The Taiyo Max Hopper 4WD is a radio control car released on the global market in 1988.
Seen by some as the pinnacle of buggies ever released by Taiyo, the Max Hopper 4WD is designed to be the ultimate Jet Hopper / Turbo Hopper.
Based on a modified Jet Racer 4WD chassis, it features:
- 9.6V ‘Turbo’ 8xAA powered (12V with alkalines)
- Twin Turbo 2 x Mabuchi 280 motors
- Dual Front AND Rear Differential!
- 4WD
- Metal Turnbuckles (Global Version only – photo below)
- Improved Controller with Chrome Handle and Turbo LED
- Detailed driver
- Just all-round bad ass!
Metal vs Plastic TurnBuckles
The metal steering hubs / turnbuckles are especially unique for a ‘toy’ class RC car, and really show that at this time, during Taiyo’s golden years, they really pushed everything as far as they could take it, experimented, and made their best efforts to produce the best possible RC car for the masses.
From our experience, it seems the original Made in Japan versions for that market shipped with Plastic, and only later Made in Singapore (Global) variants had metal turnbuckles. An upgrade due to cracking perhaps?
Collectability and Availability
Personally I feel this is an absolute #1 for any collector of Taiyo or Tyco. And the good news is, many people simply don’t know what this is, or why it’s so darn cool, so it’s not going for ridiculous money like Tyco Bandits and the other popular cars. Yet.
Research shows these pop up occasionally on eBay, so set your saved search and be patient.
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