The Tyco Vertigo is a radio controlled toy manufactured by Tyco-Mattel, and released into the UK, US, Australian, and other markets worldwide in 2003.
A spiritual successor to the widely popular 1996 Tyco Rebound, the Vertigo performs the same, but adds so much more in features and complexity. Still, it's not exactly the most beautiful car that Tyco ever made, but its functionality manages to get past that, and the packaging is the usual top-notch Tyco, despite them being virtually gutted and run as a Mattel brand by 2003.
Features and Design
The core premise of the Vertigo is that in addition to its Rebound style chassis and stunts, it can also "split" into a V shape, allowing for some wild and exciting stunts that other vehicles could never perform. It also has LED lights all the way up its internal 'split' arms which look pretty cool while it's spinning wildly.
TV Advertisement
The commercial shows off these capabilities very well, though I'd love to see one actually jump off a staircase that high in the air and land in one piece!
Actual use isn't that different from the advertisement - it really is quite agile, and you can perform some great stunts. Though this demo video is a little tame, you can see what's possible.
Battery and Performance
The Tyco Vertigo used Mattel's new 7.2V Flex battery system, which allowed more power to fit into a smaller space by putting a hinge in the middle of the pack, allowing it to fit inside and around a more compact and odd shaped battery cavity. It's essentially the 6.0V Jet Turbo pack, with an extra AA.
Recommendation
The Vertigo is a fun car, and remains widely available, even Brand New in box, with used models generally in good condition. The body does tend to get scratched up significantly with use, so a collector should aim for a brand new model, or barely used to limit the damage.
Batteries are probably the biggest problem, simply as they're not available from 3rd parties (as even the 6.0V Jet Turbo was), probably why I've received questions around whether it's possible to refurbish and transplant new internals like I did with this 6.0V Jet Turbo battery restoration video.
