Tyco Taiyo Collectors is a resource for enthusiasts of 80s, 90s, and 00s toys produced by Tyco®, Taiyo (Japan), Metro RC, Dickie Toys™, and others, and is not affiliated with any toy company.
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The RC car which started it all, for many around the world the Taiyo Jet Hopper MK1 (the first version) and Tyco Turbo Hopper was the beginning of their lifetime passion for radio control vehicles.
Identifying the MK1 vs MK2, MK3
The MK1 is easy to distinguish due to its ‘Jet Hopper’ lettering cut into the front bumper, the lack of a speed sticker in front of the cockpit, and the fatter front wheels.
Why it was it so revolutionary?
While many existed before it and ‘better’ hobby-grade RC vehicles sold in the same year, the Jet Hopper was revolutionary simply because it was able to deliver an incredible “hobby grade” performance (24kmh or 15mph) at a price which made it possible for everyday toy stores and department stores to sell, and parents to buy for their children.
The Tyco Turbo Hopper (Taiyo Jet Hopper) in a Toys R Us catalog
Perhaps more importantly, Taiyo also did what Traxxas would do several decades later, and made the Jet Hopper Pre-Built, or RTR (Ready to Run) , unlike the box of parts you’d receive with the average hobby grade kit, such as the Tamiya Hornet. Kids, teens, and time poor adults did’nt want to build their RC car, they just wanted to race it!
The average hobby grade kit required construction (modern version shown)The Taiyo Jet Hopper came pre-built, ready to rock!
A huge success for Taiyo
The Jet Hopper would go on to be a smash hit for Taiyo, spawning dozens of versions, too many to name here, but here’s a random selection:
This average price is based on 23 sales we have recorded (max 10 shown).
Date
Price
Condition
Type
Title
16 Dec 2023
$66.3
Used
Buy
Showa retro vintage radio controlled taiyo jet hopper object also
30 Oct 2023
$49.99
Used
Buy
Taiyo japan r/c red jet hopper rare vintage 1980's - no remote - untested
30 Oct 2023
$49.99
Used
Buy
Taiyo japan r/c red jet hopper rare vintage 1980's - no remote - untested
02 Oct 2023
$220
Brand New
Buy
Vintage 1980's taiyo japan r/c black jet hopper w/box 1/16 scale
02 Oct 2023
$220
Brand New
Buy
Vintage 1980's taiyo japan r/c black jet hopper w/box 1/16 scale
02 Oct 2023
$220
Brand New
Buy
Vintage 1980's taiyo japan r/c black jet hopper w/box 1/16 scale
30 Aug 2023
$100.32
Used
Auction
Jet hopper first gen, metro taiyo tyco mint
30 Aug 2023
$101.32
Used
Auction
Jet hopper first gen, metro taiyo tyco mint
30 Aug 2023
$102.03
Used
Auction
Jet hopper first gen, metro taiyo tyco mint
21 Aug 2023
$12.14
Brand New
Buy
New in original pack,taiyo r/c jet hopper spare part j-4 side guards with screws
Prices in USD. NIB = New In box, MIB = Mint in Box, EC = Excellent Condition, VGC = Very Good Condition, GC+ = Good condition plus, GC = Good condition, PC = Poor Condition. With Controller = Car with controller. With Box = Box, Car, and Controller. We make all efforts to ensure data is accurate, but cannot guarantee it is.
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