The Tyco Canned Heat Nascar #5 Terry Labonte is a miniature radio controlled car manufactured by Taiyo (Japan) and released into the US market in 1999.
There's something about these Tyco Canned Heat Nascar R/C that really appeals to me. They just look fantastic, with their printed tires and branding, despite being an Australian with little knowledge of actual Nascar racing beyond Days of Thunder, they appeal to me greatly - and I imagine to an American Nascar fan they'd be equally if not more appealing, and collectors around the world agree.
Concept and Features
The manufacturer, Taiyo Toys in Japan had a series of perhaps hundreds of 'Radican' cars, which were cars in a car in 1/32 (or smaller) scale, the most famous being the Knight Rider, or the Back to the Future I, II, III cars.
For Tyco Toys (USA) they would create the Canned Heat series, a slightly larger car with taller 'can' of various American cars and cultural icons, including various Nascar like this #5 Terry Lebonte / Kelloggs sponsored car.
They feature basic forward, reverse, left, right controls, and realistic bodies with a fairly accurate representation of the real thing.
Performance
As a miniature scale replica at 1/32 rize, these are'nt designed to be high performaning or dynamic in any way, and are ideal for scooting around on a smooth flat surface indoors, such as a timber floor or similar.
They are plenty quick though, and for their size they drive quite well despite the clumsy circular controller that's designed to screw into the top of the 'can' lid.
Recommendation
The Tyco Canned Heat #5 Terry Lebonte is another great model, accurately modelled that just looks fantastic, and is fairly inexpensive and generally available both opened and sealed. These are fun to drive, though obviously collectors will want to grab a sealed one where possible.
If you like this, you'll also love the Hot Wheels Canned Heat which is probably my favorite that I'll be reviewing next.
