The Metro Aero Phantom is a radio controlled car manufactured by Taiyo (Japan) and released into the Australian and New Zealand market in 1988 (estimated). Also sold as the Taiyo Aero Jet Fighter in Japan and Europe, and the Tyco Twin Turbo Aero Hopper in the USA and other countries.
Features and Performance
One of the highest specification models that Metro RC ever sold in Australia/New Zealand, the Phantom is a large scale (1/12 ) dual motor juggernaut that had no business sitting under a kids Christmas tree. It’s aggressively fast in acceleration, and I’d not recommend using it indoors in small spaces or you’ll likely break it, or smack your wife in the shins. Ask me how I know…
Specifications:
- 1/12 scale with 90s style aerodynamics
- 9.6v Turbo Battery Pack
- 2 x Mabuchi 280 motors
- 2WD with Rear Differential
- Top speed of 31km/h
- Deluxe Pistol Grip Controller
- Shock Absorbers All Round
- Adjustable Front and Huge Rear Wing
- Silver (49Mhz) and Black (27Mhz)
Recommendations
Look, this is as rare as shoes in a Frankston Woolworths. If you see one for sale at a reasonable price, grab it. Because if you don’t, I will!
Update December 2023: I did! Check out this beauty I scored for a crazy good price ($66 USD, $100 AUD) as it’s missing the controller and looked very dirty, but with a good clean she polished up really well. A similar condition car went for $130 USD / $200 AUD just a few months prior, which is a more typical price.
A note on pricing for fellow Australians
Please be clear that pricing estimates shown at the top on Tyco Collectors, for example this car is $350 USD estimated, are simply my personal estimates for mint (which means new) boxed models, as it says, and is purely speculation. In reality it’s best used to compare the perceived value of this car to other cars, since actual price depends on many factors that change constantly.
In any case, the typical rule for all Tyco / Metro / Taiyo RC cars is that unboxed models are worth half as much as boxed (but still must be mint), ones without controllers (still mint) even less, then used and scratched models without controllers (my personal favorite buy) much less again. It’s amazing how much a box in good condition adds to price!
At the time of writing eBay Australia has one listed for $229 AUD with a controller and in very good condition. I’d consider that a good buy, though of course there needs to be a collector looking for such a car at the time its listed, otherwise it will sit there waiting. Sadly Australia isn’t a good market for these cars, so my advice to sellers is always ensure you have global listing enabled, as the US market is much more hungry for these cars due to the larger population.