al Unser Jnr. would overcome several challenges including a pit stop penalty, faulty radio, and a late race caution that erased his lead. Holding off persistent challenges by Canadian Scott Goodyear, he would win by just 0.043 seconds in one of the tightest finishes ever in the races history, making him the first 2nd generation IndyCar driver to win the race.
Features and Performance
Keen to capture the spirit of this incredible win with an iconic and instantly recognizable vehicle, Tyco worked closely with Taiyo in Japan who designed and manufactured the cars to produce this 1993 Tyco IndyCar Valvoline, in a lightweight chassis with a 9.6V Turbo powertrain to make it light, fast, and fun.
This was a considerable departure from their previous 1990 model Twin Turbo Valvoline car, with its 1/12 scale, near hobby-grade chassis, and dual motors, but it's clear they made the right choice for this 1993 release to ensure the car could meet an acceptable price point, and be put in the hands of as many children as possible who were inspired by the race that day.
Availability and Collectability
Given the purpose of this release, and what it means for Indianapolis race history, it's no surprise that these are desperately hard to find. Only 2 of these cars has sold on eBay in the past two years, with the bulk no already on the shelves of collectors, or (hopefully) raced and raced by those who were lucky enough to receive them in 1993.
Needless to say, if you do come across one, it's a highly recommended car to own, at least in my personal opinion.
