Tyco Taiyo Collectors is an information resource for enthusiasts of 80s, 90s, and 00s toys produced by Tyco®, Taiyo (Japan), Metro R/C, Dickie Toys™, Nikko America Inc., Nikko R/C (Japan) and is not affiliated with any toy company. We are funded by ads and affiliate links, and aim to support and grow the vintage toy collectors community.
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The Taiyo Grabber 4WD is a 1/14 scale radio controlled car manufactured by Taiyo (Japan), and released into the Japanese market in 1988.
With its angular utilitarian design somewhat reminiscent of a clown colored Stealth Fighter, the Grabber 4WD won't win any beauty competitions, however you'll forgive its paint scheme given how close it was released to the '90s where such color / design transgressions were fashionable!
Model 8821 Taiyo Grabber 4WD front-on
Features and Performance
I'd always thought the Grabber 4WD was a 6xAA model based on my experience driving it a few years ago, not an 8xAA / 9.6v Turbo equivalent.
This and it's underwhelming 20km/h (12mph) top speed is forgivable when you realise it's geared low and slow for a purpose - designed purely for off-road outdoors use.
Sadly I've never had a chance to drive this one in its ideal conditions, though I'd love to hear from anyone who has (comments below).
The addition of 4WD only serves to reduce the speed and increase the traction further.
Battery compartment of the Grabber 4WD where the drive train cuts straight through the middle Side profile of the Grabber 4WD showing its angular 'Stealth Fighter' cockpit
Recommendation
This is a car that deserves more time to investigate its strong points, whether its low gearing and high traction makes up for the lackluster speed despite the high voltage, or whether it was just a straight up fail.
Given Taiyo's overall high quality and lack of serious failures in any of its cars, I'd be surprised if this one couldn't capture a smile on my face - in the right conditions.
Fortunately if you do want a chance to test it out, there's enough Taiyo Grabbers around, unlike its American cousin the Tyco 4WD Grabber which is almost extinct
Taiyo grabber 4wd radio control car 20km/h turbo boost origional box
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.
Information here is to the best of my knowledge at the time of writing, and is frequently updated and improved as I learn more. Contact Me for Feedback or Corrections.
