The Taiyo Rebound 4x4 is a radio controlled toy, released by Taiyo into the Japanese market in 1994.
This is the Rebound 4x4 which is made in Japan, and later sold as the Tyco Rebound in the USA and around the world (Made in Malaysia).
With a Red Pickup Truck on one side, and a Silver futuristic racer on the other, it's designed to be flipped, jumped, and spun around with the strength to withstand almost anything you can throw at it.
Features and Performance
The Rebound is easily one of the most fun RC cars you'll ever drive, despite appearing so simple. We're not sure exactly what it is, but the car has been engineered with such perfect balance that it just 'feels right', you feel connected to it, which is a common design choice in Japanese vehicles, known as 'Jinba Ittai' - the driver is at one with the vehicle!
Simply put, it's more than the sum of it's parts. And despite having no traditional shocks or springs, the oversized air-filled tires, and uniquely designed rims provide plenty of give when landing hard jumps, flipping off walls, or smacking into the occasional pole / wall / toy / cat.
With a brilliantly engineered internal design powered by 2 x Mabuchi RS260 Motors, it has plenty of torque and just feels like it will go anywhere.
Availability and Collectability
The Rebound 4x4 remains just as fun today as it was on its release back in 1992. Even with a basic 6V Ni-Cd pack, it has more than enough power to flip itself on the spot, ride up walls, and fly off jumps.
And while the Tyco versions are generally available online in the US, UK, and other countries, this original Japanese version is generally only found... well, in Japan! However if you're looking for a legit Made in Japan original, then it's off to Yahoo Auctions Japan.
Personally I believe that every Taiyo / Tyco Collector needs at least one Rebound. It's an absolute classic, both in terms of the manufacturer, but also from the perspective of 90s toys in general.
Note: Photo of Rebound internals and brushless upgrade taken from this YouTube video, thank you to its creator!
