The Nitro Invader is a small 4.8V radio controlled toy manufactured by Taiyo Toys (Japan), and released onto the global market by Tyco Toys in 1994.
Based upon the unique and seemingly short lived 4.8V battery pack that is essentially the 6.0V Jet Turbo battery pack (5 x 1.2V AA NiCd Batteries) with one less cell, making it cheaper to manufacture.
The only other car I'm aware of at the time of writing that used this pack was the Tyco Fireball that came a year later, however I have a feeling it won't be long until I find another.
Features and Performance
Certainly this lower voltage model wasn't intended for speed, and with limited suspension and low cost near solid tires, this was very much an indoor toy designed for younger kids to dart around the house in. While I'm never driven this specific model, I'm sure it did that job just fine, and with Taiyo / Tyco's characteristic high level of quality ensuring this cars ongoing reliability.
Still, that front bumper hanging out appears a little precarious, and I'd suggest there's more than a few which snapped off, depending on how fast you could manage to get this thing moving.
Recommendation
Most likely sought after by previous owners looking for a little nostalgia, the Nitro Invader isn't one of Tyco's best RC cars. However its overall mid 90s aesthetic (fluro!), quality design and materials, and standard (excellent) Tyco box artwork make it, at minimum, a nice little curiosity to bring you or your loved one back to your childhood and put a smile on your face.
